Boone County, West Virginia is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is bordered by the states of Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. The county has a total area of 537 square miles and is home to more than 24,000 people. Boone County is part of the Appalachian Plateau which is characterized by steep hills, deep valleys and rugged terrain. The highest point in the county is at 2,348 feet and the lowest point is at 860 feet above sea level.
The landscape of Boone County consists mostly of forests with some areas being heavily wooded while others are more open with meadows, fields and small farms. Much of the county is also mountainous with many peaks reaching heights over 2,000 feet. The Elk River runs through the county providing many recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing and kayaking for visitors to enjoy.
The climate in Boone County varies throughout the year with mild winters and warm summers. Temperatures average around 40 degrees in January while July temperatures average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual precipitation ranges from around 40 inches near the lower elevations to around 60 inches higher up in the mountains. Snowfall can vary greatly from year to year but typically ranges between 15-20 inches annually in lower elevations while higher areas may receive up to 60 inches of snow each winter season.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Boone County, West Virginia
The country seat of Boone County, West Virginia is Madison. Madison is located in the eastern part of the county and has a population of about 1,200 people. The city is home to many historic buildings including the Boone County Courthouse which was built in 1895 and is still in use today. It also has several parks, a library, a museum and a community center.
Other main cities in Boone County include Seth, Danville, Clothier and Whitesville. Seth is located near the southern border of the county and has a population of about 400 people. It was first founded in 1870 and was named after Seth Ferguson who owned much of the land at that time. Danville is situated along the Elk River and has a population of around 500 people. Clothier is located near the center of Boone County and has a population of just over 400 people while Whitesville is located near the western border with a population of around 300 people. See cities in West Virginia.
Each city offers residents unique amenities such as shops, restaurants, parks, libraries, museums and other recreational activities. Visitors to these cities can enjoy exploring local history as well as outdoor activities such as fishing on the Elk River or hiking on nearby trails in Boone County’s beautiful landscape.
History of Boone County, West Virginia
Boone County, West Virginia was first established in 1847 from part of Cabell County. It was named after frontiersman and American Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Boone and the county seat is Madison.
The area has a long history of coal mining and timber harvesting, which have been two of the main sources of income for Boone County residents since the late 1800s. The area also had a strong Native American presence prior to European settlement, with tribes such as the Iroquois, Shawnee, and Cherokee living in the region.
In 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union during the Civil War and Boone County became part of Confederate Virginia. During this time period several skirmishes were fought in Boone County including one near present-day Racine in 1863. The county saw more conflict when Union troops occupied it from 1865 to 1868 during Reconstruction.
In 1880, railroads were built in Boone County connecting it to larger cities such as Charleston and Huntington making it easier for people to move into the area looking for work in coal mines or timber harvesting. This helped boost population growth throughout the county as did natural gas production which began shortly thereafter in 1888.
Today Boone County is still largely rural with a population of around 25,000 people spread across its 559 square miles. Though coal mining is no longer a major industry here many people still work in timber harvesting or agriculture while others commute to nearby cities such as Charleston or Huntington for employment opportunities.
The county is home to several small towns and hamlets such as Madison, Seth, Racine, and Amherstburg. Each city offers residents unique amenities such as shops, restaurants, parks, libraries, museums and other recreational activities. Visitors to these cities can enjoy exploring local history as well as outdoor activities such as fishing on the Elk River or hiking on nearby trails in Boone County’s beautiful landscape.
Economy of Boone County, West Virginia
Boone County, West Virginia is located in the southern part of the state and has a population of around 25,000 people. The county has a long history of coal mining and timber harvesting, which were two of the main sources of income for Boone County residents since the late 1800s. In 1880, railroads were built in Boone County connecting it to larger cities such as Charleston and Huntington making it easier for people to move into the area looking for work in coal mines or timber harvesting. This helped boost population growth throughout the county as did natural gas production which began shortly thereafter in 1888.
Today, Boone County’s economy is still largely based on natural resources such as coal, timber, and natural gas. The county is home to several large coal mines and numerous lumber mills that employ hundreds of people throughout Boone County. Natural gas production has also become an important source of income in recent years with several natural gas pipelines running through the county providing jobs to local residents.
In addition to these traditional industries, there are also many other types of businesses located in Boone County that provide employment opportunities. These include manufacturing plants producing items such as furniture and appliances; retail stores selling food, clothing, and other goods; restaurants; hotels; banks; insurance companies; automotive repair shops; construction companies; medical centers; beauty salons; churches; schools; libraries; museums; parks and recreational facilities.
The tourism industry is also an important part of Boone County’s economy with visitors coming from all over to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing on the Elk River or hiking on nearby trails in Boone County’s beautiful landscape. There are also many historical sites throughout the county that attract visitors from near and far who come to explore local history.
Overall, Boone County’s economy is diverse with its mix of traditional industries like coal mining and timber harvesting combined with newer industries like tourism which help keep its citizens employed while boosting economic growth throughout the region.