I Drove Through Berwind, West Virginia | Heres What I Saw

Berwind, WV...wow! This is such a beautiful place gone bad. With the closing of the coal mines, this McDowell County town has suffered greatly and a recovery is not exactly within sight. Currently Berwind has a population of 170 and declining each year. Many dilapidated homes just abandoned, can it be saved? Let's take a drive and check some of it out!

[@bethmitchell7613]

West Virginia is such a beautiful state. It's sad to see the good people living so poorly.

[@Timetravel1819]

It's sad to see places run down like this, but once the shock wears off, as an introvert, I wouldn't mind living in a small quiet ghost town with only 170 people. 😇 Peaceful and quiet. You only saw 3 people your whole time there? Lovely! ☺ That's my kind of place!

[@selfproclaimedintrovert5676]

Agreed. I grew up in a tiny upper Appalachian town and moved to a big city. Now Im in a much smaller city, but I am beginning to miss my roots and the peace and quiet. The hills are calling me back home.

[@Netravick]

Thought the same thing.

[@allanbaagefeldt2320]

Yes but where do you buy foods and stuff ?

[@hhin]

I've found that when I'm watching your West Virginia videos, I tend to see the beauty of the place first, before I notice the dereliction.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Yup I agree!

[@lucanolallo1776]

Absolutely. It’s such a beautiful area.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

I have been to West Virginia and Kentucky and the greenness and vitality is awesome unfortunately everybody needs money and when you shut down coal there is no more money and no reason to be there

[@pyrovania]

@@glennbeadshaw727 Pretty places are good for tourism and retirees.

[@brandonbarnes8997]

@@glennbeadshaw727 I mean it's a perfect opportunity to live off grid don't need a whole lotta money to not participate in consumerism

[@accordman43]

That Berwind train station was Hardin’s Grocery. Never knew it to be a train station since railroad tracks were across the creek from Hardin’s! My stepfather was company doctor and we lived upstairs in the “biggest house in Berwind” I went to school in Berwind from the first grade to the ninth and left Berwind that summer in 1958. I greatly appreciate your video. Crying shame what has happened to Berwind, it was really a great place to live!!

[@JonJaeden]

I used to go to Hardin's to get grape bubble gum for a penny.

[@tommym6335]

Seems the lights are still on, on the upper floor.

[@shirleygiordano7627]

I guess I'm a country girl at heart. I really like the quiet peace in this video, and I love the forest. I'm from a small town in PA, but not this small. My mom is from West Virginia. It is almost Heaven.

[@aspire3620]

Would be a nice place but can you please explain why American people love collecting or leaving so much trash , old cars out the front of their homes and businesses ?

[@jnolette1030]

That's a John Denver song

[@gottasay4766]

The need for specific activities such as mining usually evolve into obsolescence as technology advances. Building wagons was a thriving business in my city of Winston-Salem until cars were developed enough to become the main source of transportation. Should the wagon building industry been protected because people lost jobs? In a rational world, folk would retool as needed to meet the job requirements of the new era. West Virginia could possibly use those mountain tops and slopes to put wind and solar farms. Just a thought.

[@crabbycreates2943]

Yeah, I miss southern Illinois sometimes. Much different here in Tucson, AZ.

[@SicilianStealth]

Granted different people like different things there is no right or wrong but as I see this video as they are driving down streets many homes are either burned down or abandoned because of poverty and the mining operations closing.

[@wesleyweber8488]

The mountains in the background are gorgeous.

[@artsgirl]

OMG I literally spent summers here visiting my grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. My grandfather was a coal miner in Berwind. I remember the Doctor's house as a child. I go far enough back that I can remember the company store at it's heyday.

[@renasears5705]

A beautiful state!

[@heathermcbane5971]

I live in a "ghost town" in Oregon and as a writing and social studies teacher I have been teaching my students the history of our town and the pioneers who settled it. They have learned to love the abandoned buildings and homes and even single fence posts because they are all representations of someone's dreams, hopes and goals - how they were going to provide for their family. This town in your video is beautiful.

[@derekhein3738]

Even with the run-down homes, it still looks beautiful!

