Bradshaw West Virginia: An Appalachian Coal Town in McDowell County

Join me as I continue exploring Appalachia's billion dollar Pocahontas Coalfield in the small town of Bradshaw West Virginia.
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[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching! Where should I explore next? Help Me Preserve Appalachian History and its many amazing stories, people, & places by subscribing to this channel! JOIN: Support this channel and become an official member for Exclusive Member benefits FACEBOOK: facebook.com/mountainrootshomestead PATREON: Support my work by becoming a monthly Patron at www.patreon.com/MountainRootsProductions Business or Collaboration Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@playsball]

Hart's or hart's creek in logan county please. 😁

[@MountainRoots]

@Playsball40 thanks for the suggestion, I'll certainly look into it as I have plans to explore Logan!

[@jasonmartin9116]

Coalwood

[@johnlorrieboskovic2836]

Richwood, WV - Thanks!

[@jessejames000]

Grundy Virginia

[@gregoryledbetter5428]

That's my hometown. Across from the school is oozly branch road, Bradshaw mountain is where my family is from . God I miss the old days there ..

[@kendeel7474]

Another fine job documenting an area many have called home. Your drone videography is striking as it takes in the beautiful rolling hills of McDowell County.

[@MountainRoots]

It truly possesses some of the most STUNNING natural beauty in all of Appalachia!

[@revakelly1412]

My grandfather was born and raised in Bradshaw. Heard a lot of stories about his childhood and his family living there as I grew up.

[@bhager1945]

I have a cousin who taught school in Bradshaw for 30 some years and still lives there. I can remember a lot of kids from up that way who came to school in Iaeger..I will always remember playing jr. high basketball in all those gymnasiums from Bradshaw to berwind, to war, to anawalt, and all the rest..Those towns were all loaded with great athletes and those venues were always packed for games..

[@Joseph-lr3lt]

The true home of the ATOMIC MISSLE AGENCY-- Homer H. & The Rocket Boys Watch the movie OCTOBER SKY

[@KeishaRaker]

I grew up in Bradshaw/Jolo, but moved to Texas in 1989. I visited home at least once a year. After 32 years, I came back home. There's something about the mountains and the people that make you feel welcome no matter what. Thank you for doing this video to show the beauty of Bradshaw.

[@klwthe3rd]

I think it's amazing that you moved back home. Jolo has been named quite a bit in Appalachia videos due to the infamous snake church in that small town. If someone was to visit that area would you have any recommendations on who might be the local historian or tour guide?

[@ak_getright9905]

Idk whenever I’ve went thru West Virginia the people weren’t all that nice. I didn’t feel welcone

[@kracker1104]

I'm sure I could recommend someone

[@kracker1104]

I'm sorry about that. I'm sure every area has some who aren't as friendly as others.

[@Rambler-gx6vb]

Hope your doing well I'm from Iager and we had one the biggest families in McDowell County. I live outside Princeton now hope you are wel.

[@stacyholt6529]

I cannot get over how beautiful these small towns and their surroundings are. Thank you so much for this glimpse into Appalachia.

[@MountainRoots]

Breathtaking natural wonders! Thanks for watching 😊

[@simplyamandashomesteadsampler]

My husband is from McDowell County. They pronounce Bradshaw- Brad chaw. Their dialect is beautiful! Tfs! I need a mountain trip now! Blessings!

[@MountainRoots]

Indeed! And the county is pronounced "Mack-Dow"

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Sure Enjoying Your Shared Journey Here, Many Thanks Josh ! ATB T God Bless

[@johnnybeavers3222]

This was my home when I was young , and it's great that you can record it and place it on youtube thank you for bring home to me.

[@clayman7853]

My mom grew up in Bradshaw and moved out in 1976, its amazing to watch this with her. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed!

[@sandydeel400]

This town is unrecognizable. I remember the old grade school. I need to go make a visit back to this town one day soon. Seems like my dad's first grocery store was in a building that once housed the company store. It's something how time passes and changes things before you realize it. Thanks for doing the video on Bradshaw. Great video. Keep them coming.

[@MountainRoots]

Oh wow! Your dad's store was here?! Time, and nature, are certainly reclaiming the area.

[@klwthe3rd]

So your father's grocery store took over the old company store building after they left? Wow i wonder where that is?

