West Union, West Virginia: Difference between revisions
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} |
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{{about||the community in Pocahontas County|West Union, Pocahontas County, West Virginia|the community in the West Virginia Panhandle|Dallas, West Virginia}} |
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{{for-multi|the community in Pocahontas County|West Union, Pocahontas County, West Virginia|the community in the West Virginia Panhandle|Dallas, West Virginia}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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|image_caption = Main Street in West Union in 2006 |
|image_caption = Main Street in West Union in 2006 |
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|image_flag = |
|image_flag = |
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|image_seal = |
|image_seal = Seal of West Union, West Virginia.svg |
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<!-- Maps --> |
<!-- Maps --> |
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<!-- Location --> |
<!-- Location --> |
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|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
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|subdivision_name = United States |
|subdivision_name = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}} |
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|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]] |
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|subdivision_name1 = |
|subdivision_name1 = {{flag|West Virginia|size=23px}} |
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|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in West Virginia|County]] |
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in West Virginia|County]] |
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|subdivision_name2 = [[Doddridge County, West Virginia|Doddridge]] |
|subdivision_name2 = [[Doddridge County, West Virginia|Doddridge]] |
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<!-- Area --> |
<!-- Area --> |
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|area_footnotes = <ref name=" |
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_54.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> |
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|area_magnitude = |
|area_magnitude = |
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|area_total_km2 = 0.97 |
|area_total_km2 = 0.97 |
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<!-- Population --> |
<!-- Population --> |
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|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]] |
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]] |
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|population_est = |
|population_est = 661 |
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|pop_est_as_of = |
|pop_est_as_of = 2021 |
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|population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021">{{cite web |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref> |
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|population_footnotes = <ref name ="FactFinder"/> |
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|population_total = |
|population_total = 669 |
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|population_density_km2 = |
|population_density_km2 = 856.35 |
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|population_density_sq_mi = |
|population_density_sq_mi = 2219.44 |
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<!-- General information --> |
<!-- General information --> |
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|area_code = [[Area code 304|304]] |
|area_code = [[Area code 304|304]] |
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|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
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|blank_info = 54-86116<ref name="GR2">{{cite web| |
|blank_info = 54-86116<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> |
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|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |
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|blank1_info = 1548944<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov| |
|blank1_info = 1548944<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref> |
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|website = |
|website = |
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|footnotes = |
|footnotes = |
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|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name=" |
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/> |
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|unit_pref = Imperial |
|unit_pref = Imperial |
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}} |
}} |
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[[Image:Middle Island Creek.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Middle Island Creek]] in West Union in 1996]] |
[[Image:Middle Island Creek.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Middle Island Creek]] in West Union in 1996]] |
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'''West Union''', incorporated July 20, 1881, is a town |
'''West Union''', incorporated July 20, 1881, is a town and the [[county seat]] of [[Doddridge County, West Virginia|Doddridge County]], [[West Virginia]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The population was 669 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/> The town is located along [[Middle Island Creek]] at the junction of [[U.S. Route 50 in West Virginia|U.S. Route 50]] and [[West Virginia Route 18]]; the [[North Bend Rail Trail]] also passes through the town.<ref>[[DeLorme]] (1997). ''West Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer''. Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. {{ISBN|0-89933-246-3}}.</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===18th and 19th centuries=== |
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[[File:Fowler's 1899 West Union.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''West Union, West Virginia, 1899'']] |
[[File:Fowler's 1899 West Union.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''West Union, West Virginia, 1899'']] |
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The area was first settled in the late 1780s by James Caldwell, who owned {{convert|20,000|acre|km2}} of land that included present West Union. Caldwell sold this land to Nathan Davis, Jr (1772-1866) and his brothers about 1807. They in turn sold {{convert|16,000|acre|km2}} to [[Lewis Maxwell]] (1790-1862), a Virginia congressman. |
The area was first settled in the late 1780s by James Caldwell, who owned {{convert|20,000|acre|km2}} of land that included present West Union. Caldwell sold this land to Nathan Davis, Jr (1772-1866) and his brothers about 1807. They in turn sold {{convert|16,000|acre|km2}} to [[Lewis Maxwell]] (1790-1862), a Virginia congressman. |
