In comparison to most of the states in America, it could be argued that all of West Virginia’s towns are small… and that this great Mountain State wouldn’t be the same without any of them! But here are a few small West Virginia towns that are particularly noteworthy, and without which a vital piece of West Virginia’s history or culture would no longer exist.
- Point Pleasant
DenisTangneyJr / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Point Pleasant, West Virginia is notable both geographically (it’s perched at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers) and historically (Tue-Endie-Wei State Park details some of the history between Chief Cornstalk and the early pioneers that took place here). And without Point Pleasant, there would be no Mothman, so of course West Virginia wouldn’t be the same! Point Pleasant, WV, USA
- Matewan
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum / Facebook Matewan, West Virginia played a crucial role in the West Virginia coal wars, hosting the Battle of Matewan between the coal company and the citizens of Matewan. It’s also notable as one of the places in which the Hatfields (of Hatfield-McCoy fame) lived and worked. Matewan, WV, USA
- Thurmond
krblokhin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Where would West Virginia be without the New River Gorge, especially with its recent promotion to National Park status? And where would the New River Gorge National Park be without the nearly abandoned coal and railroad town of Thurmond? Thurmond, WV 25901, USA
- Green Bank
Management / TripAdvisor The entire world depends on this small West Virginia town, because it houses the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Yes, we’re talking about Green Bank, at the center of the state’s National Radio Quiet Zone. Green Bank, WV, USA
- Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs, WV / Facebook America’s First Spa and George Washington’s bathtub are merely two of the significant historical landmarks you’ll find here in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
- Harpers Ferry
DenisTangneyJr / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Firmly entrenched in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Harpers Ferry is probably, at least in one sense, the most famous town in the whole state: picturesque, conveniently located, and packed with historical significance. In fact, this town is so significant that it’s been designated a National Historical Park by the NPS. Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
- Moundsville
Sartorial79 / TripAdvisor On the other side of West Virginia, in the northern panhandle, is Moundsville. Here, you’ll find an Ancient Indian burial mound. You’ll find the Moundsville Penitentiary. You’ll find the Palace of Gold. And that’s just for starters. Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
What other small towns would you add to a list of places that define West Virginia? Your own hometown, of course! And perhaps Buckhannon? Cass? Lewisburg?
DenisTangneyJr / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Point Pleasant, West Virginia is notable both geographically (it’s perched at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers) and historically (Tue-Endie-Wei State Park details some of the history between Chief Cornstalk and the early pioneers that took place here). And without Point Pleasant, there would be no Mothman, so of course West Virginia wouldn’t be the same!
Point Pleasant, WV, USA
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum / Facebook
Matewan, West Virginia played a crucial role in the West Virginia coal wars, hosting the Battle of Matewan between the coal company and the citizens of Matewan. It’s also notable as one of the places in which the Hatfields (of Hatfield-McCoy fame) lived and worked.
Matewan, WV, USA
krblokhin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Where would West Virginia be without the New River Gorge, especially with its recent promotion to National Park status? And where would the New River Gorge National Park be without the nearly abandoned coal and railroad town of Thurmond?
Thurmond, WV 25901, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
The entire world depends on this small West Virginia town, because it houses the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Yes, we’re talking about Green Bank, at the center of the state’s National Radio Quiet Zone.
Green Bank, WV, USA
Berkeley Springs, WV / Facebook
America’s First Spa and George Washington’s bathtub are merely two of the significant historical landmarks you’ll find here in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Firmly entrenched in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Harpers Ferry is probably, at least in one sense, the most famous town in the whole state: picturesque, conveniently located, and packed with historical significance. In fact, this town is so significant that it’s been designated a National Historical Park by the NPS.
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Sartorial79 / TripAdvisor
On the other side of West Virginia, in the northern panhandle, is Moundsville. Here, you’ll find an Ancient Indian burial mound. You’ll find the Moundsville Penitentiary. You’ll find the Palace of Gold. And that’s just for starters.
Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
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