[@margaretstrouse5891]

I am an old lady and seeing towns in this state of decline only saddens me.

[@hoodsnhollers]

thanks for watching Margaret!

[@karenwhite8085]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jayjaynella4539]

Especially in the "richest" country in the world. Scenes rarely visible in other western countries. Reminds me of why Tom T Hall recorded "the Promise and the Dream".

[@jameswood5835]

Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this video. When people talk about poverty today, the people living in these mountains are rarely part of the conversation. Reminds me so much of where I grew up in Somerset county Pa. I'll never forget the coal miners coming out of the mines covered in black when my family went to church Sunday mornings. Yet, you will not find more helpful and genuine caring people anywhere.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks for watching!

[@zorroya4856]

I really enjoy your videos. I am from Germany and seeing towns and landscapes from rather unknown parts of the US is very interesting.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks for watching!

[@DEVINdevdev]

Same, i'm from Estonia and landscapes fascinate me. subscribed and hit the bell

[@robertmchugh4639]

Interesting? Humm....

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Berwind-White was an industrial magnet that built these small coal mines and towns all over the north east. My wife is from “Windber, PA”, many immigrant Polish, Russians settled there & Berwind-White worked them like dogs. We’ve all heard the stories of owing the company store …. many workers were paid w/ company dollars to only be spent inside coal company stores & often short therefore owing the man every week after a hard week of work. Horrible times. Coal company would build duplex homes and rent to the miner and his family. It was a time almost like indentured servants. Thanks for the video.

[@richyrich4672]

I’m from Windber. 👍the company store is still there. The company houses are to everyone just remodeled them over the years. My elderly neighbor told me stories about working in the mine when he was a kid.

[@johnzindash5439]

I'm from Windber too. Both of my grandfathers and dad worked the 40th Mine.

[@johndavy3073]

It is a great video made better by your comment, thank you.

[@Skylarking00]

Beautiful countryside. Sweet nature.

[@kimberlylay1005]

I've never seen anything like it, and I live in the Texas Hill Country ...everything's so green .. some people see dilapidated houses but I see where nature intervened and prevailed... It takes my breath away imagine being able to see it firsthand ..

[@ianstuart5660]

@@kimberlylay1005 Got the same type of impression you had!

[@dicksimmons8057]

I recommend reading Harry Caudill's " Night Falls on the Cumberlands " . Though written in 1962, it gives a great background of the coal industry and how it created the coal camps and fostered dependency among the people of the Appalachians. With the mines closed, the people lost hope and decay set in.

[@janetcallanan7020]

Thanks I'm in my 60s know the foothills of the Appalachians well read Night Falls on the Cumberlands in the 70s really should read it again

[@user-cx8mj7lc7s]

Как джунгли, ни люднй ни детей, мрачно, грустно .

[@strem17694]

Thank you for taking the time to record and post these videos; they make me realize how good I've got it. It's heartbreaking to think of all the families affected by the downturn of the economy in their towns.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

The horrible thing is there's no need for it coal can be burned cleanly... the whole world needs energy everyday and fossil fuels are the best providers

[@davidconrad5348]

My wife graduated from Big Creek High School in 1959. Over the years we spent many happy days visiting with her large extended family. Her house is still there and looks pretty good.

[@RhondaA]

My mom graduated from Big Creek in 1957. Sandy Counts. Your wife may have known her.

[@mimalemonclock]

Such stunning greenery. The section of town by the caboose looks like a fairy tale!!! You can imagine how it looked when it was first settled. I just love it!!!

[@hoodsnhollers]

It really is!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

What a beautiful area. The scenery is amazing. Looks like it would be a great place to retire.

[@ricklove8588]

Was owned by a Dr then owned by CL young. I lived across that bridge on the right. Lived there from the late 70s to the late 80s. Know every corner in Berwind

[@hoodsnhollers]

I was actually gonna talk to someone if I could have found someone near that area. Amazing place.

