A Journey through the Coalfields

This trip takes you through what many consider the heart of Appalachian coal country. Wyoming and McDowell Counties have produced millions of tons of coal over the years, and many residents continue to carve out a living in the mines.

On this trip you will see ruggedly beautiful mountain landscapes and striking architecture, as well as experience some of the industrial history and heritage of the area.

• Overview
• Twin Falls State Park
• Itmann
• Pineville
• Welch
• Kimball

• Cross the Coalfields

• Twin Falls is a great place to stop for a few hours or spend a few days. The park offers an 18-hole golf course, an indoor swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, and a nature center. Be sure to visit the Pioneer Farm, too.

• This tiny hamlet was once a thriving coal camp built by the famous coal baron I.T. Mann. All that is left today are some homes and the old company store. This impressive structure sits on the side of Routes 10 and 16 outside of Mullens. The building currently is not in use, nor is it in the best state of repair. However, it is a wonderful photo opportunity for those interested in architecture, coal heritage, or industrial history.

   

• This is the county seat of Wyoming County. Pineville has a quaint and fairly busy main street and several noteworthy attractions.

• Welch is the county seat of McDowell County. The Historic McDowell County Courthouse is infamously known as the site where detectives from the Baldwin-Felts agency assassinated Matewan Police Chief Sid Hatfield and Ed Chambers during the coal mine wars in WV. There is an annual re-enactment.

• Kimball is a small town just down the road form Welch. There is a lot of history packing into the small town, and it is home to the only remaining World War I memorial dedicated to African American soldiers.