[@dralbertpakin8895]

I love West Virginia. I live in Maryland/DC area and WV is my escape. But I didn't realize how big it really is. Some day I want to move to WV because of how the places feel.

[@herdfreak2]

I’m traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina to help with Hometown Trail Days.

[@maxxspicer2440]

If you haven’t been you should really go see goshen pass Virginia very beautiful.

[@jugg1492]

Would love to see the millions of jobs come back to this country, let alone west virginia.

[@melindathomas21]

I would love to see you actually go into these homes and do a full documentary on the subjects you record. You have the talent forsure. Much love

[@MountainRoots]

I've done a few like that, be sure to check them out. Welcome to the journey!

[@melindathomas21]

@@MountainRoots really i couldn't find them .. let me look again

[@stevedavis6879]

I'm in the uk and always fascinated to watch these videos. Never been to the states but if I was too , I'd definitely visit these kind of places . .I'm from the north of England and also a mining city. Times hit us hard but the communities stuck together .

[@revakelly1412]

My Grandfather was born and raised in Bradshaw, birthday 5/4/1906. His father worked in the mines and my grandfather later worked in the mines. He told us stories of how the mine towns worked and the scripts.

[@jessejames000]

I spent a lot of time in Bradshaw. Use to live in Jolo up groundhog holler. There’s an old cemetery up there you should check out. You’d need directions to find it though. Lmk if you’re interested.

[@christinesalamatin4433]

That is my family's grave site

[@klwthe3rd]

Can i ask you a question. How does someone that is visiting the area find out where these hollars are located and what they are called? It's not like the mouth of the Hollar is labeled with a name is it?? Like in your example, groundhog holler.

[@mike451]

drove a company work truck there all the time in the 80s for a construction company out of Bluefield also my sister is a Bradshaw from rocky gap va her late husband s family had a saw mill they sold many loads of mine props in the coal fields KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS

[@christinesalamatin4433]

I grew up here as a child I loved it me and my siblings would play in the mountains and streams all day it was great. I still have my family here they are all pretty much the whole town. Hope to visit again soon.

[@Aelin373]

This is my hometown! I still have family in the area, but moved away in 5th grade in the early 2000s. It's such a beautiful area, and I will always be grateful for the magical nature that it provided me in my childhood. I grew up hearing people talk about how busy and alive it was in its prime.

[@gregdelaney119]

Thank you, Josh, for another engaging and informative stop on the journey. I enjoy reading the comments, especially of those for whom these locations are "home". Their pride and the memories shared are inspiring. :)

[@MountainRoots]

It truly is moving, and quite encouraging to me to keep exploring, documenting, and sharing!

[@dougwhiley4028]

I've moved to a little town in Australia (Zeehan, Tasmania) it is so similar to West Virginia , the town, landscape and economy. Silver used to be mined here. The population has shrunk. But a new nickel mine is reinvigorating the economy.

[@MountainRoots]

Owned by outside interests?

[@dougwhiley4028]

@@MountainRoots all of the properties are individually owned. I don't know who owns the nickel mine. Someone with a lot of capital. Probably one of Australia's big mining companies.

[@Newsgomergirl]

I'm loving all these videos of the small towns in WV. Some of those places really do make you feel like you are in another world. I don't know if this is on your radar, but have you thought about going over to Point Pleasants, WV?

[@MountainRoots]

Sure have, in the near future! Lots of places to explore in Appalachia from western NC to east TN, KY, back into WV, swVA, and beyond.

[@calwolfe3094]

Bartley and "Bear Town" had huge coal mining facilities.

[@klwthe3rd]

What is "Bear town"? Are these mines still active today?

[@calwolfe3094]

@@klwthe3rd Bear Town was simply a location for a huge coal processing plant named #6. It has been inactive for over35 years.

[@virginianative847]

I’m just wondering why people that work remote in tech aren’t moving to towns like this to build nice houses cheap and bring their wealthy people for start business that are ran by websites lol these old coal mining towns are perfect and so much cheaper than how they are doing it in the west coast states like COL, WY, and Dakotas

[@klwthe3rd]

SHHH don't ruin a good thing. Have you seen how those same people have destroyed Montana by moving away from California and now the locals can't afford to live there??? Anytime rich people move to poor areas it hurts the area more than it does good.

[@waltobringer2928]

Thank you! I really like what you do.