[@ricklove8588]

@@hoodsnhollers there are still a few of the old timers left. I still have family there. The Dr's house if you go back across that bridge the that road ends in about 100 yards or so you can go left or right. You were on these rds. You take the left the 3 house on the left is a big white house with a chain link fence. My aunt lived there. Louise vesalasky was her married name madden name Love. Her son Mike lives there now he would be happy to give you plenty of information

[@ricklove8588]

I have seen several of these videos from Bandy VA and Amonata area where my mother was from to war and Welch. I have offered others I would set something up and drive there for some of the past

[@hoodsnhollers]

I did Amonate its uploaded on the channel. I was thinking of uploading bandy but to be honest it gets hazy in terms of where im really at, there's no cell service and the gps kinda goes bonkers so its hard to tell where the lines are drawn. Thats kinda how a lot of these places are near here so I try to be as accurate as i can. But yeah if i get an idea of when ill do more i will perhaps contact you thanks for watching!

[@raeelsley2984]

I just can’t understand empty homes in a country with so many homeless……..somewhere there is a family who just need a chance and some support to create their own paradise

[@roadrunner123]

Absolutely beautiful! That beautiful green just goes for miles.

[@julies1ify]

Awesome video & heartbreaking at the same time. Such beautiful area with so much trash littering it. Im from Detroit & oddly enough, Brightmoor where Im from is eerily similar but no where as beautiful as this. Abandoned houses after businesses left or in Berwinds case, coal mines shut down. God Bless the good people of Berwind

[@richardnelson6801]

sad. i remember going through Birwind, Canebrake and War with my mom and dad on the way to Coretta to visit my grandfather. All the neighborhoods were so clean and well-kept in the 1960's.

[@sukiemac8159]

Just saw your videos and I love them. I felt like I was riding in the car with you and thank you for not narrating. Enjoyed the peace and quiet.

[@johnday8677]

Being from the UK it’s an eye opener to see such deprivation in the richest country on earth. It’s indicative of the society that the biggest and best house belongs to the local doctor. I wonder what healthcare is like if you can’t pay!!

[@kevinoswald4136]

same as if you can

[@view1st]

The vegetation is so lush. I bet you get a lot of rain there. Seems a nice, quiet, peaceful place and I'm sure the people who live there are nice too.

[@julietrask7497]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@MsDoxma]

Huh? 🤢

[@briankay4229]

Wish you had a chance to talk to a local resident and get some insight on the past and present life of this town. Such a beautiful area.

[@margaretdrew2844]

They would probably like to talk about what It was like years ago 😊

[@nickhill8612]

That's a good idea.

[@yellowstone2964]

I absolutly love these small appalachain towns !!!!

[@1940limited]

Maybe these videos will give enough publicity to all these small towns and generate new interest that could lead to a rebirth of them.

[@msmissy143]

West Virginia Aaagh...I got lost in some Corn Fields in West Virginia, Thank you Father God I believed in you to get me outta there alive. All glory, praise, and honor! AMEN!

[@schmaudog]

I picked the wrong time of year to fall in love with this channel. What you do has to take some real bravery but is also heartbreaking.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@scotnick59]

At 63, I love watching these videos; in my youth I vagabonded myself in such places. This is much easier in every way and almost as enjoyable!

[@yvonnejones9940]

My mother and father's family grew up in Beckley, WV. My maternal family's home is still there. I can remember them talking about Berwind and the coal camps. Beautiful state.

[@JoJo-oc2zp]

Fascinating viewing. I immediately subscribed after the first one that I watched. Thanks for sharing with us

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thank you so much!

[@nancymcgee4776]

I'm in south central/southern Ohio in Chillicothe which is 45 miles straight down the highway from Columbus! Chillicothe is down in the valley at the foothills of the Appalachians and we have a few of these little towns dotted thru the hills also. It's not so much the delapation as it wondering what happened to the people and what their story was! I loved how the old church was still there that one sign of some kind of stability! Sometimes, church's outnumbered the houses! As sad as it is, it's the history that makes it still fascinating to see. Thank you for sharing!

[@jeffbrown3963]

In Chillicothe, Ohio some of the decay is caused when state highways build by-passes (like rt.23 and rt. 35). If the paper company ever closes there, things will be a lot worse!

