Welch West Virginia: Heart of the Nation's Coal Bin

Welch West Virginia is the heart of the nation's coal bin! To understand real Appalachia you have to start with coal and coal mining. Welch is at the heart of it all, and is a must-visit town! It's located in McDowell County, West Virginia. Welch is full of history and beautiful old buildings and murals. Watch this video to learn what lead to the unique melting pot that even gave rise to a United States President, John F Kennedy (JFK).
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#Appalachia #WestVirginia #Coal

[@MountainRoots]

There's so much history in this part of West Virginia, there's no way to cover it all! Share with us in the comments your favorite place or story about Welch.

[@franklyngames3075]

You should do one of these on Weirton, West Virginia , used to be a booming steel town until the Clinton administration

[@speed4213]

Should look up the story of Mack Day. He was a special agent killed in the 1920s. They made a book about him.

[@agricolaregs]

I’ve always loved driving through Welch.

[@blakegregory969]

@@speed4213 I've heard my Father mention him.

[@blakegregory969]

A famous McDowell County Mountain Man story would be about Matt Justice from Panther, WV. There are few left who can speak about his legacy.

[@bobbmarly4355]

I love the phrase that you used "All shades of the human race". That is exactly right one race just different colors.

[@hounddog3476]

Yep most people don't know WV is just mountain people living free. Come as you are. Good times for all

[@leggiemeggie5837]

Just moved to West Virginia.. doing my tiny part in repopulating the state 😁 .. I love it here .. beautiful scenery and people

[@MountainRoots]

😊

[@suppeeps5393]

Welcome home 🏡

[@ordinarypete]

It looks wonderful. I’m looking to buy land to do some permaculture chicken farming. I wonder if a community like this would be nice!!

[@creamcheese6662]

My deep condolence

[@dicksimmons8057]

@@ordinarypete You would probably find the areas to the east in the state more to your liking. Specifically the Greenbrier Valley (where the Greenbrier Resort is) or further up the valley into Pocahontas & Pendleton Counties. Wider land, rolling, and a little more open, but still beautiful. Check out the city of Lewisburg. Gives off a vibe like Ashville NC.

[@PaulsVoiceOver]

im a truck driver and i've been driving through Welch a few times a week for the past month and I love it

[@Quaristice]

As an Irish guy living in Thailand who’s only ever been to the US once, and never to West Virginia, there is an inexplicable and mysterious beauty to this town and its surroundings. It actually reminds me of the South Island of New Zealand. I hope the people who live there are doing well as everything changes around them so rapidly.

[@RPRehab]

A relative of mine has driven through the contiguous 48 states and says West Virginia is the most beautiful.

[@BlindVeganRescue]

Lot of these type towns are heavy scotch Irish

[@JamesBond-rv1kk]

What are you doing in Thailand ?

[@Traveler19491]

As another Irish guy living in Thailand (Cha-Am), I can attest to the beauty of the entire Appalachian region. Sadly, poverty abounds, but the people have always been and continue to be some of the finest you'll ever meet. I was born in this town, and when the coal mines closed the poverty rate exploded. It frustrates me that the federal government refuses to do more to attract industry to Welch and the rest of West Virginia. You'd be hard-pressed to find people more willing to work.

[@massivecumshot]

Yeah, imagine New Zealand with crappy air quality and undrinkable water from the decades of coal slurry run off.

[@joanroco70]

I went to grade school in Welch in the late 60's. My dad (Dr Roco) worked in the hospital along with another newly minted Dr from Switzerland. (Dr Relshtab). The state sponsored their medical school training in exchange for working in rural areas of the state. We lived in the hospital in a room that had been converted into a tiny appartment. Seeing this video brought back memories. Welch was thriving back then.

[@joycelebaron2582]

Wow, interesting!

[@agricolaregs]

My mom talks about all the foreign doctors when she was growing up. It seems like West Virginia was the place for that in the 60s. From Lebanese to Scandinavian doctors, just a mishmash.

