Coal Camp Blog

Coalwood

Coalwood of McDowell Co. West Virginia was founded by George LaFayette Carter in 1905. Carter Coal and Coke Company was fairly productive and had a decent size work force. In 1922, Coalwood was sold to Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Company. The town was then reconstructed and new houses were built featuring indoor plumbing and electricity. The workforce diversified as European immigrants and African Americans were attracted to the refurbished camp. Close to 2,000 people lived in Coalwood. It had its own high school at one point which later closed and students were directed to Big Creek High in War. Coalwood was also the home of Homer Hickam Jr., author of "Rocket Boys".