[@caesarvi1803]

Fellow Chillicothen here! First people from here I've seen on KZbin! I too hope the papermill never goes out; that and Kenworth would be disastrous.

[@1940limited]

The doctor's house in this video is still doing well and in the hands of someone who can maintain it.

[@tinanoel452]

Thanks for sharing. I been stuck in Florida my whole life. Love the mountains

[@viviangreen8630]

I grew up in Beckley West Virginia in 1959 and it still looks the same. I haven't been back since 1983. The state of West Virginia should be ashamed of themselves to allow people to live in these conditions. keep praying for these people. God bless you.

[@magicmarker7047]

I see a huge amount of potential here for market gardening. Are there any stores or other services available? What are the winters like with those high mountains/ hills? Lust green vegetation, serene and peaceful looking.

[@jennabannena3525]

God i love these little towns so much, would love to live in a little quiet place like this one day

[@calmmusicforsleep]

Awesome tour! Stunning nature and beautiful landscapes but many abandoned houses! Thanks for sharing! Have a great day

[@jordant5107]

My grandmother was born in Berwind way back in 1918. I can't remember for how long she said she lived there though. Her family and her moved to Connecticut while she was still a child. I want to make it there someday and drive around myself.

[@JessicaMiller-pc4dj]

From a British/ European perspective, this looks like every horror movie ever made and I love everything about it. .

[@lindabrooks1863]

Glad you explain about what side of the road you were on.😅

[@hoodsnhollers]

LOL! You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve gotten asked about that in the last few videos.

[@lovemusic1963ify]

Thanks for taking us places I'm sure most if not all of us would ever visit. Such a beautiful town.

[@relaxingroaddrives591]

Super sweet camera shots. Those houses.. look at all that history there.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks! And yeah it’s jaw dropping to see how time stands still in places like this.

[@pskumpf66]

I love watching your videos, brings back so many childhood memories. If you ever find yourself near Newhall Holler, please take a video. It would really be a treasure to our family. Thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023!

[@steveeddy6876]

Despite some Dumpy and abandoned house's the place is country green beautiful! Like the John Denver song take me home Country Road!!!!

[@joekennedy3037]

I live in Fairbanks Alaska 35k+. The roads/pavement is sooooo much better there in “dilapidated” Berwind, WV. Oh and I too would enjoy that peace and quiet :). Thank you for sharing.

[@fredericbastiat5653]

When your whole way of life get's left behind, heartbreaking actually. Hard to see opportunity in such places. I lived in southwestern Pa, not too different then as this is now.

[@michaellehmbeck8671]

Thank you so much Hoods N Hollers for uploading this great video, I appreciate it!

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

I don't think I've ever been to the State of West Virginia when it wasn't raining.

[@sknowman1424]

That's because that's all it does is rain here. Lived here my entire life and that's all it does. Closest thing to an American rainforest.

[@dnwitte]

Same. I've had to drive across it several times, and it always starts to rain just as I cross the border, and every town and village looks like the end of civilization.

[@TheAzmountaineer]

@@dnwitte That happens to me every time I go to Seattle, which reminds me of one of the reasons I left WV - too many gray rainy days and rained-out picnics.

[@skatpak2967]

this happens everywhere you make a town..built around money..when the money moves so do the people that need it..sad but true thanks for the share

[@chucksheets3365]

I was raised in Berwind until age of 5. I came back there many times in my life. I find it tragic that a once up and coming town fell. Sad

[@swiftkarma4436]

Look at all that beautiful green land.

[@JNXT_Railroad]

Fascinating as always...and sad to see towns that have seen better days going slowly to ruin. Lot of history here that will never be known.

[@ulrichfriehe3459]

Nature is older and reclaimes the abandoned houses that were happy homes back in the day. Sad but true. Reminds me of the sad song "lonesome old home".

[@CJ-hc9ud]

I lived in a smaller town the condition was going in this direction. So we're many towns around it. Buildings just falling down. It's sad this is America. Supposed to be the greatest country on earth.

[@mrnobody3161]

I'm in Canada, in the Prairies. It's sad thinking of all the lives lived, hopes, dreams, memories that have passed. It's so different for me, the moist plant life, the topography. Many small towns have faded away where I am too, while a few have grown with city folk moving in.