[@joanroco70]

@@agricolaregs My dad had graduated from college in the Phillipines with the intent to go into medical school. West Virginia offered him and others from the school the opportunity to go to med school in Texas in exchange for working on salary for a number of years in West Virginia. After completing his internship, we moved into the back of the hospital in Welch where he joined other doctors and their families on the same program. He was sent to hospitals all over the state. Another Dr from the Philippines in the same program worked in a hospital in Wheeling. We visited often. I have many memories of growing up in that hospital.

[@ordinarypete]

@@agricolaregs why so many foreigner doctors there?

[@joycelebaron2582]

@@ordinarypete I think the government gave them Visas to study medicine here if they'd commit to practice for a few years in rural areas where it is hard to attract them.

[@BAgodmode]

As a Texan, the most curious thing about Welch, besides it’s mountain topography, is the city layout, which is no doubt a necessity because of the mountains. It’s almost like another country, but most anything east of the Mississippi is a mystery to my flat land Texas mind. I like it. I could move there.

[@Nunya_Beezwax]

Mcdowell County aka The County, is my place of birth, and I still have family there. I sure miss those Ole mountains..❤

[@jeR-m]

We put the roof on the hospital & prison back in the day (makes me sound old, 37 lol) ..much love ❤ it was nice to see the town again. We all stayed @ the pocahontas! Good times

[@charleswells5266]

I lived in Davy W.va seven miles out of Welch, was born in Welch 1948, went there a many a time, when it was little NYC. big crowds of people, all the stores and restaurants were open, lots of money passed through Welch. Bars pool rooms night clubs Welch had it all back in the day. Good schools a lot of churches of every denomination. Mayor Swope kept Welch in good shape.👉😎👈

[@MountainRoots]

Wow, you were there when it was booming!

[@rosebud6485]

Pretty interesting to see the town I live in on KZbin. It’s changed so much. I moved away in 1986 and recently moved back. Some good people still live here but it’s so sad the way it’s gone down. It’ll never be the same. Best times were the 70’s.

[@sailor4116]

Why did you move back? Just curious.

[@bobtis]

I love those houses that are built off the hills surrounded by greenery very cool very eclectic, Like they don't belong there

[@silvergrizzly316]

Rosebud 64, those mountains are continuously calling you home, lol. I'm from a small town in the northern part of the state called, Shinnston. I left for North Carolina in 1987 and I'm still here but I do believe I'll end up back home in the near future. I've been through Welch back in 2007, I think. We stayed up hwy 16 at the pocahontas motel and in the evening about 10 of us would ride our ATV's back down to Welch to eat that GOOD food at the Sterling restaurant. There's no place like home and the mountains of WV. Stay Safe and God Bless! 🕊Jay🕊.

[@agricolaregs]

Logan is horrible now. Used to be such a nice little city.

[@projectdesign4675]

If the locals can rally like before (with good leaders), maybe they can ride out the indescribable storm that's coming!

[@barbaracollins6173]

I was born in Welch in 1946. My maternal grandparents lived there so I spent a lot of time here as a kid. My grandfather worked at Flat Iron Drug, and my grandmother taught organ and piano. My Mother was also born here and graduated from Welch High School. I grew up in Pocahontas as my Daddy worked for Pocahontas Fuel Company. This will always be home. And I eat at the Sterling Drive-In every time I am there. Great video.

[@bunnyman6321]

You still living?

[@ventureted]

@@bunnyman6321 Bruh.

[@bunnyman6321]

@@ventureted 😂😂

[@marknewton6984]

Iaeger still there?

[@tonyharmon3812]

@@marknewton6984 yes, Iager is still a town, but it needs help.

