Anawalt, West Virginia is a small town located in McDowell County in the Appalachian Mountains. The town was originally founded in the late 19th century by a group of coal miners who had come to the area to work at the nearby mines. As time went on, more and more people began to settle in Anawalt and by 1920 it had grown to a population of over 600 people. Check Countryaah to see other cities in West Virginia.
Anawalt is located in an area of extreme natural beauty, surrounded by rolling hills and forests. The town itself is nestled among several mountains, and its main street winds through the center of town. There are several businesses located on Main Street including restaurants, shops, banks, and other services.
The town has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1858 when the first coal mine was opened nearby. By 1861 there were over 500 miners living in Anawalt working at three different mines. As the mining industry grew so did Anawalt, with many miners bringing their families with them or settling down after they retired from mining.
The economy of Anawalt is still largely based around mining today, though it has diversified somewhat since its founding days with many small businesses now operating within the town limits as well as some larger companies such as Appalachian Power Company which provides electricity to much of McDowell County.
The people of Anawalt are proud of their heritage and community spirit can be found throughout the town. There are several organizations such as local churches that help to build community relationships between residents while also providing support for those who may be facing difficult times financially or otherwise.
Anawalt’s residents take part in various annual festivals and events such as Cornbread Day which celebrates Appalachia’s musical heritage with performances from local musicians playing traditional songs on instruments like banjos and fiddles; or Old Timey Day which features competitions for homemade crafts like quilting and canning; or even Coal Miner’s Day which recognizes those who have worked hard for generations underground to keep our nation’s lights on!
Anawalt truly is a unique place where nature meets culture – from outdoor activities like fishing or hiking up one of our beautiful mountains to exploring our quaint downtown area full of local shops and eateries – there’s something here for everyone.
History of Anawalt, West Virginia
Anawalt, West Virginia is a small unincorporated community located in McDowell County. It was founded in 1887 by the Anawalt Lumber Company, a logging company that operated in the area for nearly a century. The company was founded by J. W. Anawalt, a former Confederate soldier who had moved to the area after the Civil War with his family.
Anawalt quickly became an important center for lumber production, with many of its residents employed by the lumber company. The town also grew as it became a hub for coal mining and other related industries in the area. By 1910, Anawalt had grown to include several stores, churches, and other businesses catering to the needs of its citizens and those of nearby communities.
Anawalt remained relatively stable throughout most of the 20th century and into today, although its population has declined over time due to changes in the local economy and industry. Today, Anawalt is still home to several businesses including grocery stores, restaurants, and churches that serve local residents as well as visitors from neighboring townships and counties.
Despite its small size and population, Anawalt has had an outsized impact on its surrounding area. Its lumber industry helped shape much of McDowell County’s landscape during its heyday while its coal mines provided much needed jobs for generations of miners who lived in Anawalt or nearby townships such as Keystone or Premier.
Anawalt is also known for being home to several notable people throughout history including former US Senator Robert C Byrd who was born there in 1917; artist Grandma Moses who lived there from 1907-1910; author Henry Louis Mencken who wrote about his experiences growing up there; and musician Ralph Stanley who was raised in Anawalt until he left to pursue his music career at age 14.
Today, Anawalt remains a small but vibrant community that continues to provide essential services to those living there as well as visitors from nearby areas looking for a place to spend their weekend or vacation time away from it all. Despite its long history of decline due to changing economic conditions, Anawalt still stands proud today as one of McDowell County’s oldest communities with deep roots going back over 130 years ago when it first began providing jobs through timber production and coal mining operations which have since faded away into memory but remain part of this unique town’s rich history.
