McDowell County, West Virginia

McDowell County, West Virginia

Map of West Virginia highlighting McDowell County
Location in the state of West Virginia
Map of the United States highlighting West Virginia
West Virginia's location in the U.S.
Founded February 28, 1858
Named for James McDowell[1]
Seat Welch
Largest city Welch
Area
 • Total 535 sq mi (1,386 km2)
 • Land 533 sq mi (1,380 km2)
 • Water 1.4 sq mi (4 km2), 0.3%
Population (est.)
 • (2015) 19,835
 • Density 38/sq mi (15/km²)
Congressional district 3rd
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.mcdowellcounty.wv.gov

McDowell County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 22,113.[2] Its county seat is Welch.[3] McDowell county is the southernmost county in the state. It was created in 1858 by the Virginia General Assembly and named for Virginia Governor James McDowell.[4] It became a part of West Virginia in 1863, when several counties seceded from the state of Virginia during the American Civil War.

McDowell County was also home of the famous Rocket Boys, who were from Coalwood.

History

McDowell County was formed by an act of the Virginia Legislature on February 20, 1858, from what was originally included in Tazewell County, Virginia.[5]

Five years later, the Legislature decided to allow county residents to determine where the county seat should be. They chose Perryville (now called English), which was then the most populated town.[4]"The "Restored Government" commissioners, in October, 1866, located the county seat on a farm near the mouth of Mill Creek, where it remained until it moved to Perryville in 1874."[5] The debate over the location of the county seat continued until 1892. The town of Welch became the county seat.[5]

The county is popularly referred to as the "Free State of McDowell," a name originally coined by a local newspaper editor to refer to the unusual politics and demographics of the area.[6]

McDowell County was nationally known for its prominence in the coal mining industry, setting production records and was a major player in the state's economy. Before the industry's decline beginning in the 1950s, McDowell's population reached nearly 100,000 residents, third highest in the state at that time. It then reduced at a rapid pace in the following decades, setting the highest percentage in the state for population loss with each new census. Younger residents moved out of the county to seek better futures, leaving behind an older and increasingly impoverished population.

Increasing rates of poverty in McDowell County led U.S. President John F. Kennedy to remark in a speech in May 1963:

I don't think any American can be satisfied to find in McDowell County, in West Virginia, 20 or 25 percent of the people of that county out of work, not for 6 weeks or 12 weeks, but for a year, 2, 3, or 4 years.[7]

While some hope for the McDowell mining economy had flourished during the energy crisis of the 1970s, in the next decade the county went from swift decline to collapse. Wildcat strikes in the Appalachian coal fields hindered producers' ability to deliver to buyers. Non-unionized coal production in the western States provided tough competition. The county's coal industry suffered yet again when a major source of demand, the United States steel industry, began its own decline due to competition with foreign steel makers, who employed newer and more efficient steel plants to produce high grade steel at lower prices.

In the 1980s the central Appalachian region lost more than 70,000 coal mining jobs. Between 1981 and 1992, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the United Mine Workers union, coal mining employment in the state of West Virginia decreased by more than 53%. No county in the Appalachian region was more severely distressed by these losses than McDowell County. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1980, the rate of poverty in McDowell County was 23.5%.

By 1990, the poverty rate in McDowell County had climbed to 37.7%, the highest rate of poverty for any county in West Virginia. 50.3% of all children in McDowell County were living in families below the poverty level, up from 31.2% in 1980. The major losses in McDowell County during this period were the result of the closing of all mines and facilities operated by the United States Steel Corporation, terminating more than 1,200 jobs.

The economic impact of U.S. Steel's departure was particularly dramatic: personal income in the county decreased by 66% in one year. Housing values in even the most prosperous parts of the county plunged to devastatingly low values. Individuals and families who wanted to relocate outside the county were left with little or no equity in their property. Many walked away from their mortgages and simply abandoned their homes to the lenders.

Marijuana crops, drug traffic, fraud, arson, and in one spectacular case at the Bank of Keystone—major white collar crime and embezzlement became factors in the unofficial economy of McDowell. County officials also reported significant increases in the rates of domestic abuse, suicide, and OxyContin abuse.