[@ltgreen6626]

I was born and raised in Welch, back in the 50s and 60s, it was still a bustling place, even into the 70s. My one Grandfather worked in the mines from 1929/1857, in 1957 some of the mines started shutting down and laying off miners, He went to Ohio to work a factory job till he retired. He would talk about the immigrants that came to work the mines, they came from all over the world, all good hard working people. He said the Italian miners, would bring their miner lunch bucket/pail, top tray had a big slab of fatback,bottom pail was filled with home made wine, that was all they had to eat, this was during the Depression, times were extremely hard. Mine company had a foreman/boss on the books, but he was a hired gunfighter, professional killer, hit man,etc. hired to keep the union out. He killed six or seven men, he carried a German Luger tucked under his belt, people were terrified of him, Grandad told him, I wont associate with you, one day,someone will kill you out of fear. My other Grandfather was born 1893, worked the farm all his life, ran a General Store, and taught school in a one room school house. During ww1, Clark Gable worked at the nitro plant, close to Charleston WV, his Girl friend lived in Welch, he would take the train on the weekends to Welch to visit with her. I could go on and on, but I have said enough

[@MountainRoots]

Oh wow, incredible history! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@GOTTshua]

You could start a KZbin channel, too, with the wealth of information you know about West Virginia.

[@kennethmoore579]

Small World I to was born in Welch 1958 at Stevens Clinic. The Clinic site is now a Prison. Ironically I retired from working in a Prison San Quentin in California. Lol! I guess I was born of a broken heart bound to go into a prison from the start. Oh stop it now! God bless WVA you shall forever have a piece of my heart until I go home. 👩‍🌾

[@bobbmarly4355]

Please continue!

[@mikematerne4579]

Did you know Steve Harvey back then?

[@cidie1]

These small towns in Appalachia are so incredibly exciting to see, it feels like a different world than the US. Very beautiful surrounding mountains and interesting buildings.

[@decrox13]

It doesn’t feel like a “different world than the US”. It feels very much like the US

[@DaughterofGod-777]

Are you kidding me? This is the real US. US is a country of millions of small towns.

[@Lily_1010]

Welch is also the town in the novel turned movie by Jeanette Walls "The Glass Castle". This is where her father was raised and later on in her teenage years her and her family moved back to Welch. Great autobiography, book was amazing, movie captured the basics and had the right actors.

[@jimmer12911]

I loved that book, have read it many times. So well written. Oddly though I feel like the years they lived in Welch were their worse years. Probably because that was the period of time the author became a teenager.

[@lisaperry5999]

Great book they had much poverty due to parents alcohol and mental illness but the kids got out and did well. Her mom is still alive

[@barrygina98]

There is a memorial sign there about her I remember seeing when traveling on rt77 stopped there to get gas a few different times

[@djt8518]

I knew her went to school with her sister I also saw her at the news paper where l worked

[@darlinefelts3985]

This is actually where my husbands family is from. He still has uncles, aunts and cousins that still live in the area. Me being from the big city I loved visiting this area.

[@LD-jg3vq]

Beautiful camera work. I love hearing the history of these towns and communities. I want to see more of these small towns and hear from their citizens with their stories/traditions as well as the craftsmen.

[@georgefrench134]

Great post.

[@CurtisDavisEsq]

My granddad was a coal miner and my dad grew up in Welch, War, and other southwest West Virginia towns. My aunt was Homer Hickam’s librarian and helped him get the books to build their rockets. Thanks for the tour!

[@MountainRoots]

Fascinating! Imagine being the one who quite literally handed the knowledge over to him in book form. Wow!

[@marknewton6984]

Is Iaeger still there?

[@djt8518]

​@@marknewton6984yesi was there yesterday it's not like it was

[@marknewton6984]

@@djt8518 Had good memories of Iaeger. Sorry about now.

[@djt8518]

@@marknewton6984 yeah it's bad my wife graduated I H S in 77 she was from panther my mom too

[@otistrotter2475]

I am originally from McDowell County, West Va. from a family of 13 siblings. My father was recruited to work in the coal mines from Alabama in 1937. He worked there until his death in 1957. We lived in Vallscreek, West Va. At the age of seven, four years after his death, our family moved to Ohio. My oldest brother became a Phd. historian. One of the many books he wrote was " Coal, Class and Color" by Joe W. Trotter Jr. I, myself wrote a family memoir covering my family's lives in West Va., Ohio and beyond. The title is: "Keeping Heart" Memoir of Family Struggle, Race and Medicine by: Otis Trotter. By the way, I enjoyed the video you produced. My brothers, nephews and I were in McDowell County on a retreat the weekend of November 4th. 2022. There were 15 of us, and we stayed at the famous Litz Mansion in Tazewell, Va. We had a ball!.

