According to existingcountries, Beckley, West Virginia is located in the southern part of the state, just off of I-77 and I-64. It is the county seat of Raleigh County, and is situated at an elevation of 2,050 feet. The city covers an area of about 18 square miles and has a population of 17,000 people.
Beckley is surrounded by lush rolling hills that are typical of Appalachia. The landscape is characterized by wooded areas and open meadows with plenty of wildlife to be found in the surrounding forests. The city itself is full of historic buildings and sites that reflect its past as a coal mining town.
The climate in Beckley tends to be mild with hot summers and cold winters. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 45 inches, most of which falls between April and October. Snowfall ranges from 15-20 inches annually, with most snowfall occurring during December through February.
The city sits on the banks of the New River which flows through downtown Beckley before emptying into the Kanawha River near Charleston, West Virginia. There are several other streams and creeks that also flow through Beckley including Beaver Creek, Clear Fork Creek and Big Coal River.
Overall, Beckley provides a unique blend of natural beauty along with its rich history to make for a great place to visit or live for those looking for a rural lifestyle close to all amenities necessary for modern life.
History of Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley, West Virginia has a long history that dates back to the late 18th century when the first settlers moved into the area. The town was originally known as Beckleyville and was named after John James Beckley, who was the first clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1789-1817.
In 1838, Beckley became an incorporated town and began to grow as a center for coal mining in the region. By 1870, it had become a major coal shipping hub and had established itself as a major industrial center in southern West Virginia.
During this period of growth, Beckley experienced an influx of immigrants from Europe who came to work in the coal mines and other industries in the area. This influx of people brought with it different cultures and religions that helped shape what is now modern day Beckley.
The city continued to grow throughout the 20th century but suffered economically during times such as World War II when there were labor shortages due to enlistment in military service and during periods of economic recession.
Today, Beckley is still an important industrial center with many businesses such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare and education located within its boundaries. It is also home to two universities – Mountain State University and New River Community College – which provide educational opportunities for local residents.
Beckley’s history is still evident today through its diverse population, vibrant culture and unique architecture – all of which make it an interesting place to visit or live for those looking for a rural lifestyle close to all amenities necessary for modern life.
Economy of Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley, West Virginia is an important industrial center for the region and is home to many businesses such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare and education. The economy of Beckley is heavily reliant on its coal mining industry, which has been a major contributor to the city’s development since the late 19th century.
The coal industry in Beckley has experienced significant fluctuations in recent decades due to increased competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources. However, despite this shift in trends, the city still remains an important hub for coal production in West Virginia.
The retail sector of Beckley’s economy is also strong with many stores located throughout the city offering a variety of goods and services. This sector employs a large number of people and helps to keep the local economy afloat during times of economic downturn.
In addition to its traditional industries, Beckley has also seen growth in other sectors such as healthcare and technology. The city is home to two universities – Mountain State University and New River Community College – which provide educational opportunities for local residents and help foster economic development within the area.
Overall, the economy of Beckley remains strong with a diverse range of industries providing employment opportunities for its citizens. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty along with its rich history that make it an ideal place to visit or live for those looking for a rural lifestyle close to all amenities necessary for modern life.
Politics in Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley, West Virginia is a city with a strong political culture that dates back to its founding in 1838. It is located in the heart of Appalachia and has historically been one of the most conservative areas in the state.
The politics of Beckley are dominated by the Republican Party, which has held power in the city since 1980. The current mayor is Republican Bill O’Brien, who was elected to his third term in 2019.
The City Council consists of seven members – four Republicans and three Democrats – who are all elected at-large for four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for setting policy and passing legislation which affects all aspects of life within the city.
In recent years, Beckley has seen an influx of new residents from other parts of West Virginia as well as from other states. This influx has resulted in a more diverse population with different political views, which has made it more difficult for any single party to maintain control over the city’s politics.
Despite this shift, Beckley remains a deeply conservative city with strong southern values that are reflected in its politics and policies. The local government works hard to maintain its traditional values while also striving to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
Overall, Beckley’s political system is complex but reflects the unique culture of the city and its citizens. It is a place where people can come together and share their ideas on how best to move forward into the future while still respecting their past traditions and values.