By 2001 suffering major losses of tax revenue, McDowell County public schools had fallen into physical decay and high rates of academic failure. Enrollments declined, more than half of the children lived in poverty. The West Virginia Department of Education intervened in December, 2001, by taking over the county system, instituting emergency funding and reorganization. The state effectively repaired or closed several school buildings, and launched construction of crucial new facilities. The consolidation of former schools into new locations, however, created new problems of busing students longer distances over narrow, winding mountain roads. New programs of teacher training aided local educators in addressing issues of multi-generational poverty in McDowell County families. Often the school system had to work at educating and stimulating hope in two or more generations at a time. With the help of the state, the county school system has now returned to self-governance.

In 2001 and 2002, horrific floods leveled many of the small towns within this county. Over 10 inches (250 mm) of rain fell during a period of 12 hours in many areas. Many towns were completely demolished by the violent flow of water which was channeled by the mountains and surrounding hills. Over forty people died, or were declared dead after being listed as missing for over a year.

In response to these economic and natural disasters, the churches of the region organized missions to support individuals and families in need. The largest nondenominational agency in the area, The Community Crossing, Inc (formerly known as McDowell Mission), each year hosts and organizes numerous mission work teams from many parts of the United States. Another Christian relief and development agency, Mustard Seeds and Mountains, hosts work teams in the eastern quadrant of McDowell County in order to help local families with home repair. Kingdom First Missions is a Christian organization distributing food, clothing, shoes, and basic necessities to families in need. They are also hosting work teams for home repair and community clean-up projects. www.KingdomFirstMissions.com

Various citizens groups and public officials have worked diligently at proposals for the rebuilding of the McDowell County economy. In recent years the county has developed profitable landfills, has lobbied for the construction of two major prisons, and has courted tourism related to popular new off-road vehicle trails through the mountains. North of the City of Welch a massive mountain-top removal site is being developed as an industrial park. That site is also the designed location for the intersection of two proposed regional highways: The Coalfields Expressway, and the King Coal Highway. The Norfolk Southern railroad corporation is bringing new construction to McDowell County enlarging the tunnels and upgrading the capacity of its main rail line between Norfolk, Virginia and the Midwest. To date, however, the largest private employer in the county was the Walmart at Big Four. It closed permanently in late January 2016. It has been reported that 140 people lost their jobs.

McDowell County is considered as one of the core counties in Appalachia on which the national War on Poverty focused, a national effort started during President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration.

The town of Coalwood was the hometown of Homer Hickam, a NASA engineer whose life, starting from his teenage years, was documented in Rocket Boys, which was later made into the film October Sky.

Geography

McDowell County, the southernmost county in West Virginia, is located at 37°22′N 81°39′W / 37.37°N 81.65°W / 37.37; -81.65Coordinates: 37°22′N 81°39′W / 37.37°N 81.65°W / 37.37; -81.65. It is bordered by Tazewell County, Virginia, to the south; Buchanan County, Virginia, to the west; Mingo County to the northwest; Wyoming County to the north; and Mercer County to the east. The Appalachian Mountains determine most of the borders of the county.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 535 square miles (1,390 km2), of which 533 square miles (1,380 km2) is land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) (0.3%) is water.[8] The county is roughly in the shape of a semi circle, with the border following the mountains around the county.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
18601,535—
18701,95227.2%
18803,07457.5%
18907,300137.5%
190018,747156.8%
191047,856155.3%
192068,57143.3%
193090,47931.9%
194094,3544.3%
195098,8874.8%
196071,359−27.8%
197050,666−29.0%
198049,899−1.5%
199035,233−29.4%
200027,329−22.4%
201022,113−19.1%
Est. 201519,835[9]−10.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790–1960[11] 1900–1990[12]
1990–2000[13] 2010–2015[2]

2000 census

As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 22,113 people, 9,176 households, and 6,196 families residing in the county. The population density was 42/sq mi (16/km2). There were 11,322 housing units at an average density of 21/sq mi (8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.1% White, 9.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. 0.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[15]