[@MountainRoots]

Amazing family history & memories, love it when folks share! Thanks for watching...& btw, my most recent episode from last week was in Tazewell VA 😊

[@wowbagger3505]

I am a sixth generation Virginian/West Virginian from the north (Wheeling), but with many years of work outdoors in the southeast including Welch, Coalwood, Iaegar, Pineville, and the New River region. One thing only briefly mentioned, but not commonly recognized is the diversity of West Virginians. mining companies, logging companies, steel companies and most others sent recruiters to Ellis Island and other ports where there were immigrants looking for jobs entering and recruited many of all nationalities. Early state Department of Mines annual reports include long lists of Europeans and Asians shoulder to shoulder with the original Scots-Irish who settled here.

[@samfinn487]

I was born in Appalachia almost 75 years ago ... southeastern Kentucky. I haven't been "home" in years but I still call it home. First time viewer and enjoyed this video very much. Looking forward to exploring you other videos. Just subbed. Thank you and God bless.

[@MountainRoots]

Oh wow, thanks so much for watching!

[@taylorreed1943]

Come home for a visit. Martin County welcomes ya.

[@stevenpine1939]

My wife and I love our road trips! Old towns, building, homes, barns and of course old cemeteries

[@MountainRoots]

The best!

[@matthewpadgett9526]

I am from Welch, I graduated from Mount View High School, the Class of 1982. I was just there visiting not to long ago as I still have family there. As I am fast approaching my retirement, I am considering making my return to West Virginia, I will return to the state somewhere I have to find the right location.

[@Rfvansaun]

After watching this video, I am now a follower. I live in Virginia and Appalachia has always fascinated me. You now have a new subscriber.

[@Traveler19491]

Thanks so much for this! My dad was in the Air Force and mom returned to her parents in Welch for me to be born. I never lived there, but did spend a lot of time. My grandfather owned a hardware store on Howard Street and you passed what was their home on Riverside Drive. I have tons of happy memories of my sister and me walking downtown to see my grandfather, going to the Flat Iron for a cherry smash, checking out what was new at the G. C. Murphy Five and Dime, or going to a movie at the old Pocahontas theater. Sadly, I haven't been back in probably 40 years since my grandparents passed away, but my heart still lingers there. Thanks again!

[@MountainRoots]

You're so welcome, love all those memories!

[@knowledge4741]

You should make the trip again, or you might regret it in the future.

[@mickelsonfamilyhomestead]

West Virginia looks like a good place to visit! My last name is McCoy and that’s all I heard about “oh hatfields and mccoys” 🤣 looks like a very unique town!

[@MountainRoots]

Hey thanks for watching! The Hatfield & McCoy feud is an interesting saga- my research is starting to indicate the whole thing wasn't nearly as bloody as *Hollywood* has depicted.

[@alancarnell2747]

There's a state sponsored play called Hatfields and the McCoys. There's another called Honey in the Rock that is the story about how WV became a state. They do a third play that's different every year. Grandview State Park. It's not too awful far from McDowell county.

[@mikealexander5151]

My partner and I were working in Rockview WV, surveying their power lines. We finished and headed to the airport in Knoxville, and found Welch completely by accident on the road there. You can imagine the shock of driving through the middle of friggin nowhere, and an entire city just seems to pop up out of the mountains. We were absolutely awestruck, and confused at how tall some of the buildings were. We didn't expect to see anything more than we had for the past hour or so driving from Rockview. I knew it was an important place just by the look of it. I'm glad someone took the time to make a video about it.

[@reidx512]

I am SO addicted to these shows about West Virginia ... Guess what I was born in Hawaii, and my family is multi ethnic... Please keep up the great work...

[@karengaines3835]

My mothers family is from McDowell County, Vivian, WV. Unfortunately, Vivian doesn’t exist anymore. I have good memories of going to Welch to shop and that’s where we boarded the train back to Chicago. Love the West Virginia mountains. We also attend a reunion every Labor Day weekend of students and their descendants from nearby Kimball High School, which was the high school for black folks of McDowell County!

