Bluefield WV Essay Example

Field, about five hundred people settled in Summit. In 1885, when a post office was established, local women named the area Bluefields after blooming chicory flowers. On November 16, 1889, incorporation of Bluefield was put to a public vote with numerous businesses already established in town. According to reports from a commissioner (Rankin), there were 177 votes cast in favor of incorporation. Shortly after incorporating, First National Bank and Daily Telegraph newspaper were founded. The success of Bluefield heavily relied on coal from the Great Pocahontas Coal Field spanning across West Virginia's Mercer and McDowell Counties as well as Wayne and Mingo Counties along with Virginia's Tazewell Buchanan and Wise Counties. Being headquarters for the Pocahontas Operators Association within this coal-rich region provided ample employment opportunities for many individuals. West Virginia became the largest coal producer in 1932 surpassing Pennsylvania and has maintained this position ever sinceBy 1940, over a third of the state's population depended on the coal industry for their livelihoods. However, beneath this facade of prosperity lies a darker reality. The region experienced labor disputes as mine owners neglected the safety, health, well-being, and economic welfare of workers. This resulted in numerous strikes. In response to these concerns, Congress enacted the National Labor Relations Act in July 1935 to safeguard workers' rights and prevent employers from impeding union activities or discriminating against union members.

Ensuring law and order was also crucial for mining operations. In the 1920s, the West Virginia Coal Police organization was established to protect both property and citizens' rights; notable incidents like the Glen Alum payroll robbery in 1914 resulting in fatalities showcased this need. Additionally, frequent hazards like mine

explosions posed constant threats to the coal industry's workforce. The first recorded explosion occurred at Southwest Improvement Company's East Mine in March 1886 and caused significant casualties (Rankin, 19-20). Another tragic event unfolded at Pocahontas Colliery Company in 1906 where fifty lives were lost; just three months later, another 67 deaths occurred (Rankin, 21). These incidents served as reminders of the safety risks faced by Bluefield's coal field workers.

Despite these challenges, Bluefield experienced a thriving economy during this period.The West Virginia Hotel, constructed in downtown Bluefield in 1923, stands as the tallest building in southern West Virginia. This impressive twelve-story structure served as a notable showcase for the region and offered exceptional amenities such as a barbershop and newsstand. Its spacious ballroom hosted various civic functions and dances (West Virginia's Historic Downtown Bluefield). Within the hotel, interesting elements reminiscent of the Titanic could be found. Notably, there was an extraordinary shoeshine stand called "You Are Nex" that employed African Americans who not only provided shoe shining services but also cleaned and blocked felt hats. These employees entertained guests with musical performances using their rags to create drumming rhythms (West Virginia's Historic Downtown Bluefield).

During the Great Depression of 1929, Bluefield faced high rates of suicide and homelessness. Homeless individuals went door to door seeking assistance while others sought refuge in railroad cars as they traveled from town to town in search of work or food. Along the tracks, children would playfully tease train drivers, prompting them to throw coal at them. Bramwell, a neighboring town with a large number of millionaires, held its reputation as America's wealthiest town per capita. Despite these challenges, Bluefield managed to

overcome the effects of the Great Depression and once again flourish as a thriving center of commerce.The area attracted numerous shops and tourists, making annual visits a special treat for many families. Shopping downtown was a highlight of the year. Bluefield served as the main industrial hub in the region, attracting businesses and industries.

During Christmas time, all stores were beautifully decorated and people from far and wide came to Jimmy's Restaurant for meals. However, on December 7, 1941, World War II brought Bluefield to a halt. Rationing became commonplace with food being canned or preserved. Tires and gasoline became scarce commodities that required individuals to be put on waiting lists if they wanted to purchase a car. Women resorted to using makeup to imitate nylon stockings by drawing lines down their legs with eyebrow pencils. Air raid drills occurred regularly and bomb shelters were built in both homes and downtown areas.

After the war ended, Bluefield turned its focus towards coal for reconstruction purposes. This caused prices to rise. The increasing popularity of Catholic schools led to an improvement in education quality overall.

In the early 1980s, Mercer Mall was built to solve the parking problem for downtown shoppers.However, this led to a decline in the downtown area as a shopping destination.At the same time,the construction of a tunnel through East River Mountain eliminated the need for travelers to drive through town.As a result,the economy suffered and there was a decline in the coal industryMany coal shipments were leaving the state without benefiting it, leading to increased union strikes under John L. Lewis' leadership. Consequently, there was a mass departure of people from the area and Highway

77 gained the nickname "hillbilly highway." However, Bluefield now prides itself on its exceptional medical and educational standards. The Bluefield Regional Medical Center provides superior healthcare within a 100-mile radius, while education is highly prioritized at all levels to prepare citizens for the future. A local resident of Bluefield named John F. Nash exemplifies their impressive educational system as he has been honored with a boulevard and permanent exhibit at the Bluefield Arts and Science Center due to his receipt of the Nobel Prize in Economic Science in 1994.

Despite its reputation as an ideal retirement community, Bluefield offers a wide range of festivities for people of all ages. The city park in Yakkity Yak has recently undergone renovations and serves as the annual venue for the Festival of Lights held in December. This event showcases fifty beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Additionally, Yakkity Yak Park hosts popular events like the Country Craft and Guild Show, Bluefield Coal Show, and Bluefield Comcast Mountain Festival. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as a modern playground built entirely by volunteers, illuminated tennis courts, exercise and bike trails, an auditorium, youth center,and even the Ridge Runner Railroad.Mitchell Stadium in the park serves as the football stadium for local high schools, while Bowen Field acts as the baseball field for area high schools and hosts the annual Coppinger Tournament. The renowned Bowen Field has been home to the Bluefield Orioles Minor League Baseball team for over forty years, with their long-standing affiliation holding records. Notably, Cal Ripkin began his career with the Bluefield Os at this field.

For a scenic view of Bluefield and East River Valley at an elevation of 3500

feet above sea level, visitors can explore East River Mountain Overlook. This overlook was opened on September 2nd, 1960 thanks to numerous contributions from volunteers and organizations who generously provided time, effort, and funds. The East River Mountain Overlook Park has recently been renovated and now offers an observation deck with binoculars, restrooms, hiking trails, and picnic shelters equipped with tables and grills.

During its first two months of operation, the overlook received a record-breaking 7,700 visitors from 42 states and 26 foreign countries.

Bluefield is currently constructing Bluefield Intermediate to accommodate future growth by providing a new school for third, fourth, and fifth grade students in the area. Once completed,Cumberland Heights Elementary School will be closed.Bluefield, located conveniently near major highways like Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 460, acts as a central hub for both tourism and shipping in the Greater Bluefield area. The establishment of corridor I-73/74 through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991 further enhances Bluefield's potential for growth and prosperity within the tourist industry. This corridor will connect Detroit to Charleston via Bluefield, opening up new opportunities for the city's tourism sector.