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History
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| In
the years following the decline of the
area’s once vast and renowned coal
industry, most of the coal mines, coal
camps, and other physical evidence of
the era of King Coal has disappeared
forever throughout the region. But
fortunately, much of the past still
exists in Mount Hope, a town that is one
the last bastions of the elements of a
bygone era. |
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| A driving or
walking tour through Mount Hope provides
visitors with a rare opportunity to view many of
the sights that were once commonplace throughout
the coal fields of Southern West Virginia.
Although the dozens of coal mining operations
have disappeared from the hills surrounding the
town, along the streets of Mount Hope visitors
can still view many examples of the grand
structures built by the coal barons and coal
companies. The town's downtown section remains
virtually the same as it did during the 1920’s,
the decade when the town was one of the most
important communities in the vast coal fields of
the region. The offices of the region’s
largest coal company, the New River Company,
still exist as well as the company’s repair
shops and foundry building. Just outside town,
in Kilsyth, two large smokestacks loom over the
former repair shop used by the McKell Coal &
Coke Company, also used by the company's
railroad, the Kanawha, Glen Jean & Eastern
Railway. And these sites are just a few of the
many historic sites located in and near the
town.
Whether you are
long-time or new resident of the town, or a
tourist or a student of history, you are
encouraged to explore historic Mount Hope.
Although many of the town's buildings and
structures have faded from their former glory,
these unique relics from the past offer a
glimpse back in time to America's
Industrial Age.
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