[@ralphkitchens8140]

My father was born in Vivian, 1929.

[@sharonrice494]

WEST VIRGINIA here I'm a blood line of Hatfield so my roots run deep coal miner's in my family proud of my roots.

[@elitedogger7948]

I got a speeding ticket going through Welch in a road trip. Cool to see the history and sad to see how hard life is in wv now. Was a humbling trip.

[@michaelanthonyvideos]

I love West Virginia! Beautiful country.

[@artsgirl]

I was born in Welch in 1952 during its heyday! Lived in War, W. Va as a young child.

[@f8h411]

My mom was born in 1953! My momo and popo lived in War, Caretta, Bosavain, Pocahontas.... they just went wherever the company sent them. I have two generations of coal mining heritage.

[@traceymarshall5868]

My grandpa from Germany was sponsered to work in the mines. His wife and young child (Gerda-my aunt) followed. My heart will always be in tune with this town.

[@rickrose5377]

Well narrated and filmed. Genuinely poignant and made with affection. Thanks for this.

[@kevinbishop8098]

Grew up in Welch. Graduated in 1992. Father worked at No.9 in Filbert until 1986. right across the street from the beer plant was a milk bottling plant. You can find the old glass bottles with Welch printed on the bottom.

[@djt8518]

I worked at no 9 in 1980 that's when the shit hit the fan

[@senicabaldwin]

I was born and raised there that is my home matter of fact my grandparents' house was shown on McDowell Street the red brick I miss it everyday I left there in 95 when I graduated from mountain view high School went to the Marine corps and settled in North Carolina Charlotte to be exact

[@maryol8852]

Thank you for the video. I enjoyed it. Twenty-something years ago my Mom and I visited Welch after I had read the Rocket Boys book. It is a very interesting place and so different than most of the country. As we were walking an old timer asked us if we needed help and when we told him we were just looking around he started showing us things. He showed us the old company store, the old coal mine entrance which was no longer in operation, where the head of the coal company lived, where the rocket boys shot off their rockets, he told us that it was a hopping place back in the day and that it is very hard to get a film crew to Welch because it was so far in on one road to either Virginia or any big town in West Virginia. We lucked out that day. What a very nice gentleman.

[@djt8518]

I worked at coalwood mine in 1975

[@TressaZimmerman]

My grandma told me stories of the Hatfield and McCoys. Both were in her family. I always found it interesting. The sone work of the court house. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

The original saying "Good Lord willing and the Creeks don't rise" referred to the Creek Indians, not water. I would LOVE to visit this area some day.

[@MountainRoots]

Definitely worth a visit!

[@fframer1]

Nonsense,it's about the water level in an actual creek.

[@spaceflight1019]

And, it's pronounced "crick", not "creek". Lol.

[@annebackhouse4029]

Living in a former coal mining community in the UK it's fascinating to see differences/ similarities in Welch. Thanks for the video, great narration, I love your accent!

[@MountainRoots]

Appreciate you watching!

[@artistjim114]

I’ve alway appreciated a look at old historical towns. I truly believe that we are losing something by learning about the history of everyday people. I think it’s reflecting in how we treat each other.

[@danasoroko]

My grandfather came over from the Ukraine in 1906. He ended up on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range. It too was a melting pot of different nationalities. The mining companies kept the different nationalities separate to discourage them from getting together and striking.

[@Schlabbeflicker]

Little-known fact - many miners organized into informal unions in order to restrict mine owners from bringing in workers of different ethnicities, and these unions were FREQUENTLY formed along racial lines. The Irish workers would strike to prevent Italian hires, Italians would strike to prevent Polish hires, Poles would strike to prevent Black hires, etc..

[@StorytimewithAllie]

Welch is a beautiful area. You cant beat the scenic views in the area!

[@helenkasey8682]

Love the light shining on a town that seems forgotten..i was born at that hospital you passed back in the 80s. Way before my time Welch was known as little new york.

[@patrickinlow470]

Absolutely beautiful scenery. I love the mountains, God's country.

