Lost Town of the West Virginia Coaldiggers: Gary WV

Join me as I delve deep into the forgotten town of Gary, West Virginia, once a thriving epicenter of the coal mining industry. In this Exploring Appalachia episode I uncover the untold story of a town that played a crucial role in America's industrial growth, supplying high-quality coal for battleships, trains, and factories during its heyday. At its peak, Gary was more than just a coal town-it was a vibrant community, home to thousands of miners and their families from around the world, brought together by the promise of a better life.
Through vivid storytelling and stunning visuals, I explore the remnants of Gary’s past: its abandoned schools, empty streets, and historic churches, reminders of the bustling community that once thrived here. From its rise as a cornerstone of U.S. Steel’s empire to its sharp decline in the 1980s when the coal ran out, Gary's story is one of resilience, pride, and loss. Despite its decline, Gary remains a poignant symbol of the American spirit-communities built on hard work, shared struggles, and a sense of purpose.
Discover the powerful legacy of this lost coal town and learn why remembering places like Gary is vital to understanding the history that shaped America today.
I'm Josh, and this has been a Mountain Roots Production. Thanks for joining me on this journey through Appalachia’s untold history.
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[@MountainRoots]

Love hearing from you in the comments. What did you think about the story of Gary, West Virginia? What do you think about the future of coal and energy in general? Have any of you ever visited Gary?

[@duanetrimble4490]

@MountainRoots I've been through Gary but like so many WV towns if you blink you'll miss it...have family down that way...but it's nice to know there is someone doing history research on any WV town or county...country roads will take us home

[@KLX300RMIKE]

China has been building dozens of new coal power plants over the past few years while we have been closing ours. Someone way above my pay grade made the decision that we will sacrifice our cheap and reliable energy to ensure China can have it. China is the manufacturing hub of the world now and houses the most servers in the world. A huge percentage of mined coal all around the world is going to China. The closure of coal power in the US has nothing to do with the environment. It has everything to do with protecting China manufacturing and China computer servers. It's treason what our government has done to us. If Chinese made solar panels and windmills were the cheap and reliable answer to electric generation, China wouldn't be building all these coal plants. China would be covering their country with their own solar panels and windmills. If our government really thought coal was going to kill all the polar bears they would stop importing Chinese products and pressure the CCP to "go green".

[@KLX300RMIKE]

I grew up deep in Southern Wv. I enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing our history.

[@mikehall2646]

This is such a beautiful tribute to Gary, and ultimately to all abandoned coal towns. My dad was one of 9 siblings, all born and raised in Gary. After graduating from Marshall College he came back to teach and coach football and basketball at Gary HS. I was born in Huntington but baptized in Our Lady of Victory Church. I don’t have family there anymore, but I still go back on occasion to soak in the atmosphere and feel close to my dad who passed away many years ago. Traveling the roads, looking at the abandoned buildings, and seeing the mist on the mountains makes me feel more at home than where I spent most of my life, Maryland. Thank you!

[@donaldjohnson4000]

I was born in Welch and moved to Thorpe in 1969 and still proud of where I come from.

[@WilliamPetty-p9s]

If you are a fan of southern WV coal communities, this video is a must see. Traveling through Gary will kindle a lot memories for many folks who once lived and worked in Gary, WV. Many thanks to the producer for this good work.

[@daphnerosemoon9843]

I love these video's. I have fallen totally in love with Appalachia. There are pros and cons to all things, but I will never forget the happiness of sitting before a coal fire with my Grandmother, we made toast when the fire died down a bit. The world seemed so much safer back then. I loved the old steam trains and called them Dragons. Back then to me coal was a treasure. I used to watch the coalman fill our coal shed, carrying the coal sacks on his back. I knew I would enjoy a warm cozy British winter. I do care about pollution, but I'm glad for my memories of coal. The new generations of kids will only have memories of video games and cell phones. Thank you to all the miners of long ago and those who still toil under ground. You are my hero's. Change has come and it pushes the old ways into the past. I wish I had a time machine.

