Gilmer County, West Virginia
According to countryaah.com, Gilmer County is located in the north central region of West Virginia and has a population of 8,690 people as of 2019. The county seat is Glenville, which is also the largest city in the county. Gilmer County sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and contains a variety of terrain including mountains, valleys, rivers and streams. It is predominantly rural, with over 80% of its land used for farming and forestry.
The majority of the population in Gilmer County identifies as white (92%), followed by black or African American (3%), American Indian or Alaska Native (1%), Asian (2%) and Hispanic or Latino (2%). In addition to this, there are a variety of other ethnicities represented in smaller numbers such as Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern. There are also a large number of immigrants living in Gilmer County who have come from all over the world to seek employment opportunities or start their own businesses. These immigrants represent a variety of cultures and backgrounds that contribute to the unique diversity found within Gilmer County.
The economy in Gilmer County is primarily driven by agriculture, logging, tourism and small businesses. The county also has an abundance of natural resources such as timber, coal, natural gas and oil that contribute to its economic growth. Additionally, there are several educational institutions located within the county such as Glenville State College which provides students with access to higher education opportunities.
History of Gilmer County, West Virginia
Gilmer County is located in the north central region of West Virginia and has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The county was originally part of Harrison County until 1845 when it became its own entity. The county seat is Glenville, which was founded in 1802 and is named after Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene.
Prior to European settlement, the area that is now Gilmer County was inhabited by several Native American tribes including the Shawnee, Cherokee, Mingo, and Iroquois. During the colonial period, settlers from Virginia and Pennsylvania began to move into the area and established farms along the Little Kanawha River. The county experienced significant growth during this time due to its rich natural resources such as timber, coal, oil and natural gas.
During the Civil War, Gilmer County was a major battleground with multiple skirmishes taking place in its borders. After the war ended, many former Confederate soldiers moved to Gilmer County where they established farms or small businesses. Over time these businesses grew into larger companies that helped shape the economy of Gilmer County for years to come.
The 20th century saw significant changes in Gilmer County as industry began to expand throughout West Virginia. Coal mining became one of the main sources of employment for many people in Gilmer County during this time. Additionally, tourism also began to take off as more people discovered all that Gilmer County had to offer such as its stunning landscape and abundance of outdoor activities like fishing and hunting.
Today, Gilmer County remains a rural community with an economy largely based on agriculture and tourism as well as smaller businesses like retail stores or restaurants. It also retains much of its history through sites like Coonskin Park which commemorates Revolutionary War battles that took place in the area or Stump House Tunnel which served as an important transportation route during the Civil War era.
Major cities and towns in Gilmer County, West Virginia
Gilmer County, West Virginia is home to a number of small towns and cities. The county seat is Glenville, which was founded in 1802 and is named after Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene. The city has a population of approximately 1,200 people and boasts a rich history that includes several Civil War sites.
The second largest city in Gilmer County is Glenville State College, which is home to the only four-year public college in the county. The college has an enrollment of over 2,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The town of Normantown is located in the northern part of Gilmer County and has a population of around 500 people. This charming town features a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses as well as historic sites like the Normantown Methodist Church which dates back to 1848.
In the northeast corner of Gilmer County lies the small town of Sand Fork with a population of about 400 people. This quiet community has an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking trails along the Little Kanawha River or fishing at nearby Lake Sherwood.
Finally, Creston is located in southern Gilmer County with a population just under 500 people. This rural town features many historic buildings including churches dating back to before the Civil War as well as several museums dedicated to local history and culture.
Gilmer County offers visitors plenty to explore with its charming towns full of history and beautiful scenery along with plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for some restful relaxation or some exciting adventure, there’s something for everyone here in Gilmer County.
Population in Gilmer County, West Virginia
According to Act-Test-Centers, Gilmer County, West Virginia is home to a population of approximately 8,000 people. The majority of the population is white with a smaller percentage of African American, Native American, and Asian residents. The median age of the population is around 43 years old and the median household income is $33,648.
The largest city in Gilmer County is Glenville which has an estimated population of 1,200 people. This city serves as the county seat and boasts a rich history that includes several Civil War sites. The second largest city in Gilmer County is Glenville State College which has an enrollment of over 2,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The town of Normantown has an estimated population of around 500 people while Sand Fork has a population just under 400 people. Creston is located in southern Gilmer County with an estimated population just under 500 people.
In addition to the larger cities and towns in Gilmer County there are many rural areas which make up a significant portion of the county’s total population. These rural communities are home to many farmers who raise livestock such as cattle or sheep as well as grow crops like corn or soybeans for sale at local markets or export to other parts of the state or country.
Gilmer County offers visitors plenty to explore with its charming towns full of history and beautiful scenery along with plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for some restful relaxation or some exciting adventure, there’s something for everyone here in Gilmer County.