[@davedenicola673]

As someone of Scotch/Irish and Italian descent, I grew up in Ohio on the river, where Wva, Pa and Ohip meet. There were clay mines before coal mines....there was nothing like going in Central Wva and hitting local bars when the miners came in on a weekend...wild times.

[@dorseykindler9544]

Nice! I’m from Belmont County. I imagine not too far from where you grew up?

[@kaywebbharrison3373]

I was born in Welch in Sept 1950, my brother Jimmy in Oct 1952 and my sister Paula in 1955. We moved to South Charleston (WV) about 1956 and back to Anawalt, McDowell County, in 1959, where we lived until May 1961, when we moved to Norfolk, VA (Dad was in the Navy.) Once in Norfolk, we stayed. I don't remember much about living in Welch, but I do remember lots about our time in McDowell County. My paternal grandparents came to WV from Henry County, VA and Rockingham County, NC. Grandpa worked in the mines. My maternal grandparents were the children of Hungarian (Magyar) immigrants; Granny was born in WV; her father and brother worked in the mines. Gramps was born in Oklahoma, where his father worked in the mines. The family later lived in WV and then moved to SE VA. Gramps traveled back to WV, where he married Granny. Gramps worked in the mines. Thank you so much for your videos. Even though I have lived in SE VA since 1961, I am still a West Virginian, heart & soul.

[@maryforrest745]

Dad worked in mine was in explosion at havoc if I spelled right lived between Pineville an welch in Nancy fork lu w v a family lives in raven cliff an bolt

[@adamharris-batt6333]

who needs tv channels when this dude is making videos like this

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much, really appreciate that & glad you enjoy the episodes!

[@gtg991k]

I looked up “coal towns” after a recent drive from Asheville, NC to Charleston, WV. I was particularly interested in the little towns I saw from I-64 along the Kanawha River basin, from Chelyan to Malden. The culture and history of that area is endlessly fascinating to me.

[@frankwaldeck2359]

Looking at a place like this is hard to imagine wanting to move into a big city. What a beautiful place.

[@browningbelgium2326]

They can have it for sure.

[@bunnyman6321]

@@browningbelgium2326 😂😂

[@Fireplug52]

Over six decades ago, living in Big Sandy I had my tonsils removed in the hospital in Welch. Left in 1962 and have not been back since, though my father's family were born and raised there in McDowell county. My feelings of nostalgia for that time living with my aunt appear to come at the worst time and though many of my father's family were born and raised there, my attachment to it has faded and soon enough will be like smoke in the wind. On the one hand it shows you glimpses of its beauty and wonder and the resilience of the people who survived one calamity after another and on the other its beauty appears to hide scars and abuses of those past times of evil and injustice. My father left and made a career in the military and briefly returned after the second world war and less than a month later went back to the military. The impression he left on me and my brother was if black lung did not kill you, those in power would. My uncle made the best for his family and worked the mines until black lung took his life.

[@hounddog3476]

Take a road trip on rt. 219 if you want a road trip through deepest parts of Appalachia from south WV to SWPA is probably the most fun road to drive. Sports cars and bikes will absolutely love the banked turns and winding mountain roads

[@bobbmarly4355]

I remember the multi storied department stores and the lunch counters they had.

[@best-dressedburrito4878]

I hope these small communities survive and thrive. They only need basic businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, hospital, etc and good, humble people who don't need to be rich but who have strong values and work ethic. Folks who appreciate and honor the past while living modesty in the present.

[@rhess10]

Last time I was there, that Coors building was for sale. I met the owner by accident and we talked about what could be done with that building.

[@deborahdaniels3838]

So much history in Southern WV. My parents grew up around Welch.

[@mikematerne4579]

Our roots run deep!

[@billie-leelawhon3941]

Absolutely love these videos! The history is something that needs sharing. Been a long time since I saw a coal truck😊. Brings back wonderful memories. Keep these videos coming! Thank you.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks! I agree, this is def something worth sharing 👍

[@MrCalverino]

I'm from Houston, Tx I love learning about the various parts of the us and that part of the U.S. has nice georgraphy

[@sherrycampbell9196]

So much history for families near and far in Virginia West Virginia..