[@duanetrimble4490]

Keep up the good work..your videos and research will live on forever on the internet.shining a light on our corner of the world

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@dawn_keyes]

I grew up spending my summers around Gary, my parents graduated from Gary High School in the late 50s. We stayed at my grandmother’s house in Filbert and they had lived there since it was built. She worked at the hospital in Welch my grandfather worked for the mines until he passed away. My father’s parents also lived in Filbert. His father had a photo album or the mines from when he worked there. I have it today. I was the tomboy of the family and played in coal cars and slid down coal shoots, even hiked the mines when they closed for the day. Not a day went by that I wasn’t covered in coal dust. I can’t wait to show this to my mother, who is in her 80s now. We were just going through old photographs the other day. I show her your videos all the time, she will enjoy seeing this one too. Amazing work you do, thank you!

[@klwthe3rd]

It's naive locals like you that make the comment section so special. So many people who are NOT from this region, don't understand how beautiful this part of the state really is. I love reading comments like yours because it reminds us all that there are wonderful people who live and remain there despite all the problems. Thank you.

[@junebryant5159]

Thank you once again for your reporting on our wonderful Mountain Roots!! I appreciate you and all your efforts!! Praying for you and your family!!

[@MountainRoots]

@@junebryant5159 I appreciate that, thank you for watching!!

[@truckinpoppop6777]

My step grandfather worked for USS in Gary in the late 70’s/early 80’s. He drove over there from English every day. I was a teenager then and didn’t see them much. I’ve never been to Gary myself but these videos and references to my youth warm my heart. Thanks Josh!

[@klwthe3rd]

I never realized that Gary was the "epicenter" of the best the coal town companies had to offer. As a non-resident all these WV coal town appear to be the same. This video taught me that isn't true and that Gary was the "shining star" within McDowell county when it came to coal production and quality of life. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@MountainRoots]

Here to shed light on the past, thanks for watching!

[@jackgill2501]

Thank you for the story of Gary. Very much enjoyed, I don’t post very much but do watch all. I wish coal would come back!

[@MountainRoots]

@@jackgill2501 thanks for watching!

[@darlenehenderson3559]

I am from Gary, WV - my grandfather built many churches there!! My immediate family lived in Gary #10 - yes,

[@mikehall2646]

Did you know the Hall’s? Also from #10. My dad was Roland, more commonly known as Coach Hall in his adult years

[@darlenehenderson3559]

@@mikehall2646 I was 2 years old (1954) when my parents bought a house in Big Sandy - I did have an Aunt and Uncle, Clayton and Margie Hawks who stayed in #10 until 1960. I am also kin to the Furrow's who lived in Gary Hollow. Sorry, I don't remember your dad!!

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

@@mikehall2646 Yes I remember him. Just can't remember the class that he taught or the grade. but remember have a good time learning.

[@Markalanharman]

I was born in Welch. Aunt lived in Gary at #8. Welch, in the day, was the Little New York. I have been told that McDowell County was the second richest county of the United States. Then coal left, and so did the people. I still have my grandparents home in Skygusty. I've been all over this world, but Skygusty will always be home.

[@michaelhager2846]

Thank you 😊

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome 😊

[@njaneardude]

You're a great story teller!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you so much!

[@2394098234509]

Phenomenal video

[@cowshottv5867]

I really enjoy this channel, your videos are very well done and very interesting. You have the perfect voice for narration as well. Bravo.

[@dalegooch4616]

Josh another fantastic episode and story. Well presented and balanced. There is a lot to reflect on and think about going forward.

[@MountainRoots]

I really appreciate that- I feel like I've accomplished something if my work gives anyone pause to reflect and contemplate the complexities of the past and ponder, even reimagine, what the future could look like.

[@ianbabcock5951]

excellent, one of my favorite areas of McDowell county. It's changing fast like the rest of the county.

[@jonathanpittard8913]

Great video I have been fascinated with that area of the country after reading Homer Hickam’s books years ago.

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregdelaney119]

An exceptional narration paired with well-done video, upbeat musical choices, and great reverence for the history of those who lived and worked here. In a series of very informative and interesting video presentations, this one just might be the strongest one I've seen, Josh. Thank you for sharing it. I appreciated the statements made about not judging the past on the basis of present values (related to coal).