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The settlement was originally called Lewisport,<ref>"County Seat of Doddridge was First Named Lewisport", ''[[Clarksburg Exponent]]'', |
The settlement was originally called Lewisport,<ref>"County Seat of Doddridge was First Named Lewisport", ''[[Clarksburg Exponent]]'', April 14, 1940.</ref> but Davis later supposedly suggested the name of "West Union", in deference to a proposed town of Union to be built on the eastern side of Middle Island Creek. (Union has disappeared, if it ever existed.) According to an early resident, A.A. Bee: "The first bridge across Middle Island Creek [at West Union] was of hewed logs with a center abutment of stones. In the great flood of 1835 it was washed away". In 1842, a contract was awarded to the well-known [[civil engineer]] [[Claudius Crozet]] to build a new covered bridge at West Union, as part of a series of public works along the [[Northwestern Turnpike]]. [[Ephraim Bee]] (1802–1888), a local [[blacksmith]] (who was also a district officer, magistrate, state legislator, hotelier, and postmaster at various times) made all the bolts and bands for the [[West Union Covered Bridge (West Virginia)|West Union Covered Bridge]] which was completed in 1843. |
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On the night of March 27, 1858, a fire utterly devastated the town of West Union. At the time, many of the citizens were attending the U.S. court at Clarksburg, and so were not available for fire suppression efforts. The fire originated in an upper room of the residence of Lathrop Russell Charter. The flames spread quickly to other buildings: first, a large hotel and store room belonging to James A. Foley. Next came the residence of Ethelbert Bond and a storehouse belonging to Arthur Ingram. Other buildings followed and the next morning the entire settlement appeared a "mass of smoldering ruins". The Parkersburg and Grafton branch of the [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] had just been completed, however, and the town was able to revive economically and structurally fairly quickly. |
On the night of March 27, 1858, a fire utterly devastated the town of West Union. At the time, many of the citizens were attending the U.S. court at Clarksburg, and so were not available for fire suppression efforts. The fire originated in an upper room of the residence of Lathrop Russell Charter. The flames spread quickly to other buildings: first, a large hotel and store room belonging to James A. Foley. Next came the residence of Ethelbert Bond and a storehouse belonging to Arthur Ingram. Other buildings followed and the next morning the entire settlement appeared a "mass of smoldering ruins". The Parkersburg and Grafton branch of the [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] had just been completed, however, and the town was able to revive economically and structurally fairly quickly. |
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Nearby Maxwell Ridge — named for the family of Congressman Maxwell — is said to have a cave that was used by the [[Underground Railroad]] in the years leading up to the Civil War.<ref name="e-WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1012|title=The West Virginia Encyclopedia: West Union|date=November 12, 2010| |
Nearby Maxwell Ridge — named for the family of Congressman Maxwell — is said to have a cave that was used by the [[Underground Railroad]] in the years leading up to the Civil War.<ref name="e-WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1012|title=The West Virginia Encyclopedia: West Union|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=July 23, 2011 |author=Frank Engle McCallum|publisher=West Virginia Humanities Council}}</ref> |
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West Union was home to Matthew M. Neely, grandfather of West |
West Union was home to Matthew M. Neely, grandfather of West Virginia's 21st governor. Governor [[Matthew M. Neely]], also a [[US Senator]], was born in 1874 just south of the town.<ref name="e-WV"/> |
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West Union was [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] on |
West Union was [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] on July 20, 1881. |
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===20th century=== |
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Doddridge County’s oil and gas industry was a boon to West Union. By 1906, the Ideal Glass Factory opened to take advantage of the abundant gas. It was followed by the Doddridge County Window Glass Company. The two plants employed about 300 people. In later years a garment factory opened, but closed in the 1970s. A long-remembered flood devastated West Union in June 1950, destroying homes and businesses and killing more than 20 people throughout the county. (One casualty was the 107-year-old covered bridge.) |
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Doddridge County's oil and gas industry was a boon to West Union. By 1906, the Ideal Glass Factory opened to take advantage of the abundant gas. It was followed by the Doddridge County Window Glass Company. The two plants employed about 300 people. In later years a garment factory opened, but closed in the 1970s. A long-remembered flood devastated West Union in June 1950, destroying homes and businesses and killing 22 people throughout the county. (One casualty was the 107-year-old covered bridge.) |
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Today farming, timbering, oil and gas, and the business of county government and public education support the area, and many people commute to jobs in Salem, Clarksburg, and Parkersburg, or to the North Central Regional Jail in Greenwood.<ref name="e-WV"/> |
Today farming, timbering, oil and gas, and the business of county government and public education support the area, and many people commute to jobs in Salem, Clarksburg, and Parkersburg, or to the North Central Regional Jail in Greenwood.<ref name="e-WV"/> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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West Union is located at {{coord|39.295594|-80.775888|type:city_region:US|format=dms|display=inline}} (39.295594, -80.775888).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/ |
West Union is located at {{coord|39.295594|-80.775888|type:city_region:US|format=dms|display=inline}} (39.295594, -80.775888).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|0.38|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which |
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|0.38|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|0.36|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.02|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 24, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> |
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===Climate=== |
===Climate=== |
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The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, West Union has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=854964&cityname=West+Union%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for West Union, West Virginia]</ref> |