[@StacysRevivalCreations]

Have you been to Sistersville WV? Once upon a time, a BOOMING oil town where people came in droves to be a part of the $$$$$. Now, sweet Sistersville is very sad and melancholy. It was like Mayberry when I was growing up there, and I dearly loved it! Walking uptown to the barbershop with my Papaw and to the "Five-and-Ten", also often visiting the hardware store where the scent of the wood was glorious! Sistersville General hospital was nothing more than a mere small house. Ah, I miss how it once was. It's still beautiful but has definitely declined. Thanks for all your videos about my home state. Almost Heaven! Take me home country roads. ❤️

[@MountainRoots]

I have not, but I'll look into it. Thanks for reaching out & watching!

[@calwolfe3094]

Any place in McDowell County is of interest to me. Try Grundy, Va also

[@MountainRoots]

Be sure to check out the couple of episodes I've already done in the Grundy & Buchanan County Virginia area.

[@cgb1966]

My grandparents lived in Bradshaw until the early 70’s. My grandfather, Herschel Wolfe was a miner at the local mine. My mother attended the school. Find memories. Thanks for the video.

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome!

[@willjones5310]

I get so excited when he does videos about West Virginia

[@MountainRoots]

Love hearing that, thanks for watching!

[@demoisellesdoggroomingparl76]

Aw Bradshaw! Mom’s old stomping grounds!!! Love hearing about this place and seeing your videos of it. Wish I could have seen it back in the day though. I bet that was really something. Great video!

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much! Yes, apparently her dad's store would've been near Bradshaw if not in it.

[@calwolfe3094]

Great video. I grew up here in the 1950's and it was a thriving place with great memories. My Dad was a coal miner for 40 years. My first goal was to leave the area and avoid coal mining. It eventually killed everyone it touched but it was the way of life in McDowell county. So sad to see your home town descend into it's current condition. This video is wonderful since I have not seen Bradshaw since the mid 1970's.

[@MountainRoots]

I'm sorry it's such a bittersweet reminiscing, but thanks for watching & sharing your perspective!

[@stephenhipp7859]

My grandpa was a coal miner who moved from the hills in 192x something and the county still has less then 400.

[@alysonrdiaz]

It’s always a good time traveling to these Appalachian towns with you! Love hearing all of the history🤎 You’re doing a PHENOMENAL job, Josh!! Keep up the great work 😁

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much, appreciate you being here riding along with me!

[@mortkb]

I really appreciate this content. I have a special place in my heart for this area of the country and I absolutely love watching these videos. I am a hillbilly at heart so I can completely understand what these small towns have gone through.

[@MountainRoots]

Be sure to watch my latest episodes on "Who Are the Appalachians" (2 parts) and my Valentine's Day special on the truth about Inbreeding in Appalachia!

[@jimmycooper3945]

Josh! Another great video. The link between War to Bradshaw and all the small communities between is historic. For example, English WV was McDowell County's first county seat! It use to have a Deskin's Supermarket and Dry Goods store a theater and so much more. Thank you once again for an awesome video of my home county.

[@MountainRoots]

You're so welcome, and thanks for the feedback! I'm thrilled that it resonates with folks, and that in a small way we are preserving, together, Appalachian history, places, and stories!

[@sherryceltic9856]

Jimmy I remember shopping at that Deskin’s back in the day. 😊. Precious memories.

[@MountainRoots]

@@sherryceltic9856 good memories!

[@truckinpoppop6777]

My grandma worked at the Deskins for years. They used to live in an apartment above the store. I had many relatives from English and Mc Dowell. All the men were miners. My great grandfather was GC Thompson. He ran a small dry goods store at the mouth of English hollow. English also had a gold bond stamp store at one time 😊

[@klwthe3rd]

@@truckinpoppop6777 Awesome history!

[@haydendelena]

I just love your videos.

[@MountainRoots]

So glad to hear it! 😊

[@mattfinney7470]

Best biscuit you ever eat is at sumnaco grocery. Bacon egg and cheese! Cooked homemade. The kindest Best people I've ever knew.

