Keyser

Keyser is a city located in a valley south of the North Branch of the Potomac River in Mineral County, West Virginia. The town sits in hilly terrain shaped by the river's presence.

The settlement was originally called Paddy Town, named after Irish immigrant Patrick McCarty. In 1874, it was renamed to honor William Keyser, an official with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

Potomac State College, part of West Virginia University, brings educational activity to the town and shapes how many people spend their days here. The campus presence influences the character and rhythm of daily life in the area.

The town sits in a convenient location between surrounding hills with direct river access, making travel to nearby areas straightforward. Local roads and facilities support everyday movement through the region.

The town became a flashpoint during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, drawing national attention to labor unrest in the region. This event marked a turning point in the American labor movement and connected the area to broader national tensions.

Location: Mineral County

Inception: 1852

Elevation above the sea: 246 m

Website: https://cityofkeyser.com

GPS coordinates: 39.43889,-78.98278

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:23