Fairmont, West Virginia

Jefferson Bridge spans the Monongahela in Fairmont, WV

Fairmont, West Virginia (WV), the county seat of Marion County, was established in 1820 as Middletown. Chartered in 1843 as Fairmont, its name is a portmanteau of the words “fair” and “mount,” possibly because of its view of the Monongahela River from a bluff.  The river is formed here at the junction of the West Fork and Tygart Valley rivers. The town was established by Boaz Flemming, reputedly after an inspirational conversation with his cousin, Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison.

Perennially among the largest cities in West Virginia, Fairmont grew wealthy with the development of coal mining in the late 1800s. It was the home of Francis H. Pierpoint, the governor of the Restored Government of Virginia, and industrialist James O. Watson, sometimes known as the “father” of the West Virginia Coal Industry. Fairmont State University was established at Fairmont.

Long known as an industrial hub, the city has grown famous as a pleasant residential community along the Clarksburg-Fairmont-Morgantown Technology Corridor.

In 2017, Fairmont had a population of 18,000 with a median age of 34.5 and a median household income of $39,759. The median property value in Fairmont is $109,300 and the homeownership rate is 62.5 percent.

Lodging near Fairmont, West Virginia

Fairmont (WV) Hotels

 Parks & Public Recreation

The following parks and public recreation areas are located within 20 miles of Fairmont.

• East Marion Park
• Fifth Street Park
• Guyses Run Fishing Park
• Mary Lou Retton Park
• Morris Park
• Palatine Park
• Pricketts Fort State Park
• Valley Falls State Park
• Windmill Park

Photos of Fairmont & Vicinity

High Gate at Fairmont, WV,

Marion County Court House

Wallman Hall, Fairmont State

Downtown Fairmont, WV

Location

Fairmont is located on the I-79 expressway approximately 22 miles southwest of Morgantown, West Virginia, and 22 miles northwest of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Map of Fairmont, West Virginia

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Regional Information

Fairmont is located in the Monongahela Valley Region of northern West Virginia.