Over 187 miles of rugged mountain terrain, scenic river valleys, quaint towns, and historic landmarks are tied together by a common legacy commemorated by the Coal Heritage Trail. Stretching from Bluefield in the south to Chimney Corner in the north, this trail, a National Scenic Byway, follows Highways 52 and 16 through many historic communities. Together, they tell the story of the West Virginia coalfields that powered eastern America and fueled its economic growth for decades, and the countless hard-working West Virginians who bore the brunt of the work to accomplish this feat. Here are a few of the historic sites along the route.
Just outside of Bluefield lies Bramwell - a small town with an amazing history. A hundred years ago, Bramwell was a centerpiece of coal industry grandeur where the West Virginia coal barons lived and flaunted their wealth and power.
In its heyday, the town boasted the highest per capita count of millionaires in the nation (17, to be exact). Many of the hundred-year-old coal baron mansions still stand in their splendor. Twice a year they can be toured, but even just driving by is a remarkable experience.
Built in 1907, Ashland Company Store served the families of local coal miners with necessities, as well as a social gathering place.
Today it is a convenience store specializing in ATV supplies.
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Possibly the most spectacular piece of coal heritage architecture in the state, the Itmann Company Store is also sadly in disrepair. Built in the 1920s, this stone edifice was the hub of the local mining community for decades.
At the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, you can experience firsthand the hardships and sacrifices of the coal miners. Take a trip underground through a once-operating coal mine, and experience the life of the mining families in the Coal Camp.
Until recently, tours were provided, but the building is not currently open to the public. It is, however, remarkable both architecturally and historically, and nearby signs provide some interesting historical information.
Once a coal boomtown, Glen Jean has mostly disappeared. However, the historical Bank of Glen Jean still stands.
Dating back to 1909, this bank is all that is left of the coal mining empire of Thomas McKell. The remarkable building is constructed of sandstone 28 inches thick. Now it is a visitor center.
Today the least populated municipality in the state, Thurmond was once a booming mine town and a major stop on the C&O railroad.
Thurmond's main street and commercial district was the railroad track; in fact, for the first part of its existence, it was accessible only by rail. The historic Thurmond Station, built in 1905, is today a museum and visitor center (as well as an Amtrak station), and is all that remains of a once thriving railroad and mining community.
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The Fayetteville Historic District preserves a number of historic buildings from its coal boom, including a theater, jail, post office, and town hall. The county courthouse, built in 1897, is a remarkable historical structure.
Over the past few decades, political battles, environmental concerns, and competition from new forms of energy have left the coal industry in this region a shadow of the boom decades. Many of the mining communities have fallen upon hard times or disappeared altogether. Yet the Coal Heritage Trail serves as a reminder of a life lived by generations of Americans – a life that was hard yet honest, a life whose toils won prosperity for a nation. Travel the Coal Heritage Trail to re-live the trials and triumphs of the West Virginia coal miners.
For more information on these and the many other fascinating attractions along the trail, maps, and more pictures, visit the Coal Heritage Trail website.