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, West Union has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=854964&cityname=West+Union%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for West Union, West Virginia]</ref> |
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{{Weather box |
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| width = auto |
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| collapsed = yes |
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| single line = yes |
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| location = West Union, West Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–present) |
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| Jan record high F = 76 |
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| Feb record high F = 81 |
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| Mar record high F = 87 |
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| Apr record high F = 90 |
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| May record high F = 92 |
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| Jun record high F = 97 |
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| Jul record high F = 103 |
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| Aug record high F = 101 |
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| Sep record high F = 98 |
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| Oct record high F = 95 |
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| Nov record high F = 82 |
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| Dec record high F = 78 |
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| year record high F = |
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|Jan avg record high F = 65.3 |
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|Feb avg record high F = 68.4 |
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|Mar avg record high F = 76.9 |
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|Apr avg record high F = 84.8 |
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|May avg record high F = 88.3 |
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|Jun avg record high F = 90.6 |
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|Jul avg record high F = 92.3 |
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|Aug avg record high F = 91.5 |
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|Sep avg record high F = 90.1 |
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|Oct avg record high F = 83.5 |
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|Nov avg record high F = 75.6 |
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|Dec avg record high F = 66.7 |
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|year avg record high F = 93.5 |
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| Jan high F = 40.9 |
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| Feb high F = 44.4 |
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| Mar high F = 54.0 |
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| Apr high F = 67.0 |
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| May high F = 75.2 |
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| Jun high F = 81.7 |
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| Jul high F = 84.8 |
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| Aug high F = 84.1 |
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| Sep high F = 79.0 |
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| Oct high F = 67.9 |
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| Nov high F = 55.6 |
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| Dec high F = 45.3 |
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| year high F = 65.0 |
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| Jan mean F = 30.9 |
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| Feb mean F = 33.4 |
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| Mar mean F = 41.5 |
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| Apr mean F = 52.5 |
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| May mean F = 61.9 |
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| Jun mean F = 69.6 |
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| Jul mean F = 73.4 |
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| Aug mean F = 72.5 |
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| Sep mean F = 66.3 |
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| Oct mean F = 54.5 |
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| Nov mean F = 43.2 |
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| Dec mean F = 35.5 |
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| year mean F = 52.9 |
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| Jan low F = 20.8 |
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| Feb low F = 22.4 |
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| Mar low F = 28.9 |
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| Apr low F = 38.0 |
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| May low F = 48.5 |
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| Jun low F = 57.6 |
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| Jul low F = 62.1 |
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| Aug low F = 60.9 |
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| Sep low F = 53.7 |
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| Oct low F = 41.1 |
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| Nov low F = 30.9 |
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| Dec low F = 25.7 |
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| year low F = 40.9 |
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|Jan avg record low F = -1.2 |
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|Feb avg record low F = 2.4 |
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|Mar avg record low F = 11.9 |
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|Apr avg record low F = 23.9 |
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|May avg record low F = 33.2 |
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|Jun avg record low F = 44.5 |
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|Jul avg record low F = 51.4 |
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|Aug avg record low F = 50.1 |
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|Sep avg record low F = 40.6 |
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|Oct avg record low F = 27.3 |
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|Nov avg record low F = 17.3 |
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|Dec avg record low F = 8.6 |
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|year avg record low F = -4.8 |
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| Jan record low F = -33 |
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| Feb record low F = -17 |
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| Mar record low F = -7 |
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| Apr record low F = 15 |
