McDowell County, County in southern West Virginia, United States
McDowell County spans 535 square miles across the Cumberland Mountains region, featuring elevations reaching 3,399 feet at Flat Top Mountain.
The Virginia General Assembly established McDowell County in 1858, naming it after Governor James McDowell before it joined West Virginia during the Civil War.
The county experienced significant social changes when President Kennedy initiated the Food Stamps program here, addressing widespread poverty in the Appalachian region.
The county seat of Welch connects to surrounding areas through U.S. Highway 52 and West Virginia routes 16, 80, and 83.
McDowell County transformed from the leading coal-producing county in 1950 with 100,000 residents to a population of 19,111 by 2020.
Location: West Virginia
Inception: February 20, 1858
Capital city: Welch
Shares border with: Wyoming County, Mingo County, Mercer County, Tazewell County, Buchanan County
Website: http://mcdowellcounty.wv.gov
GPS coordinates: 37.37000,-81.65000
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:33
Twin Falls Resort State Park
32.9 km
Pinnacle Rock State Park
32.4 km
McDowell County Courthouse
9.1 km
Panther Wildlife Management Area
20.9 km
Itmann Company Store and Office
30.6 km
World War Memorial
14.1 km
Pocahontas Fuel Company Store and Office Buildings
21.9 km
Ashland Company Store
26.6 km
James Wynn House
30.7 km
Bramwell Historic District
30.5 km
Big Crab Orchard Site
28.7 km
Alexander St. Clair House
33.4 km
Page Coal and Coke Company Store
16.6 km
Welch Commercial Historic District
9 km
Chimney Rock Farm
32.8 km
Tazewell Historic District
30.4 km
Capt. James Moore Homestead
25.3 km
Richlands Historic District
33.7 km
Bramwell Additions Historic District
30.5 km
Pocahontas Historic District
28.1 km
Williams House
33.5 km
Clinch Valley Roller Mills
33 km
Old Kentucky Turnpike Historic District
32.9 km
Tazewell Avenue Historic District
33.5 km
Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine & Museum
27.8 km
James Ellwood Jones House
24.5 km
Mullens Historic District
33.3 km
John J. Lincoln House
21.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes