Pocahontas, Virginia
Encyclopedia
Pocahontas is a town in Tazewell County
, Virginia
, named for the Algonquian
Indian woman Pocahontas
. The population was 441 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield
, WV
-VA micropolitan area
which has a population of 107,578. Pocahontas was the location of the start of this region's coal boom with a spur line that launched the Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) into national prominence during the 1880s. The large two-state coal region bears the town's name. Pocahontas was also the birthplace of jazz pianist Teddy Weatherford
.
Pocahontas, Virginia, a different location outside of Tazewell County, was added to Petersburg, Virginia
in 1785.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2), all of it land.
of 2000, there were 441 people, 190 households, and 122 families residing in the town. The population density
was 729.1 people per square mile (283.8/km2). There were 230 housing units at an average density of 380.3 per square mile (148.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.15% White, 2.04% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.91% from other races
, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.
There were 190 households out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples
living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $22,917, and the median income for a family was $30,357. Males had a median income of $22,232 versus $17,321 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $12,124. About 19.8% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
, a National Historic Landmark
and Virginia's official "coal heritage zone." The "show mine," as many locals call it, features tours from retired coal miners into the real mine that served as the birthplace of the world-famous Pocahontas #3 coal that heated homes across the United States
and was the chosen fuel of the United States Navy
. The exhibition mine, open from April–October annually, features a 13 feet (4 m) coal seam. There is also a museum and education center located in the mine's former powerhouse.
The town also features a registered Virginia Historic site, the Pocahontas Cemetery. The cemetery features graves that are over 100 years old and a mass grave of coal miners killed in a mine explosion in Pocahontas on March 13, 1884. Each year, the town holds a ceremony at the cemetery to remember the more than 114 coal miners killed in the explosion.
The town is also home to St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church
which features ten life-sized murals on the ceiling and walls of the church. The church also holds an annual Hungarian
cabbage roll
dinner to honor the European heritage of the coalfields.
each year, Pocahontas is home to the Coal Miners Reunion, which brings together retired coal miners and railroad workers from across the United States to be honored by the town with a parade and luncheon. The festival also includes special recognition of the oldest and longest-serving miners or railroad workers present and stump speeches
from local political candidates.
On the last Saturday in April, the town celebrates the official seasonal opening of the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum with a special ceremony and luncheon and half-price admission to the exhibition mine. Earlier in the day, the town hosts the annual Pocahontas Indian Run, a 5-mile run through the historic town and scenic community that brings runners from across the United States. The event also features a 3-mile Indian Walk and a Papoose Run for children 6-12. In the evening, there is a memorial ceremony at the Pocahontas Cemetery for the miners killed in the 1884 mine explosion, which killed 114 coal miners.
, vice mayor, and city council
. The current mayor is Jonathan Gibson. The Town of Pocahontas also operates a water company for the town and surrounding communities in both Virginia and West Virginia
. In 2006, the town made history when it elected an all-female administration.
that had a varsity football program, the mascot being the Indians. Both schools had been the target of school consolidation efforts which was met with much resistance from local residents. However the Tazewell County Public School Board System voted to close Pocahontas High School. The last graduating class from the school graduated on June 6, 2008 after 99 years of classes at the school. Students from PHS were sent to Tazewell or Graham High School starting with the 2008-2009 school year.
Beginning in 2006, Southwest Virginia Community College
began holding classes in downtown Pocahontas in the historic Pocahontas Fuel Company office.
was completed in the summer of 2007, and officially opened on September 5, 2007. The medium-security prison can house around 1,000 inmates and provide around 300 jobs. Unfortunately, the state brought the prison employees from other s
in Mercer County
, to the coal community. Railroad has recently been donated towards the project, and the project is endorsed by formerDemocrat
U.S. Congressman
Frederick "Rick" Boucher
from Virginia's Ninth District. Virginia also created a "Tourist Train Commission," for the project.
Tazewell County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,598 people, 18,277 households and 13,232 families residing in the county. The population density was 86 people per square mile . There were 20,390 housing units at an average density of 39 per square mile...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, named for the Algonquian
Algonquian peoples
The Algonquian are one of the most populous and widespread North American native language groups, with tribes originally numbering in the hundreds. Today hundreds of thousands of individuals identify with various Algonquian peoples...
Indian woman Pocahontas
Pocahontas
Pocahontas was a Virginia Indian notable for her association with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. She was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, the head of a network of tributary tribal nations in Tidewater Virginia...
. The population was 441 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield
Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
, WV
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
-VA micropolitan area
Bluefield micropolitan area
The Bluefield Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties – one in West Virginia and one in Virginia – anchored by the city of Bluefield, West Virginia....
which has a population of 107,578. Pocahontas was the location of the start of this region's coal boom with a spur line that launched the Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) into national prominence during the 1880s. The large two-state coal region bears the town's name. Pocahontas was also the birthplace of jazz pianist Teddy Weatherford
Teddy Weatherford
Teddy Weatherford was a jazz pianist, an accomplished stride pianist.Weatherford was born in Pocahontas, Virginia and was raised in neighboring Bluefield, West Virginia. From 1915 through 1920 he lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he learned to play jazz piano...
.
Pocahontas, Virginia, a different location outside of Tazewell County, was added to Petersburg, Virginia
Petersburg, Virginia
Petersburg is an independent city in Virginia, United States located on the Appomattox River and south of the state capital city of Richmond. The city's population was 32,420 as of 2010, predominantly of African-American ethnicity...
in 1785.
Geography
Pocahontas is located at 37.304997°N 81.339802°W (37.304997, -81.339802).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 441 people, 190 households, and 122 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 729.1 people per square mile (283.8/km2). There were 230 housing units at an average density of 380.3 per square mile (148.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.15% White, 2.04% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.91% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.
There were 190 households out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $22,917, and the median income for a family was $30,357. Males had a median income of $22,232 versus $17,321 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $12,124. About 19.8% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
Attractions
The Town of Pocahontas owns and operates the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and MuseumPocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine
Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, also known as Pocahontas Mine No. 1, or Baby Mine, is an inactive coal mine in the Pocahontas coalfield. The mine was the first in the sub-bituminous coal of the Pocahontas coalfield, opening in 1882. In 1938 it became the first exhibition coal mine in the United...
, a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
and Virginia's official "coal heritage zone." The "show mine," as many locals call it, features tours from retired coal miners into the real mine that served as the birthplace of the world-famous Pocahontas #3 coal that heated homes across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and was the chosen fuel of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
. The exhibition mine, open from April–October annually, features a 13 feet (4 m) coal seam. There is also a museum and education center located in the mine's former powerhouse.
The town also features a registered Virginia Historic site, the Pocahontas Cemetery. The cemetery features graves that are over 100 years old and a mass grave of coal miners killed in a mine explosion in Pocahontas on March 13, 1884. Each year, the town holds a ceremony at the cemetery to remember the more than 114 coal miners killed in the explosion.
The town is also home to St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
which features ten life-sized murals on the ceiling and walls of the church. The church also holds an annual Hungarian
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
cabbage roll
Cabbage roll
A cabbage roll is a dish consisting of cooked cabbage leaves wrapped around a variety of fillings. It is common to the ethnic cuisines of England, and has also found popularity in areas of North America settled by English Settlers....
dinner to honor the European heritage of the coalfields.
Festivals
On Labor DayLabor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
each year, Pocahontas is home to the Coal Miners Reunion, which brings together retired coal miners and railroad workers from across the United States to be honored by the town with a parade and luncheon. The festival also includes special recognition of the oldest and longest-serving miners or railroad workers present and stump speeches
Stump speech (politics)
A political stump speech is a standard speech used by a politician running for office. The term derives from the custom in 19th century America for political candidates campaigning from town to town to stand upon a sawed off tree stump to deliver a standard speech...
from local political candidates.
On the last Saturday in April, the town celebrates the official seasonal opening of the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum with a special ceremony and luncheon and half-price admission to the exhibition mine. Earlier in the day, the town hosts the annual Pocahontas Indian Run, a 5-mile run through the historic town and scenic community that brings runners from across the United States. The event also features a 3-mile Indian Walk and a Papoose Run for children 6-12. In the evening, there is a memorial ceremony at the Pocahontas Cemetery for the miners killed in the 1884 mine explosion, which killed 114 coal miners.
Government
The Town of Pocahontas is composed of a mayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
, vice mayor, and city council
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
. The current mayor is Jonathan Gibson. The Town of Pocahontas also operates a water company for the town and surrounding communities in both Virginia and West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
. In 2006, the town made history when it elected an all-female administration.
Educational institutions
Pocahontas is home to the former Pocahontas Middle School and Pocahontas High School, which was combined into one school on the outskirts of the town. The school hosted grades 6-12. Pocahontas High School and was the smallest high school in the state of VirginiaVirginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
that had a varsity football program, the mascot being the Indians. Both schools had been the target of school consolidation efforts which was met with much resistance from local residents. However the Tazewell County Public School Board System voted to close Pocahontas High School. The last graduating class from the school graduated on June 6, 2008 after 99 years of classes at the school. Students from PHS were sent to Tazewell or Graham High School starting with the 2008-2009 school year.
Beginning in 2006, Southwest Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College is located outside of Richlands, Virginia, on the border of Tazewell and Russell counties, and is one of the 23 schools in the Virginia Community College System. SWCC was opened in 1968 to serve the residents of Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell counties....
began holding classes in downtown Pocahontas in the historic Pocahontas Fuel Company office.
Recent Development
The Pocahontas State Correctional CenterPocahontas State Correctional Center
The Pocahontas State Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located on just outside the town of Pocahontas, Virginia. The $68.6 million facility was completed in the summer of 2007, and opened in September, 2007.-Details:...
was completed in the summer of 2007, and officially opened on September 5, 2007. The medium-security prison can house around 1,000 inmates and provide around 300 jobs. Unfortunately, the state brought the prison employees from other s
Future Development
Plans are currently in place to develop a "tourist train" from nearby Bramwell, West VirginiaBramwell, West Virginia
Bramwell is a town in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States, along the Bluestone River. The population was 426 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield, WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,578.-Geography:...
in Mercer County
Mercer County, West Virginia
-External links:* * * * * * *...
, to the coal community. Railroad has recently been donated towards the project, and the project is endorsed by formerDemocrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
U.S. Congressman
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
Frederick "Rick" Boucher
Rick Boucher
Frederick Carlyle "Rick" Boucher is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 1983 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:...
from Virginia's Ninth District. Virginia also created a "Tourist Train Commission," for the project.
Nearby towns, communities and parks
- Abbs Valley, Virginia
- Anawalt, West VirginiaAnawalt, West VirginiaAnawalt is a town in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 272 at the 2000 census. Anawalt was incorporated in 1949. It is named in honor of Colonel Anawalt, who was then manager of Union Supply Company, a subsidiary of the United States Steel Company. Coal mining...
- Bluefield, VirginiaBluefield, VirginiaBluefield is a town in Tazewell County, Virginia, along the Bluestone River. The population was 5,078 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,578...
- Bluefield, West VirginiaBluefield, West VirginiaBluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
- Bluewell, West VirginiaBluewell, West VirginiaBluewell, West Virginia is an unincorporated census-designated place on United States Highway 52 in Mercer County, West Virginia. As of the 2010 census, its population is 2,184. It is the terminus of West Virginia Route 20....
- Boissevain, VirginiaBoissevain, VirginiaBoissevain is an unincorporated community in Tazewell County, Virginia, United States. It was defined as a census-designated place at the 1950 United States Census under the name Boissevaine when it had a population of 1,197...
- Bramwell, West VirginiaBramwell, West VirginiaBramwell is a town in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States, along the Bluestone River. The population was 426 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield, WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,578.-Geography:...
- Falls Mills, VirginiaFalls Mills, VirginiaFalls Mills is an unincorporated community along Virginia State Route 102 in Tazewell County, Virginia, United States and is located at the mouth of Mud Fork Valley. It is part of the Bluefield, WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,578....
- Nemours, West VirginiaNemours, West VirginiaNemours is an unincorporated community in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. Nemours is located along West Virginia Route 102 east of Pocahontas, Virginia. Nemours has a post office with ZIP code 24738....
- Wolfe, West VirginiaWolfe, West VirginiaWolfe is an unincorporated community in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. Wolfe is located along West Virginia Route 102 at the Virginia border and is east-northeast of Pocahontas, Virginia. Wolfe had a post office, which closed on June 25, 2011....
- Tazewell, VirginiaTazewell, VirginiaTazewell is a town in Tazewell County, Virginia, USA. The population was 4,206 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Bluefield, WV-VA micropolitan area, which has a population of 107,578. It is the county seat of Tazewell County....
- Jimmy Lewis Lake, West Virginia
- Pinnacle Rock State ParkPinnacle Rock State ParkPinnacle Rock State Park is a day use facility in Mercer County, West Virginia. The park surrounds Pinnacle Rock, a sandstone formation that rises to 3,100-ft elevation.-Features:* Pinnacle Rock* Jimmy Lewis Lake...
, West Virginia