According to Topschoolsintheusa, Crab Orchard is located in the Appalachian region of West Virginia and is part of the larger Mercer County. It sits at an elevation of 1,903 feet and covers an area of 3.2 square miles.
The town lies in a valley that is surrounded by mountains, including Big Ridge Mountain to the north, Little Ridge Mountain to the east, and Little Crab Orchard Mountain to the south. A small stream called Crab Orchard Creek runs through the valley and flows into Bluestone Lake.
The terrain surrounding Crab Orchard is generally hilly, with some steeper slopes near Little Ridge Mountain and Little Crab Orchard Mountain. The area around Crab Orchard is mostly forested with a mix of deciduous trees such as oak and hickory as well as coniferous trees such as pine and spruce.
The climate in Crab Orchard is temperate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. The average annual temperature in Crab Orchard is approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
The town of Crab Orchard has seen a steady population decline over the past few decades due to outmigration from rural areas across West Virginia, but there has been some recent growth due to an influx of new residents seeking a more rural lifestyle.
History of Crab Orchard, West Virginia
Crab Orchard is a small town located in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. Its history can be traced back to the early 1800s when it was first settled by settlers from Virginia. The town was originally called “Crab Orchard” due to the abundance of crab apple trees that were found in the area.
In 1832, Crab Orchard was officially established and became part of Mercer County. During this time, the town grew slowly but steadily, with a post office being established in 1854.
By the late 19th century, Crab Orchard had become an important center for coal mining and timber harvesting. The railroad also played an important role in the development of the town as it brought more people and goods into the area.
During World War I, Crab Orchard saw a surge in population as many men from nearby towns were drafted and sent off to fight in Europe. After the war ended, many of these men returned home to their families and helped rebuild their communities.
The Great Depression hit Crab Orchard hard as many businesses closed down and jobs were lost. However, during World War II, things began to look up once again as more people moved into town for work at local factories that produced war materials for US forces overseas.
Today, Crab Orchard is still a small rural community with a population of just over 1,000 people who are mainly involved in agriculture or tourism-related activities such as fishing and camping at nearby Bluestone Lake State Park.
Economy of Crab Orchard, West Virginia
The economy of Crab Orchard, West Virginia is largely based on agriculture and tourism. Agriculture has been a mainstay in the region since the town was first settled in the early 1800s. The town is located near several rivers and streams, providing an ideal environment for farming and ranching. The area also produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock which are sold at local markets or shipped to other parts of the state.
Tourism is also an important part of the local economy. The nearby Bluestone Lake State Park attracts many visitors each year who come to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. There are also several historic sites in Crab Orchard which draw visitors who want to learn more about the town’s past.
In addition to agriculture and tourism, Crab Orchard has also seen some growth in recent years due to new businesses moving into town. There are several small shops selling locally-made products such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, artworks and crafts which attract customers from all over West Virginia and beyond.
Crab Orchard also benefits from its proximity to larger cities such as Charleston and Beckley which offer employment opportunities for residents of the town as well as those from surrounding areas. Additionally, there are several industries located in nearby towns that provide jobs for locals including manufacturing plants that produce paper products and plastic containers as well as coal mines that employ miners from all over Mercer County.
Overall, Crab Orchard’s economy is thriving due to its combination of agricultural production, tourism activities and small businesses that provide employment opportunities for locals while still allowing them to enjoy their rural lifestyle.
Politics in Crab Orchard, West Virginia
According to Ask4beauty, Crab Orchard, West Virginia is a small town that is part of Mercer County. The town’s politics are largely influenced by the county as a whole. Mercer County, like many rural counties in West Virginia, leans heavily Republican in its political views and voting patterns.
At the local level, Crab Orchard has a five-member Town Council that is responsible for setting the town’s budget and making decisions about local issues. The council members are elected by the residents of Crab Orchard every four years. Currently all five members of the Town Council are Republicans who have been elected on their commitment to conservative values such as reducing taxes and promoting personal responsibility.
At the state level, Crab Orchard falls within West Virginia’s 9th congressional district which has been represented by Republican Congressman David McKinley since 2011. Congressman McKinley is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and has consistently voted against Democratic initiatives such as healthcare reform and immigration reform.
At the national level, Crab Orchard is part of West Virginia’s 3rd congressional district which has been represented by Republican Carol Miller since 2018. Congresswoman Miller also aligns closely with President Trump and his policies on immigration, taxes and healthcare reform.
Overall, Crab Orchard’s politics reflect those of Mercer County as a whole which leans heavily Republican due to its conservative values and support for President Trump’s policies.
