The Coal House In Mingo County WV
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Introduction
The Coal House, as it is called by many, was built in 1933. Sixty-five tons of coal was used in the building and it has stood an an icon ever since. It is famous all around the world and is on the National Register of Historic places.
It was designed by H.T. Hicks who got the idea from O. W. Evans. . It was built as a publicity stunt organized by Evans to create a symbol in the heart of the billion dollar coalfield. The coal used to build the Coal House was mined from the Winifrede seam of coal. It is dressed like stone and varnished to keep it weather resistant.
The Coal House is certainly a unique building and is worth a trip just to see it. It sits next to the Mingo County Courthouse and houses the Tug Valley Chamber of commerce. Travel information can be obtained here. There are many restaurants in the vicinity of the Coal House. Across the rive to South Williamson you will find many fast food restaurants. If you travel down US 119 you will find the South Williamson Mall and the South Williamson WalMart.
Sycamore Inn is within a few blocks of the Coal House. There are 64 rooms available with many attraction nearby. Within 5 miles of the Inn, you will find the Hatfield McCoy trails. It is a network of nature trails that people from all over the nation come to enjoy. ATV's are allowed on this trail along with motorcyles. The trails covers many Southern West Virginia counties with miles and miles of trail riding fun.
Hatfield McCoy Trail System
Below are the Names of different sections of the trail system along with their locations and length in mileage. Of course there are certain rules you have to follow.
- Bearwallow Trail System Logan West Virginia 53.7 miles
- Buffalo Mountain Trail System 7 Williamson West Virginia 70 miles
- Indian Ridge Trail system Ashland West Virginia 63 miles (newest trails)
- Little Coal River Trail System Danville Madison West Virginia 41.1 miles
- Pinnacle Creek Trail System Pineville West Virginia 70 miles
- Rochhouse Trail System Man and Gilbert West Virginia 92 miles
Some systems have one ranger station while other will have two depending on the length of each system. There are also rentable cabins along the way for those who wish to rough it.
The Coal House
2nd Ave. and Court St.Williamson, WEST VIRGINIA 25661 - The Coal House Location.
Sycamore Inn
201 W 2nd ave Williamson, WV 25661 - To make reservations call (304) 235-3656.
Bearwallow Trail System
Buffalo Mountain Trail System
Indian Ridge Trail System
Little Coal River Trail
Pinnacle Creek Trail System
Rochhouse Trail System
The Dingess Tunnel
The Dingess Tunnel is approximately 1 mile from where I live. It was designed as a railroad tunnel and is only one lane wide. To drive through one must first make sure it is clear on the other end. The tunnel was completed in 1914 and is used today to connect Dingess with Laurel Creek. It is used daily by many motorists.
If anyone has never been through a tunnel simialr to this one it is something you should try to do. I have ridden a bicycle through it withoput any lights, I have walked through it before without any lights. I imagine the most fun I ever had going through it was in the back of a pickup truck as a child.
The tunnel measure 9/10ths of a mile long and is straight. You can see one end from the other end. Did you ever wonder how a cannonball feels?
Dingess Tunnel in 1880
A recent Photo of the Tunnel
Thank you Patty. The Coal House is reallt interesting to see. It looks like cut stone that is painted a glossy black.
I worked in coal mines also up until 1989 and I loved it at the time.
Goodpost,,,thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by Silly.
As Patti, I have never heard of this building. It is beautiful, sure looks like it was built tough:)
I find this Hub fascinating. I had never heard of the Tug Valley—let alone the awesome Coal House. I'll make it over your way one day, my friend. When I do, I hope we have a cup of coffee together.
Thank you James for visiting this hub. It certainly is a unique building and from what I can gather there are only two buildings made completely of coal in the world.
Unfortunately this morning my wife heard on the news that the Coal House was on fire. The only damge was done to the interior so the building itself is still standing.
Coffee sounds great also. |_P
Wow West Virginia is beautiful and so full of heritage. My Uncle worked for the railroads that went all over West Virginia. I love the maps and the pictures.
Next time we are in that area again I will be sure to visit there.
LG, I appreciate your read and comment. West Virginia certainly is full of heritage and toursist attractions. The Coal House is a unique building. I think it is currently closed at the moment due to the fire that went through it recently. The good thing is that none of the structure was damaged but only the interior.
Well Sir Dent it isn't often that I make it down that for to the other end of WV. I am something like 6 hours from Charleston. My Aunt lives in Milton. My Uncle passed away about 2 years ago.
Williamson is approximately 2.5 hours from Milton. I have a sister in law who lives close to Milton.
Weeeellll keep writing and posting pictures and I will do the same for you or anyone else that is interested in the Northern Part of WV. THIS is what is so goooooood about HP and the Internet-we can travel from our armchair. Though it is still not like being there in person to smell, see and feel the area, it is a good second.
You and your family have a great Thanksgiving feast and day!
This hub was written for the site wide contest that was held in September. Week 3 if I recall correctly. Not sure if I will write any other hubs about tourism or travel, but you never know.
You also have a great thanksgiving.
Patty Inglish, MS Level 7 Commenter 17 months ago
I'd never heard of these places and the coal house is fascinating. A great uncle of mine worked in the cola mines in Millfield Ohio for decades. I remember riding through WV in the late 1970s and seeing small coal mining towns.