Born and raised here in the 80's and never new the history of the county until now. Great job! As a Black American, I often wondered how so many black people ended up in McDowell County as I grew up close to Northfork, WV. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were all coal miners. They mined primarily in areas such as McComas and Keystone.
I live in a small town in between Bishop,Wv/Va and War.This area is rich in heritage,culture,and rich land but sadly enough the people here can not say the same is true for them,at least not monetarily anyway. We are rich however in family, friends, love, laughs,tradition and fun. The area here once thrived with banks, doctors offices, schools,sports/talent, family clans, movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, coal mines and much more. Unfortunately today this area is BARELY staying afloat despite having these things at one time. This small area( McDowell County) has been ravaged by drugs, time and the now ever present lack of jobs and things for the younger generation to keep out of trouble. Our mines are closing so are our schools, businesses and the hope of ever being able to find the means to better our lives here. The roads are in ruins and rarely get ”fixed”, instead really bad spots get half patched or a sign put up to warn you of their deplorable condition. Our mountains are beautiful as well as the flora and fauna of the area but without a means to properly support ourselves, without having to rely on government assistance, unemployment, or commuting a ridiculous amount of time to work, the people are left to feel hopeless, oppressed, and downtrodden. We have practically new tipples here but they are barely in use. Trains loaded down with coal ran on these rails here multiple times of day, all week long, but now I hear the train a few times, every few months it seems like. We are dying coal mining towns and townspeople in desperate need of jobs and what was once a thriving local economy here. I’m watching my local area fall apart and disappear and it seems like NOTHING is done about it. I’d love to see our area grow and start to liven up and thrive once again.😔💔
Great information. Downtown Merchants in Bluefield has local artists selling local made crafts. Wish something could happen to bring these beautiful city's back to life and the locals thrive!
Fantabulous young man!!!! I lived in Welch in the mid to late 80's. I loved the town and the county. Was born and raised one county over in Mingo county. You've presented some history of Mcdowell county that only the dead residences knew. Please make your documentaries longer...7 minutes just ain't enough.
Why am I so drawn to Coal and McDowell County? Just a flatlander from the Midwest that runs around with a "Friends of Coal" sticker on his Jeep. What a God inspired country in Welch, Coalwood, Caretta, War...
One very interesting and important piece of McDowell history you left out was Northfork High School in McDowell. They broke a national record for winning eight straight basketball state championships from 1973-81
My Mom was born and raised in War. Her Dad was Samuel Wallace Bateman and he was a coal miner and worked till he went blind. He outlived 3 wives, Moms mom was Ruby Meade and Mom was the baby. Her sisters were Zephie, Madeline, Ted ( Garnetta, (teeny) Aunt Clid, her only brother was Vernon Charles Bateman ( Uncle Punk). He was a mechanic in War, he married my Aunt Virgie and moved and Yukon where they lived until they passed away. Moms dad is buried on Bradshaw mountain , her Mom is buried (she calls it a cove) turn left beside the old Big Creek high school, after a short ( maybe 1/2 mile) drive, veer to the left , she is buried on top of the hill in the Bateman/ Meade cemetery. My Aunt Betty lives in Caretta up in the holler, she's a foster grandmother. Her husband was Grady Hicks and and they had 3 daughters, Lauren, Kelly and Lola. I had a brother that was adopted by an Adair family, He's dead and buried in Florida. We had the same Dad but different Moms.
I spent one of the best weeks of my entire life on a vacation in your wild, wonderful state. The owner of Sullys cabins was an awesome person to be privileged to meet. Myself and several friends will be back to Matewan this summer, and exploring more of your world's finest scenic, amazing state.
Wayne, you have by far the best series on the great state of West Virginia. I live in western New York and West Virginia is by far my favorite state to visit on my motorcycle.
I met the Rocket Boy Roy Lee Cooke last summer, and I didn't realize until last year that I had went to preschool and had dance lessons with his granddaughter! I have been to McDowell Co twice and I love it. I am itching to go back. Wonder where I can get one of those shirts?
Born and raised in Putman County, WV. Love my state. Some good and bad things here but the good out weighs the bad. Love fall of the year. Sad part is I never got to see all of my state but is on my bucket list. Love Coalwood. I have been there. Thank you for sharing.
I would love these people they are my kinda people. Im from Tn and some part's like WV are also forgotten. But like the people of WV we are good people. Like some ppl callin it bad but hey they's good ppl and some bad ppl in every State in the US WV just need's some great help with new factory's work for ppl.
I didn't realize the creek through Welch was called the Elkhorn. My Nonno & Nonna's house was right on that creek (I believe that's it - it ran along Stewart St).
Great video! I came here from an article I was reading on schools in Welch. The terrain here is really beautiful, strangely reminds me of Japan and Taiwan (where I live).