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you enjoyed it! I always enjoy your feedback, thank you so much for all your support and taking time to watch and reflect on the episode.

[@crustytruckerhomestead]

Hey that’s home!!! Nicely done!

[@MountainRoots]

Really appreciate that!

[@fbennett6656]

I have been to Gary. I grew up in Raleigh a coal camp in Raleigh Co. So many of our little camp towns are.disappering. I miss my old hometown. There's not much of it left now though.

[@altec19]

Very professionally done ! You are on the same level as Charles Kuralt, who I think would’ve been very pleased with this production !

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you very much!

[@altec19]

I used to drive a truck all through Southern West Virginia from Huntington to Logan ,Man , Gilbert ,Iaeger, Welch , War ,Squire it’s sad to see those towns in such despair !

[@altec19]

As I mentioned back in the 90s, when I was driving a delivery truck in that area, I might have gone through Gary. I’m not sure, but I mentioned the other towns very close by a lot of those towns out there look very much alike from what I can remember As far as Coal coming back, doesn’t look like it in the US, especially with the democrats 👎 I remember my elementary school was heated by coal.

[@3degreeimages]

Another great video of this forgotten town. Reminds me of so many towns in SW PA.

[@chrislovett6120]

My wife grew up in McDowell county it is beautiful and sad. Her entire family left WV for NC in the early 90’s

[@georgezundell3619]

There are many small coal towns similar to Gary. Look up Thurman, West Virginia. Once a thriving community and now empty.

[@MountainRoots]

@@georgezundell3619 I've actually done an episode there, be sure to check it out!

[@Juju1212012]

Loved this!!! Thank you 🤗

[@poppyneese1811]

I don’t care where you go, it would be hard to find better folks than McDowell County West Virginia!!!❤️

[@MountainRoots]

Real salt of the earth folks!

[@nimbusarch]

I'm from Logan and may be moving back for awhile to help my folks and take a break from the metroplexes I've been living and working in. I work remotely so I think its going to be really nice.

[@Romans1.24-27]

Praying to move to WV

[@nexttsar]

I was in Gary about 20 years ago; the Coal Diggers Museum is housed in the old First National Bank of Gary building. But frankly, even though the town was neat and orderly, it was hard to imagine why anyone was still living there.

[@larrybuckner8619]

I see all those valleys and hollers completely different now after the hurricane came through. Now they look like dangerous places to live. After seeing the destruction of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee I no longer want to live in a holler. You make some great content with these videos.

[@MountainRoots]

I hear you, but that was a multi thousand year event. People will pick themselves up and rebuild, there will always be people living here.

[@21majc]

My husband’s family lived in Gary. Houses were built along the mountainside with little to no back/front yards in some places. By the time we met, the back hillside along Wall Street had already come tumbling down into at least one of their neighbor’s homes. And periodically the front street would flood, ruining cars and car ports. A few years ago if you left a house vacant, someone would come in and steal any copper, light fixtures, and anything else of value. Guess that vandalism is like any other city.

[@WVgrl59]

A friend of mine, Russie McDerment, grew up in McDowell County. Her dad was a coal miner, and my dad worked on the railroad. I met her when I was a little girl because we lived next door to her grandmother, and she would come over to play with me when visiting. But she died of oral cancer a few years ago, and I am sure it was from the contaminated water where she grew up in McDowell County. In the 1960s, I stayed all night with her and remembered the kids drinking out of the hose in the yard. I think they thought I was a sissy because I wouldn't do it. A lot of kids did that in the 1960s, but my dad wouldn't allow it. I remember them telling me I looked like a librarian because I wore glasses... but as a 10 year old, I took that as a compliment! 😊

[@angelatoler4269]

I worked in Gary for XMV for a couple years great company just to far away from home

[@Photoboy1948]

West Virginia really needs to try to attract retirees. They’ve dropped their Social Security tax which is a move in the right direction. Retirees don’t need jobs but we do need great medical care, great restaurants and social activities which create jobs. Here in southwest Florida all my neighbors and my self are looking to relocate away from the hurricanes and high cost and increasing traffic and snowbirds. I visited Bluefield and fell in love but was concerned with lack of medical care and crime being higher than I expected. The governor and legislature need to address these issues and sell West Virginia to retirees. It’s a no brainer.