There were 9,176 households out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county, the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 20, 5.5% from 20 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 44.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $21,574, and the median income for a family was $27,605. Men had a median income of $25,994 versus $18,685 for Women. The per capita income for the county was $12,004. About 29.1% of families and 34.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.4% of those under age 18 and 23.3% of those age 65 or over.[16]

According to the most recent data on U.S. life expectancy, published in 2010 by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a male in McDowell County could expect to live 63.3 years, the shortest for any county in the United States. Female life expectancy was 72.7 years, the second shortest following Perry County, Kentucky. The national average is 76.1 years for a male, and 80.8 years for a female.[17]

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 22,113 people, 9,176 households, and 6,196 families residing in the county.[18] The population density was 41.5 inhabitants per square mile (16.0/km2). There were 11,322 housing units at an average density of 21.2 per square mile (8.2/km2).[19] The racial makeup of the county was 89.1% white, 9.5% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 0.1% Asian, 0.0% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.4% of the population.[18] In terms of ancestry,[20]

Of the 9,176 households, 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.5% were non-families, and 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86. The median age was 43.8 years.[18]

The median income for a household in the county was $22,154 and the median income for a family was $28,413. Males had a median income of $31,229 versus $26,776 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,955. About 27.5% of families and 32.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.3% of those under age 18 and 20.1% of those age 65 or over.[21]

Politics

Presidential election results[22]
Year Republican Democrat
2012 63.98% 3,959 34.08% 2,109
2008 44.82% 2,882 53.34% 3,430
2004 37.84% 2,762 61.67% 4,501
2000 32.15% 2,348 66.34% 4,845

Government

Position Name
Commissioner Gordon Lambert
Commissioner Cecil Patterson
Commissioner, President Harold McBride
Prosecuting Attorney Ed Kornish
Sheriff Martin West
County Assessor Dennis Altizer
County Clerk Donald Hicks
Circuit Clerk Francine Spencer

Education

McDowell County Schools operates the county's public K-12 education system of 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 public high schools in McDowell County including Mount View High School, and River View High School. The county also has a private school, Welch Nazarene Christian Academy, which currently has 37 students enrolled.[23] The current superintendent of schools is Nelson Spencer.

McDowell County Schools were under state control as a 'take-over' county from 2001 to 2013.[24]

Transportation

Major highways

The West Virginia Division of Highways is currently trying to construct new highways, such as U.S. Route 121, known as the Coalfields Expressway.[25]

Airport

The county also had one airport, Welch Municipal Airport, which is now closed indefinitely.

Communities

Cities

Towns

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

See also

References

  1. ↑ "West Virginia Counties". West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
  2. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  4. 1 2 Lewis, Virgil (1889). History of West Virginia. Philadelphia, PA: Hubbard Brothers, Publishers. p. 728.
  5. 1 2 3 Byrne, George (1915). 1915 Handbook of West Virginia. Charleston, WV: Lovett Printing Company. p. 88.
  6. ↑ Deaner, Larry Scott (2004). [Home in the McDowell County Coalfields: The African-American Population of Keystone, West Virginia Home in the McDowell County Coalfields: The African-American Population of Keystone, West Virginia] Check |url= value (help) (M.S., Geography thesis). Ohio University. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  7. ↑ Kennedy, John F. (1964). Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1963. Best Books on, 1964. p. 366.
  8. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015". Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  10. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  14. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  15. ↑ "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010". Fact Finder. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  16. ↑ "SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS". Fact Finder. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Life Expectancy, Obesity, and Physical Activity". Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. 2010.
  18. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  19. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  20. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  21. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  22. ↑ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  23. ↑ http://www.privateschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/29370
  24. ↑ Mays, Mackenzie (May 8, 2013). "McDowell regains school control after 12 years". Charleston Gazette. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Coalfields Expressway". Coalfields Expressway Authority. Retrieved August 31, 2011.

External links

 Mingo County Wyoming County
Buchanan County, Virginia Mercer County
   McDowell County, West Virginia  
Tazewell County, Virginia
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