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| May record low F = 25 |
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| Jun record low F = 32 |
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| Jul record low F = 38 |
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| Aug record low F = 40 |
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| Sep record low F = 28 |
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| Oct record low F = 18 |
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| Nov record low F = 7 |
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| Dec record low F = -18 |
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| year record low F = |
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| precipitation colour = green |
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| Jan precipitation inch = 3.69 |
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| Feb precipitation inch = 3.51 |
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| Mar precipitation inch = 4.25 |
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| Apr precipitation inch = 3.89 |
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| May precipitation inch = 5.09 |
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| Jun precipitation inch = 4.93 |
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| Jul precipitation inch = 5.73 |
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| Aug precipitation inch = 3.66 |
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| Sep precipitation inch = 3.68 |
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| Oct precipitation inch = 3.47 |
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| Nov precipitation inch = 3.21 |
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| Dec precipitation inch = 3.98 |
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| year precipitation inch = 49.09 |
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| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |
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| Jan precipitation days = 15.6 |
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| Feb precipitation days = 13.4 |
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| Mar precipitation days = 13.6 |
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| Apr precipitation days = 13.7 |
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| May precipitation days = 14.6 |
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| Jun precipitation days = 13.0 |
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| Jul precipitation days = 12.5 |
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| Aug precipitation days = 11.2 |
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| Sep precipitation days = 10.0 |
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| Oct precipitation days = 11.1 |
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| Nov precipitation days = 11.8 |
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| Dec precipitation days = 14.9 |
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| year precipitation days = 155.4 |
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| Jan snow inch = 9.9 |
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| Feb snow inch = 6.7 |
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| Mar snow inch = 2.8 |
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| Apr snow inch = 0.1 |
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| May snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Jun snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Jul snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Aug snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Sep snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Oct snow inch = 0.0 |
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| Nov snow inch = 0.3 |
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| Dec snow inch = 3.4 |
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| year snow inch = 23.2 |
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| unit snow days = 0.1 in |
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| Jan snow days = 5.3 |
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| Feb snow days = 4.1 |
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| Mar snow days = 1.6 |
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| Apr snow days = 0.1 |
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| May snow days = 0.0 |
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| Jun snow days = 0.0 |
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| Jul snow days = 0.0 |
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| Aug snow days = 0.0 |
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| Sep snow days = 0.0 |
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| Oct snow days = 0.0 |
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| Nov snow days = 0.4 |
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| Dec snow days = 3.0 |
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| year snow days = 14.5 |
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| source = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="NOWData">{{cite web |
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|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=rlx |
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|title = NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data |
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|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
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|access-date = November 13, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NCEI">{{cite web |
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|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00469458&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL |
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|title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020 |
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|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
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|access-date = November 13, 2023}}</ref> |
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}} |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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|2000= 806 |
|2000= 806 |
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|2010= 825 |
|2010= 825 |
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|2020= 669 |
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|estyear=2018 |
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|estyear=2021 |
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|estimate=816 |
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|estimate=661 |
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|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 4, 2019}}</ref> |
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|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/> |
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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref> |