[@1billiedale]

I really enjoy watching your videos even though they can be depressing. It's amazing how infrequently you see any people. It would be great if you could engage in some conversation with someone who may be approachable. Good work as and I like the informative captions!

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks so much for the kind words! If i get a chance or someone wants to contact me I would look into it.

[@lora5779]

You can see the Beauty here!!!So sad to see that's is starting to fall apart.. Thank You for Your Share of Videos !! I Love the history You share with it too!! Like I have said before, I have always dreamed of living in the South somewhere! I will never let go of My dreams weather they ever happen or not. 🏠💜✝️

[@brianaustingoodson3112]

s for sharing.. ..I enjoy seeing places I haven't seen or been....🙏✌️

[@AB..__..]

This looks like an area that would be well suited to agriculture. It has almost a rain forest appearance.

[@jomattingly8440]

If you are ever back in the Area, Terry, WV is an amazing old coal camp as well. I grew up there with the new river as my back yard and the woods as my front yard.

[@sangeetawesley6683]

Must have been a beautiful, thriving place at one time 💖

[@lydiapurple]

Very interesting and the skies add to an eerie vibe

[@Hotsaucedaily]

Your videos are so enjoyable to watch. You do a great job, thank you for all the hard work. I was curious about your setup, so I emailed you asking a few questions. Thanks in advance!

[@joekrepps]

My heart breaks for these places! America’s forgotten poor. Grateful for your videos! Just found you recently. Do you encounter many locals while you’re recording? If so, do they have any reactions to you recording their towns? Just curious. I wish I could help but such a massive project.

[@cathyclark5272]

I enjoyed watching this video I have never seen Berwind WV before my mother was born there in the coal camp 1936,my grandpa worked in the coal mine’s tipple.

[@terryjenkins1889]

My mother and grandmother, were originally from Hinton, West Virginia. My family lived in Virginia, but we would go to Hinton, from time to time, to visit my mother and grandmother's relatives, that still lived there.

[@zachtaylor3455]

I love videos like this on one hand you can look at each street and or building on that street each one has its own story to tell some cases good some cases not so good the story behind each one is unique to that one place the history of what it once was to what why and how it is now I find this subject matter quite fascinating especially the older I get there is much connected to the interest in these old and hauntingly sad places for example entire towns that were once thriving living dreaming places for people that have now faded into eternal obscurity forever forgotten by the heaviness of time itself even perpetual care fades and is lost to time and in many cases just like anything else given enough time everything will eventually be reclaimed by nature one never knowing any place ever existed never knowing children once played in the streets family's were formed and sometimes tragic issues and or happenings impacted lives as well but as yet it is all but forgotten as the heavy hand of time slowly erases all traces of anything that may have ever been My god that is alot to consider and think about sadness happiness all of it has an effect on the life and death of these small towns and or neighborhoods like life itself they come and go and eventually return to the earth that they once were..... Keep up the great work and or content my brotha greetings from West Virginia!!!

[@gidget9101]

Really enjoyed your videos. I am from Australia and have heard so much of this area. Please keep recording, brilliant!

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@audreytempleton4415]

This is exactly what I think about when I see these lost places.I am a West Virginian also still living in a thriving small town.I can't picture it going by the wayside like so many do ..but I realize that even a drive down a familiar country road here ..that time has claimed what as a child held a memory.for me ..such is the circle of life I suppose.Blessings to you my fellow west Virginian.

[@bailey78]

My wife and I were just in the Keyser and Piedmont area. I almost didn't recognize the place. So much of it has just crumbled into ruin over the last thirty years.

[@margaretdrew2844]

Thank you for putting this up I am from the uk and it is so sad the mines closed. 😊

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-to3ho1rj5t]

There's beautiful nature (landscape) around the city.

[@briansutton7764]

My Grandfather was from Kinkaid West Virginia. Him and two of his brothers escaped working in the coal mines by signing up for World War II. There are some natural wonders all around West Virginia. Gods Country.

