Discover the Rich History of Coalwood, West Virginia

Coalwood is a town in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 1,248 at the 2020 census. It is located along the Tug River and is known for its rich history in the coal mining industry.

The town was founded in the late 19th century as a company town by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) to house workers for the nearby coal mines. The town's name is derived from the abundance of coal in the area. Coalwood was once home to several large coal mines, including the famous Brooklyn Mine, where the young Lorraine Hansberry, author of "A Raisin in the Sun," worked as a teenager during the 1930s.

Today, Coalwood is a small, close-knit community that still celebrates its coal mining heritage. The town is home to several historic sites and museums, including the Coalwood Mine Museum, which showcases the history of coal mining in the area. The town also hosts an annual Coalwood Miners' Reunion, which attracts visitors from all over the region.