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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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===2010 census=== |
===2010 census=== |
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As of the [[census]]<ref name =" |
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 24, 2013}}</ref> of 2010, there were 825 people, 362 households, and 217 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2291.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 452 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1255.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 99.3% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.1% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 0.4% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.1% of the population. |
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There were 362 households of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.96. |
There were 362 households, of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.96. |
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The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 22% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female. |
The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 22% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female. |
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As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 806 people, 345 households, and 219 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was 2,197.3 inhabitants per square mile (841.1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 420 housing units at an average density of 1,145.0 per square mile (438.3/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 99.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.5% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]]. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.5% of the population. |
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 806 people, 345 households, and 219 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was 2,197.3 inhabitants per square mile (841.1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 420 housing units at an average density of 1,145.0 per square mile (438.3/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 99.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.5% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]]. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.5% of the population. |
||
There were 345 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90. |
There were 345 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90. |
||
In the town, the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males. |
In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males. |
||
The median income for a household in the town was $18,300, and the median income for a family was $21,875. Males |
The median income for a household in the town was $18,300, and the median income for a family was $21,875. Males had a [[median income]] of $25,000 versus $19,688 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $10,539. About 28.3% of families and 33.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 46.7% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over. |
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==Notable |
==Notable people== |
||
*[[Lewis Maxwell]] (1790–1862), U.S. Representative from Virginia |
*[[Lewis Maxwell]] (1790–1862), U.S. Representative from Virginia |
||
*[[Ephraim Bee]] (1802–1888), founder of the Ancient and Honorable Order of [[E Clampus Vitus]]. |
*[[Ephraim Bee]] (1802–1888), founder of the Ancient and Honorable Order of [[E Clampus Vitus]]. |
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{{Doddridge County, West Virginia}} |
{{Doddridge County, West Virginia}} |
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{{West Virginia municipalities}} |
{{West Virginia municipalities}} |
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{{West Virginia county seats}} |
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[[Category:Northwestern Turnpike]] |
[[Category:Northwestern Turnpike]] |
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[[Category:Clarksburg micropolitan area]] |
[[Category:Clarksburg micropolitan area]] |
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[[Category:Populated places on the Underground Railroad]] |
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[[Category:1881 establishments in West Virginia]] |
[[Category:1881 establishments in West Virginia]] |
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[[Category:Populated places established in 1881]] |
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Latest revision as of 14:31, 30 June 2024
West Union, West Virginia | |
|---|---|
 Main Street in West Union in 2006 | |
 Seal | |
 Location of West Union in Doddridge County, West Virginia. | |
| Coordinates: 39°17′44″N 80°46′33″W / 39.29556°N 80.77583°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  West Virginia |
| County | Doddridge |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.38 sq mi (0.97 km2) |
| • Land | 0.36 sq mi (0.93 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 787 ft (240 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 669 |
| • Estimate (2021)[2] | 661 |
| • Density | 2,219.44/sq mi (856.35/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 26456 |
| Area code | 304 |
| FIPS code | 54-86116[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1548944[4] |
West Union, incorporated July 20, 1881, is a town and the county seat of Doddridge County, West Virginia, United States.[5] The population was 669 at the 2020 census.[2] The town is located along Middle Island Creek at the junction of U.S. Route 50 and West Virginia Route 18; the North Bend Rail Trail also passes through the town.[6]
History
[edit]18th and 19th centuries
[edit]
The area was first settled in the late 1780s by James Caldwell, who owned 20,000 acres (81 km2) of land that included present West Union. Caldwell sold this land to Nathan Davis, Jr (1772-1866) and his brothers about 1807. They in turn sold 16,000 acres (65 km2) to Lewis Maxwell (1790-1862), a Virginia congressman.
The settlement was originally called Lewisport,[7] but Davis later supposedly suggested the name of "West Union", in deference to a proposed town of Union to be built on the eastern side of Middle Island Creek. (Union has disappeared, if it ever existed.) According to an early resident, A.A. Bee: "The first bridge across Middle Island Creek [at West Union] was of hewed logs with a center abutment of stones. In the great flood of 1835 it was washed away". In 1842, a contract was awarded to the well-known civil engineer Claudius Crozet to build a new covered bridge at West Union, as part of a series of public works along the Northwestern Turnpike. Ephraim Bee (1802–1888), a local blacksmith (who was also a district officer, magistrate, state legislator, hotelier, and postmaster at various times) made all the bolts and bands for the West Union Covered Bridge which was completed in 1843.