[@theresaguess6895]

It's very sad to see these family homes just discinigrate into the land. People's hopes and dreams gone. I see it every day.

[@dafinaglgrrrr8565]

Go to Northern Michigan-the U.P.- and you’ll find a similar area. The iron mines all began closing in the 70s-80s. Yea Chinese iron and steel put the mines out of business and many small towns and community areas disappeared.

[@buffalogal9139]

WVa. is a beautiful state and has some very poor areas. I have stayed in Beckley quite often and marveled at the beauty of the area, the New River Bridge, Hawks Nest etc. I am a "flat lander" and the mountains are completely different for me and they leave me awe struck. Coal was both a blessing and a curse.

[@mackenziedonahue7644]

Born and raised not far down the road from here. I work in the coal mines in Fairview WV. I love my state! WV boy at heart and always will be!

[@kevinharrington2078]

Amazes me how, no matter how run down a rural town gets in America, Most still drive really nice cars

[@kathyd8738]

really enjoyed the captions on this, thank you

[@hoodsnhollers]

Glad you like them!

[@kayfitzgerald309]

Right when your caption came up at 2:36, I was about to comment that you was driving on the wrong side of the road!!! 😁 I really liked this video, I'm from virginia,OG!! Keep up the great work!🧡💙🧡

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks for watching!

[@JennRazo]

I am from Cumberland, Maryland, which is not too far from here. Cumberland has not declined to this extent, but has lost almost all its industry and opportunity. I really miss the beauty of that place. Berwind is just like it in that way.

[@dsc194]

Thanks for the ride. I just found this channel and am looking forward to putting in some miles with you.

[@hoodsnhollers]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@secretsforever7667]

It is so incredibly beautiful and sad. As an artist I would love to have a cabin there. WOW! Bring back the coal mines..

[@robertsole9970]

They are not coming back to the level it was, when the state leaders realize this and try to get other industries in the state…then it will improve. Till then, it rots more every day

[@tobyjackman3212]

Would you want to work in one though??

[@williamwilson6499]

I was living in Ohio as a 10 year old in 1969, but spent some time in West Virginia. I loved it. Wish I could remember where exactly it was.

[@nancymcgee4776]

Where at in Ohio William? I'm in Chillicothe which is south of Columbus.

[@jamesstuart3346]

What a gorgeous and scenic little town. I'd move there in an instant ❤

[@hyacinthjoseph5987]

Beautiful scenery. Looks. Like the Caribbean

[@dolandlydia]

Thank you . I am planning a trip to west Virginia in early summer.

[@antm64]

Beautiful vegetation working on reclaiming structures back into nature.

[@dougwhiley4028]

It's beautifully lush countryside. It's a pity it's going to waste when so many are homeless. It looks very suitable for farming and holiday houses.

[@maryalice8784]

I'd have a huge Habitat Yard...a pond..beehive boxes..flower gardens..bird sanctuary...I love Crickets....not inside my home..but I just remember crickets from my childhood....omg I will have hundreds of birdhouses....and wind chimes....

[@lisabunnie22960]

Thank you for these videos. I feel so empty and sick knowing these are our citizens. Now, they're just faded graveyards.

[@ChrisReadUK]

We see the same here in the Uk. Once thriving mining towns devastated when the work stopped. Sad!

[@johncritch6812]

My god I find it breathtaking what a beautiful place.

[@andymullarx6365]

The beautiful greenery is what stood out.

[@RhondaA]

I'd love to see you do Bartley WV sometime. My grandparents lived there, spent many times there visiting them. Haven't been back there for 30 yrs probably.

[@rgrubbii]

My aunt and uncle lived in the house at 4:10 I remember going to visit them there in the early thru mid 80’s. Some things have changed, but it’s mostly like I remember it in my 10yo mind

[@LordZontar]

That is simply sad. Berwind was likely like a lot of small towns in America: close tight-knit communities where everybody knew everyone and life was defined by very basic things. Then the mines closed and that was it. Probably in fifty years Berwind will be a ghost town.

[@user-hj1mk7zy6t]

Wow. The surroundings are beautiful, but how depressing to see all the poverty!