[@chloesmum1884]

I moved from there in 1987. Drugheads and lazy people on SSI checks are the majority left there now. Some good hard working folks left...but not many. Very sad depressing place now.😞

[@MountainRoots]

😔

[@Aelin373]

I moved away in the early 2000s, but still visit to see family. The drug problem is so bad, it's heartbreaking.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@Aelin373 So many videos and people talk about how bad the drug problem is in Southern West Virginia but if an outsider like me was to drive through the town and stop at the local gas station, would i see any of it?? It's not like people are shooting up and doing drugs in the middle of the town is it?? It's probably all done out of sight on private property or homes.

[@clarapalmer5118]

My daddy was from Gassaway

[@johnleca]

Thanks great video, I want to move to West Virginia. I am in Killadelphia,

[@robynlindamood6688]

My dad's first coaching job was in Bradshaw in the early 1950. A large black and white photo of his first football team hung in our living room forever. About 5 years ago my sister and I took the picture down to the high school . I thought it would have been neat to have a "name them" contest. My parents loved the people there and kept in touch with many at Christmas. My dad often said that they were hard working and family oriented. Thanks for sharing!

[@MountainRoots]

What a special memory!

[@klwthe3rd]

So you still live there now? Did the high school accept your father's picture and put it in the new school?

[@johncadogan9450]

We need not worry about the aging population Govt have taken care of that with the COVID vaccine.

[@dongoosman807]

Went through there several years ago on the way to a nearby city known as WV's southernmost city, War. Not much there any more.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Nice, clean little town. You can see the people care about it.

[@MountainRoots]

Indeed, you can see that. Thanks for watching!

[@glendacoronado-k6k]

Josh, thank you for the Bradshaw video. brings back a lot of memories. All of us "kids" went to the old Bradshaw junior high, came down from Paynesville where we all grew up. Bradshaw, like Paynesville, Iaeger ,etc,, all have changed so very much...worse now than ever. Thank you.

[@klwthe3rd]

There isn't a downtown Paynesville is there? Paynesville seems to be the last town on 83 till you hit the VA border and all i could find on Google was the US Postal Building?? Any insight would be appreciated.

[@markakira8988]

If there's an ATV driving in the middle of a small Appalachian town, there's a decent chance it qualifies for a Mountain Roots episode. Wow @ two theatres and a taxi service. Bench at 2:28 might be an Ultraplay brand. I installed many of those in one of my jobs.

[@MountainRoots]

Haha, indeed! Thanks for watching 😊

[@phillipwhite659]

I attended that school in 1961 and 62 it has been years since I was there. Thank you this videos. We lived on up Brashaw creek that was a different time. May our the Lord Jesus bless you brother.

[@MountainRoots]

Was it ever a high school?

[@jonmulack4226]

I really enjoy your videos, history and of all the towns you guide us through in McDowell Co. I was lucky enough to spend time motorcycling this beautiful area this summer. For a motorcyclist, this area is simply stunning. The people are so friendly, history is remarkable. Roads are full of corners, gas is plentiful. McDowell County is the tip of the iceberg for a motorcycling and offroading area. Thank you for sharing your travels.

[@MountainRoots]

It's beautiful country to explore, thanks for watching!

[@sidclark1953]

Wikipedia says this town only had 337 people as of 2010.

[@michaeldowdy3176]

Thank you for a glimpse of what Bradshaw looks like today. Seeing those beautiful mountains makes me a little homesick but I know it’s cold there hahaha so I will stay here in the Philippines a few more months before I visit home again.

[@MountainRoots]

You're certainly welcome! I'm sure the Philippines are also very easy on the eyes 😊

[@truckinpoppop6777]

I remember being a little kid in the 70’s and going to a bar and pool hall a distant uncle owned. They had to sit us on the pool table so we could roll the balls in the pockets. They would give us rolls of nickels to play the pinball machines. Had to stand on a chair for that. I don’t remember exactly where it was but I know it backed up to the river.

[@MountainRoots]

I was told there were once several bars/saloons in Bradshaw. By the looks of it, several footprints now remain where buildings once stood.

[@frankthetank9525]

I’ve watched a handful of your videos and have enjoyed every, single one!! These towns in Appalachia come to life in such interesting fashion because of your insight and love for the area. I will continue catching up on the series but I’m wondering if you’ve ever ventured down to eastern Tennessee to show those areas? Take care and thanks for sharing the great work!!

