Ashland Company Store

The Ashland Company Store is a two-story brick building with a low hipped roof built on stone and brick foundations in West Virginia. A gymnasium from the same era stands beside it, and the structures retain their original construction details.

Built in 1907, this building served coal miners as a central commercial hub housing warehouse, payroll, and postal operations. It remained in operation until 1991, marking the decline of the mining-based economy in the area.

The store reveals how coal companies provided goods directly to miners while tying them into company systems. Visitors can see how essential this building was to the everyday life of mining families in the region.

The building sits along County Route 17 in Ashland and can be viewed from outside, but interior access is not available. The location is remote, so plan ahead for the drive and check road conditions before visiting.

This building is part of a larger survey of coal company stores across McDowell County, revealing how common this business model was throughout the region. The documentation captures how entire communities were structured around company operations and dependencies.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.40920,-81.35390

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07