Williamson, county seat of Mingo County, West Virginia, United States
Williamson is a city in Mingo County, West Virginia, located along the Tug Fork River and near the Kentucky border. The city has mostly low-rise buildings, walkable streets, and is connected by two main highways that bring traffic and commerce to the region.
Williamson was incorporated as a city in 1905 as the coal industry was growing and a railroad line had been built around 1890, drawing workers to the area. The population grew significantly after World War II but then declined as coal mining jobs decreased.
The name Williamson comes from a family that once owned the land in this area. Today, the mining heritage shapes how the town looks and feels, with old structures and rail lines still running through, reminding visitors of how central this industry was to building the place.
The city is best reached by car since there is no public transit, and highways US-119 and US-52 connect it to larger towns. Once in the city center, visitors can walk around, but a car is needed for trips to nearby outdoor spots and hiking trails.
The Coal House, built in 1933, is made entirely from hundreds of tons of coal and now houses the local chamber of commerce. The building was carefully restored after a fire in 2010 and stands as a striking reminder of the region's mining past.
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