[@crystaldixon8777]

Wow! My Mom was born at Stevens Clinic in Welch! She moved to Ohio as a young adult, got married and the rest is history. Thanks for sharing this video history of Wild Wonderful West Virginia!

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@karengaines3835]

My mother worked at Stevens Clinic after high school!

[@josephcallahan4340]

I was born in the Grace hospital. It was down town. If I remember, the river ran under the hospital. The Greece hospital has been gone for years. I lived in Superior, Coal camp. The coal prep plant still operates but you can’t tell where our house was. Sad.

[@RachelSmith-vm2jt]

Welch is beautiful. Visited 4 years ago. Sadly,you can feel the oppression that's now settled in. People are still so genuine and friendly despite the lack of jobs now.

[@skyedog24]

I'm a sixth-generation idahoan I find this very interesting thank you.

[@MichaelThomas-dr6xy]

In 1980 when I was 22 I worked for a guy delivering utility type trucks, took one to Charlotte from Columbus, Ohio and when I got to Charlotte they wanted me to deliver a truck to Welch, I was like heck yea, truck had no governor and would do 90, got to Welch and had to take a greyhound bus to Roanoke to catch a plane home, catching the bus out of Welch was a great nomadic feeling, never forget the bus driver having to shift gears, never forget Welch either, wouldn’t trade that experience 42 years ago for nothing.

[@alancarnell2747]

That wasn't a Coors Plant. Just a distribution warehouse. Also rented coin operated arcade games like pinball machines to the bars they serviced. Across the street was a milk plant though.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@speed4213]

Lived in Welch my whole life

[@bobbmarly4355]

The sterling drive in has been there over 50 years and has changed very little. I used to enjoy eating there as a child. I have not been to welch in many years.

[@MountainRoots]

I'm fascinated that it's still there, and very popular!

[@bobbmarly4355]

@@MountainRoots It along with lynns drive in in bluewell have become land marks.

[@michaelsheppard4227]

My family would go bowling in Welch and then to the Sterling drive in. Awesome memories.

[@michellerosa2133]

The place looks beautiful. Whoever did the paintings are very talented. I been to West Virginia once didn't get to see anything because they had a snowstorm and we had to sleep at visiting center.

[@MountainRoots]

Tom Acosta did most of these. Thanks for watching!

[@blakegregory969]

@@MountainRoots I went to school with Tommy Acosta and his family. He's always been a natural artist. His Father was a coal miner who came from Mexico to West Virginia.

[@lauramuana2550]

Welch is a beautiful place. Good people. The Sterling Drive Inn is wonderful, highly recommended!

[@gpoetx]

As soon as I saw those steps I remembered a class about WV I took at WVU. Instantly came right back to me

[@toniahess8872]

Went to school there West Virginia will always be my home

[@zegotashalom3881]

Challenging work and determination made this country, it's something West Virginians understand and live by. God Bless the U.S.A.

[@frankpetrulli6986]

I was born and raised in Southwestern PA, Allegheny County, Port Vue. The drive through town reminds me of my old home area, particularly the Elizabeth Township area, steel mills, etc. Maine is my home now, but when I visit I will take a day or two just driving through the hollows and backroads, and occasionally head into parts of northeast WV. Makes me homesick at times. Keep up the good work!

[@spaceflight1019]

I'll depress you a little bit further. A week or so ago demolition of the Elrama power station began. Cheswick closed last April and is slated for demolition.

[@garyjohnson7133]

I remember the Christmas parade in Welch when I was a small child.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Years ago I was a billboard artist and we lettered the sides of many a building and I see some old ones here.

[@AFKDays]

Have never been to West Virginia. Looks very pretty. Thanks for your effort and sharing!

[@donniemaxwell7275]

Great video. My mother was born and grew up there. My grandfather was a coal miner there, along with my uncle and few other relatives. I saw the high school she went to in your video too. Its been a couple years since I was last there. Nice video and thank you for all you do.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching, really appreciate you!

[@carolynmckinney3621]

I miss living in west Virginia. I miss my Grandma and grandpa In south. Grafton west Virginia

[@GregoryDecapolite]

My wife and I very much enjoy your channel. Thank you! God bless you!