On the night of March 27, 1858, a fire utterly devastated the town of West Union. At the time, many of the citizens were attending the U.S. court at Clarksburg, and so were not available for fire suppression efforts. The fire originated in an upper room of the residence of Lathrop Russell Charter. The flames spread quickly to other buildings: first, a large hotel and store room belonging to James A. Foley. Next came the residence of Ethelbert Bond and a storehouse belonging to Arthur Ingram. Other buildings followed and the next morning the entire settlement appeared a "mass of smoldering ruins". The Parkersburg and Grafton branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had just been completed, however, and the town was able to revive economically and structurally fairly quickly.
Nearby Maxwell Ridge — named for the family of Congressman Maxwell — is said to have a cave that was used by the Underground Railroad in the years leading up to the Civil War.[8]
West Union was home to Matthew M. Neely, grandfather of West Virginia's 21st governor. Governor Matthew M. Neely, also a US Senator, was born in 1874 just south of the town.[8]
West Union was incorporated on July 20, 1881.
20th century
[edit]Doddridge County's oil and gas industry was a boon to West Union. By 1906, the Ideal Glass Factory opened to take advantage of the abundant gas. It was followed by the Doddridge County Window Glass Company. The two plants employed about 300 people. In later years a garment factory opened, but closed in the 1970s. A long-remembered flood devastated West Union in June 1950, destroying homes and businesses and killing 22 people throughout the county. (One casualty was the 107-year-old covered bridge.)
Today farming, timbering, oil and gas, and the business of county government and public education support the area, and many people commute to jobs in Salem, Clarksburg, and Parkersburg, or to the North Central Regional Jail in Greenwood.[8]
The Lathrop Russell Charter House, Doddridge County Courthouse, Silas P. Smith Opera House, and W. Scott Stuart House are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[9] West Union is also home to two nationally recognized historic districts: West Union Downtown Historic District and West Union Residential Historic District.
Geography
[edit]West Union is located at 39°17′44″N 80°46′33″W / 39.295594°N 80.775888°W (39.295594, -80.775888).[10]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.38 square miles (0.98 km2), of which 0.36 square miles (0.93 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water.[11]
Climate
[edit]The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, West Union has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[12]
| Climate data for West Union, West Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 76 (24) |
81 (27) |
87 (31) |
90 (32) |
92 (33) |
97 (36) |
103 (39) |
101 (38) |
98 (37) |
95 (35) |
82 (28) |
78 (26) |
103 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 65.3 (18.5) |
68.4 (20.2) |
76.9 (24.9) |
84.8 (29.3) |
88.3 (31.3) |
90.6 (32.6) |
92.3 (33.5) |
91.5 (33.1) |
90.1 (32.3) |
83.5 (28.6) |
75.6 (24.2) |
66.7 (19.3) |
93.5 (34.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 40.9 (4.9) |
44.4 (6.9) |
54.0 (12.2) |
67.0 (19.4) |
75.2 (24.0) |
81.7 (27.6) |
84.8 (29.3) |
84.1 (28.9) |
79.0 (26.1) |
67.9 (19.9) |
55.6 (13.1) |
45.3 (7.4) |
65.0 (18.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 30.9 (−0.6) |
33.4 (0.8) |
41.5 (5.3) |
52.5 (11.4) |
61.9 (16.6) |
69.6 (20.9) |
73.4 (23.0) |
72.5 (22.5) |
66.3 (19.1) |
54.5 (12.5) |
43.2 (6.2) |
35.5 (1.9) |
52.9 (11.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 20.8 (−6.2) |
22.4 (−5.3) |
28.9 (−1.7) |
38.0 (3.3) |
48.5 (9.2) |
57.6 (14.2) |
62.1 (16.7) |
60.9 (16.1) |
53.7 (12.1) |
41.1 (5.1) |
30.9 (−0.6) |
25.7 (−3.5) |
40.9 (4.9) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −1.2 (−18.4) |
2.4 (−16.4) |
11.9 (−11.2) |
23.9 (−4.5) |
33.2 (0.7) |
44.5 (6.9) |
51.4 (10.8) |
50.1 (10.1) |
40.6 (4.8) |
27.3 (−2.6) |
17.3 (−8.2) |
8.6 (−13.0) |
−4.8 (−20.4) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −33 (−36) |
