Wirt County

Wirt County is an administrative division in West Virginia with Elizabeth as its county seat, where government offices handle local affairs. The Little Kanawha River flows through the territory, shaping a rural landscape of rolling terrain and scattered communities.

The county was established in 1848 when the Virginia General Assembly carved it from parts of neighboring counties to form a new administrative area. It was named after William Wirt, who served as the nation's Attorney General.

The Burning Springs area holds memories of oil drilling days during the 1860s, when the discovery brought industrial activity and workers to the region. This chapter of resource extraction became part of how local communities view their place in the wider story of Appalachia.

Elizabeth serves as the administrative hub where you can find local government services for permits, documents, and property matters. A car is helpful for exploring the scattered communities and following the river through the countryside.

This administrative division ranks among West Virginia's least populated areas, a fact that may surprise visitors expecting larger settlements. The sparse population has allowed it to retain a rural character with open land and minimal urban development.

Location: West Virginia

Inception: January 19, 1848

Capital city: Elizabeth

Shares border with: Ritchie County, Calhoun County, Roane County, Jackson County, Wood County

Website: http://wirtcounty.wv.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.02000,-81.38000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41