[@MountainRoots]

Oh wow thanks so much! Glad y'all enjoy it!!

[@dontreadtoomuchintomycomment]

This is pretty wild to see this kind of architecture in the rolling hills.

[@antonleimbach648]

Being able to work remotely enabled my girlfriend and I to move from a area in Florida that has over a million people to a town in Tennessee with less than 600 people. We love it here and plan on staying when we retire.

[@selfproclaimedintrovert5676]

That sounds so nice. Im in Florida and cant wait to get out. So crowded anymore and has lost all of its appeal to me. I used to live in a small town outside of Chattanooga. I think the hills are calling me back. May try South Carolina.

[@tipr8739]

It takes a while before you realize the logs floating are really just logs.

[@EvilMcGyver]

@@tipr8739took me a beat to understand but 🤣😂🤣

[@everettgoins235]

Born 1947 Welch lived in a small mining town called Caples had family all up and down the caples holler father was a coal miner like a loy in the family moved 1961 to Maryland only been back 2 times have a lot great memories

[@MountainRoots]

Well thanks for watching & sharing the family memories!

[@lorrainereed9038]

Had to go through Welch to get to my Grandmother's house. She only had an outhouse for a bathroom. That was growing up in the 1970's.

[@Frontireadventures]

I really enjoyed this. I'm from Nova Scotia in eastern Canada. I ride down here often and this video has set a trail for me to follow.

[@MountainRoots]

Awesome!

[@sandydeel400]

Awesome, awesome video. I love the series you are doing. You really do a great job. Love the quality of your video. Awesome history! Thanks for doing the leg work and bringing us this history. I just don't have the right words to express how these stories melt my heart and make me feel. All I can say is awesome work. As I starting watching this I said to myself oh my goodness this town looks like NY. Keep the videos coming.

[@MountainRoots]

It's a privilege to be doing this, seeing these places, and trying to understand the history and their stories. Appreciate you watching!

[@billyfoster3223]

Haven't been here since a kid visiting grandparents, but this is my dad's old stomping grounds!😁👍

[@karinschild9020]

I am fascinated by the history and music of Appalachia, although I have never been there. Your videos give me a window into small town WV life; thank you.

[@brushcountry6361]

Beautiful country.

[@earlmarsh2285]

Was there few weeks ago, Went too Ashland and rode the 4 wheeler trails with some family and friends,

[@amyhunter908]

Thank you for your work on these videos! I grew up in Welch in the 60’s and 70’s and hanging out at the Flat Iron Drug Store drinking a Cherry Smash. The town looks so much different now.

[@madelineschultz4968]

You are an incredible videographer! I'm so impressed with the knowledge you share with your viewers and your deep reverence for the people of West Virginia! Thank you very much for sharing these videos. I'm from Southwestern Pennsylvania. I love these places and the people that live here!

[@sherrylefler9507]

I was born there at the hospital in February of 1960. My Dad was a radio announcer at the radio station Russel Jerry Cooke.we finally moved to Beckley.

[@benyoung889]

This place reminds me of the Lake District in the North of England ......... a little bit of paint, TLC, and pride would make this heaven on earth.

[@anthonywalker6168]

If Walmart leaves, you are either screwed or doing something very right, I’m just not sure which

[@tylerjones2695]

Can you make these longer

[@mikeo9219]

Never been there, but being that most of my ancestors were coal miners from Pennsylvania, I feel a familiar connection to these towns . Nice tour even though it was a gloomy day

[@Oxmen33]

This is where I built my Camp in Fallout 76. What a beauty cozy town. Love the hills in every direction.

[@Sidetracked_in_Macau]

Very cool~. I love the look of West Viriginia. Glass Castle is a fantastic book that takes place in Welch WV...it's a great read! Maybe you know it already, but I was half-expecting a reference to it along with the other Welch references.

[@gmanandhislady]

I was waiting for that reference too! I've read that memoir many many times, it's one of my favorites! As soon as I discovered this channel, I was looking if he had anything on Welch.