−17 (−27) |
−7 (−22) |
15 (−9) |
25 (−4) |
32 (0) |
38 (3) |
40 (4) |
28 (−2) |
18 (−8) |
7 (−14) |
−18 (−28) |
−33 (−36) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.69 (94) |
3.51 (89) |
4.25 (108) |
3.89 (99) |
5.09 (129) |
4.93 (125) |
5.73 (146) |
3.66 (93) |
3.68 (93) |
3.47 (88) |
3.21 (82) |
3.98 (101) |
49.09 (1,247) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 9.9 (25) |
6.7 (17) |
2.8 (7.1) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.3 (0.76) |
3.4 (8.6) |
23.2 (59) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 15.6 | 13.4 | 13.6 | 13.7 | 14.6 | 13.0 | 12.5 | 11.2 | 10.0 | 11.1 | 11.8 | 14.9 | 155.4 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 5.3 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 14.5 |
| Source: NOAA[13][14] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 356 | — | |
| 1890 | 312 | −12.4% | |
| 1900 | 623 | 99.7% | |
| 1910 | 779 | 25.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,270 | 63.0% | |
| 1930 | 984 | −22.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,020 | 3.7% | |
| 1950 | 1,341 | 31.5% | |
| 1960 | 1,186 | −11.6% | |
| 1970 | 1,141 | −3.8% | |
| 1980 | 1,090 | −4.5% | |
| 1990 | 830 | −23.9% | |
| 2000 | 806 | −2.9% | |
| 2010 | 825 | 2.4% | |
| 2020 | 669 | −18.9% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 661 | [2] | −1.2% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[15] | |||
2010 census
[edit]As of the census[16] of 2010, there were 825 people, 362 households, and 217 families living in the town. The population density was 2,291.7 inhabitants per square mile (884.8/km2). There were 452 housing units at an average density of 1,255.6 per square mile (484.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.3% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.1% of the population.
There were 362 households, of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.96.
The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 22% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
2000 census
[edit]As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 806 people, 345 households, and 219 families living in the town. The population density was 2,197.3 inhabitants per square mile (841.1/km2). There were 420 housing units at an average density of 1,145.0 per square mile (438.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.5% White, 0.5% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.
There were 345 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $18,300, and the median income for a family was $21,875. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,539. About 28.3% of families and 33.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.7% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
[edit]- Lewis Maxwell (1790–1862), U.S. Representative from Virginia
- Ephraim Bee (1802–1888), founder of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.
- Joseph H. Diss Debar (1817–1906), French-born artist and designer of the Seal of West Virginia
- Wayne Underwood (1913–1967), American football player
- Clyde Ware, Jr (1930–2010), Hollywood screenwriter/director and novelist; his The Eden Tree (1971) is a roman à clef about West Union in the 1930s, '40s and '50s
- Bantz J. Craddock (b. 1949), four-star U.S. Army general
References
[edit]- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". Census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ DeLorme (1997). West Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. ISBN 0-89933-246-3.
- ^ "County Seat of Doddridge was First Named Lewisport", Clarksburg Exponent, April 14, 1940.
- ^ a b c Frank Engle McCallum (November 12, 2010). "The West Virginia Encyclopedia: West Union". West Virginia Humanities Council. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ Climate Summary for West Union, West Virginia
- ^ "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
Municipalities and communities of Doddridge County, West Virginia, United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Town |  | |
| Unincorporated communities | ||