[@MountainRoots]

So glad you're enjoying them! Yes, I've explored some in east TN & KY, as well as swVA. This year I have plans to explore more extensively in east TN, western NC, and beyond! Be sure to check out my Copperhead Road episode in east TN 😊

[@bradlane3662]

I delivered Coca Cola in Bradshaw while I worked for the company from 1978 to 1986. And delivered for National Linen in Bradshaw from 1987 until all my accounts there closed in the early 2000s even though I worked that job until 2020. Bradshaw Pharmacy that you showed was one of these. It closed when Rite Aid came to town, bought out the owner, and hired him to work for them. Now they're gone. Hard to believe you could still buy a new Chevy or Ford in Bradshaw into the 1990s! Another great video Josh.

[@MountainRoots]

Truly jarring how things have and can change. Appreciate you watching!

[@klwthe3rd]

That is true history about how the Bradshaw Pharmacy was shut down. These corporations come into these towns, run out the local businesses and then leave in the near future. I wonder where the Rite Aid pharmacy building was in the town. I didn't see anything that looked like it. Was there a car dealership in the town too?

[@bradlane3662]

@@klwthe3rd There's another pharmacy on the lot where Rite Aid was located. But I think it's a different building. As far as car dealerships, yes. I can't recall the name of the Chevy dealership. But the other one was Jones Ford.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@bradlane3662 Thanks for your reply. It turns out that the building that replaced the RiteAid is "Upon the Rock Ministries" It looks like a slightly "newer" building but the colors have been changed to disguise it from the old Rite Aid facade. And yes, Jones Ford opened it's doors in 1957 but i can't find the date of abolishment of it's business license. I'll keep digging.

[@edmondchesterton9780]

Thomas Anthony Walker Jeffrey Jackson Karen

[@rogerdolan592]

Thanks!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you for the support, it's greatly appreciated!

[@sherryceltic9856]

I’ve been living in Virginia for almost 40 years, but southern WV is home.

[@MountainRoots]

Home is where the heart is. Thanks for watching!!

[@josephcecil7014]

Excellent video! Thanks and will be viewing your other videos soon.

[@MountainRoots]

So glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@danielsizemore3678]

Check out Mingo County

[@MountainRoots]

Check out my episode on Matewan!

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

Looks like a nice clean town compared to most of Southern WV.

[@MountainRoots]

Don't be too hard on southern WV, I've seen quite a few tidy places. Thanks for watching!

[@hillbillydan4721]

This little town reminds me of Lynch, Kentucky another coal mining camp town ! At one time Lynch had over 20,000 people and now well, it has dwindled down to hardly nothing ! I was there on a mission trip in 2003 and I just fell in love with that little town !! I've been back a couple of times !!! There are countless other little gems of a town scattered all throughout those beautiful Appalachian mountains, really love the videos Josh, they rekindle fond memories of long ago, thank you my friend !!

[@MountainRoots]

That's another place I intend to explore in the near future!

[@hillbillydan4721]

@@MountainRoots Josh if you do go look up Lonnie Riley, I cannot remember the name of his ministry off the top of my head but, he has a wealth of information and history of Lynch !!

[@MountainRoots]

@@hillbillydan4721 will do, appreciate the tip!

[@larryhughes9212]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching!

[@laretdenton9768]

Very informative

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you thought so, thanks for watching!

[@childrey14]

Beautiful, but depressing to drive thru towns in Appalachian these days🥺

[@MountainRoots]

Oh, not all of them. Yet, there are certainly those that will cause quite the introspective episode.

[@jonmulack4226]

It makes me greatful for what I have and to hope that more others seek the beauty that is everywhere, everyday in this incredible part of our country.

[@Kinbo72steanneNB]

Thank you

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome!

[@roddymcniven8734]

Thanks bud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome!

[@jimgomez5396]

A good place to retire to?

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

Thanks!

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks SO MUCH for the support, it is greatly appreciated!!

[@bevincrodian8801]

Chattaroy

[@bevincrodian8801]

chattaroy

[@bevincrodian8801]

chattaroy

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thanks MR❤️

[@MountainRoots]

Very welcome!

[@Tom.Gregory]

Thanks

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@stormy8092]

They should put solar panels all over those mountain tops and sell the energy to electric companies. Instead of cutting the tops off the mountains so the hollers and valleys can flood.....put the panels up instead.

[@bobbieblevins812]

@mona dee vance