Pleasants County

Pleasants County is an administrative division in northwestern West Virginia that sits along the Ohio River. The area features wooded hills, farmland, and small communities spread throughout a rural landscape.

The county was formed in 1851 and named after James Pleasants Jr., a prominent Virginia figure. It later became part of West Virginia in 1863 when the state separated during the Civil War period.

The county maintains four educational institutions, including one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools serving local communities.

St. Marys serves as the county seat and administrative center where most services are located. Visitors should note this is a rural agricultural area with limited services, so planning ahead is helpful.

Middle Island near St. Marys is the only inhabited Ohio River island in West Virginia and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. This geographic feature makes it an interesting local landmark.

Location: West Virginia

Inception: March 29, 1851

Capital city: St. Marys

Elevation above the sea: 316 m

Shares border with: Washington County, Tyler County, Ritchie County, Wood County

Website: http://wvgenweb.org/pleasants

GPS coordinates: 39.37000,-81.16000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57