Posted in West Virginia
September 22, 2020
Three Of The World’s Only Coal Houses Are Found Right Here In West Virginia
Over the years, houses in West Virginia have been built using all sorts of materials. From animal skin to hollow tree trunks to hand-hewn logs to limestone blocks to brick and mortar — all these and more have been tried, with various degrees of success. But perhaps one of the most unique building materials of them all is coal.
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The idea to build the coal house came from O. W. Evans who worked for the Norfolk and Western Railroad. He wished to create a symbol of the "Billion Dollar Coalfield" centered in Williamson. The architect was Hassel T. Hicks of Welch, WV.

Today, it is the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce visitors center and gift shop and is open to the public. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Challenges to the building were not over, though, as it endured a fire in 2010 that damaged the interior. Amazingly, the building itself survived the fire!


The coal industry is not as big in this area, so the coal used for this house was brought in from Clay County. The building has housed numerous businesses over the years, including a visitor center, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a dog grooming service.

(Its chimney, fortunately, is built of bricks.)
Did you know about these three unique coal houses in West Virginia? Are you aware of any others?
Coal isn’t the only native building material around — how about this famous resort, which is made completely out of native limestone? Or you can read about one of the famous West Virginia hollow tree-trunk houses we referenced earlier here.
Address: 73 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661, USA
Address: Midland Trail E, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USA