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. More...
Mount Hope History
WVa-USA.com's section featuring brief histories of Mount
Hope and the railroads and coal mining industry during the
town's early years.
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