[@klwthe3rd]

Retires would be perfect for this area of WV. Low cost of housing and living. But if everyone moves there from places like FL, it won't be nice anymore. Look at Montana. It's been ruined by people moving from California. There are tons of videos of Montana towns that have been destroyed because of the influx of out of staters.

[@Photoboy1948]

@@klwthe3rd I think the difference is those of us coming from Florida aren’t rich arrogant buttholes looking to run away from the tax man. We just want affordable housing, nice people and beautiful scenery. No reason to worry.

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

Went to school in Gary and also live in Florida (Disney Area). Back in the day it was a great place to live.

[@ggreg2258]

Good vid; good narration

[@MountainRoots]

Much appreciated!

[@DennisWebb-c2t]

Schools were fully integrated in 1965, not 1964 as that was when the blacks-only schools were closed in McDowell County. My family lived on the far side half of the second duplex house on the left at the 6:41 mark in the 1960s. A very nice tribute to the rise and fall of Gary, it's current struggles and the great people who lived - and still - live there.

[@meghankellner21]

hey could you do a video on hurricane west virginia, it's a really good town that's starting to gain population

[@WOLF10307]

My parents were from WV Gary and Welch.My Grandparents were Coal Miners.My dad was from hollower number 9 if correct.

[@kaymerry369]

The history of these towns need to be reintroduced to our society today. They are the building blocks to a country if it to survive. This nation didn't come forth by magic. It was built from sacrifices of people. Not from greed at the startup. Our children need to know their history.

[@SpringScapes]

Nice video. Did they actually run out of coal, or did government interference destroy the economy?

[@MountainRoots]

@@SpringScapes it's more nuanced than that, as much as we want to assign blame and point fingers, it was a cocktail of numerous factors- depletion of premium coal deposits, plummeting demand for coal post WWII, and yes, government meddling and bad trade deals. government

[@SpringScapes]

@@MountainRoots I know it's hard in today's climate, to do an Indepth video on those factors you mentioned, but I would love to learn more about the down-fall of coal in America..

[@DennisWebb-c2t]

The electric blast furnace came along and I believe reduced or eliminated the need for coal in the production of iron and steel. I guess cost-effective technology for burning coal cleanly hasn`t been developed, also. A lot of coal was being sold overseas but I guess the government got enough pressure from environmentalists to stop that or reduce it significantly.

[@MomProffitt]

❤

[@Jamey-sj2oz]

My Uncie worked at US. Steel

[@jeanetteharris7000]

Looking for 2 acres in remote mountains, maybe I'll look around here

[@MH-fb5kr]

obviously the coal ran out… not environmentally or economically viable

[@MountainRoots]

Things change, don't they?

[@andycraig7734]

Bring on the coal! Along with nuclear, it'll keep us going til (if?) solar / wind becoming as reliable as coal.

[@David-sk9vv]

Lovely video but sorry... so sick and tired of the multiple adverts. It puts me off watching

[@MountainRoots]

@@David-sk9vv that's KZbin for you 🤷

[@David-sk9vv]

@@MountainRoots I know but it ruins everything. I love these videos; they help many people feel a part of places they may never visit. Such beautiful places!

[@robertmcculley-y5c]

The past 4 years has produced a case were none of the candidates are worth voting for (an old saying comes to mind I'm not totally useless I can still be used as a bad example)

[@mikehall2646]

This is such a beautiful tribute to Gary, and ultimately to all abandoned coal towns. My dad was one of 9 siblings, all born and raised in Gary. After graduating from Marshall College he came back to teach and coach football and basketball at Gary HS. I was born in Huntington but baptized in Our Lady of Victory Church. I don’t have family there anymore, but I still go back on occasion to soak in the atmosphere and feel close to my dad who passed away many years ago. Traveling the roads, looking at the abandoned buildings, and seeing the mist on the mountains makes me feel more at home than where I spent most of my life, Maryland. Thank you!😊

[@MountainRoots]

You're so welcome, thanks for sharing your own story ☺️

[@donaldjohnson4000]

Love McDowell County Forever, Regular Thorpe Boy.