Mercer County, West Virginia
Mercer County sits in southern West Virginia near the Virginia border, with a long history tied to the coal industry. Coal mining played a major role in shaping the county’s economy and communities. Bluefield, the largest city, celebrates that heritage each year with the Coalfields Festival.
Princeton, the county seat, is home to the Chuck Mathena Center and serves as an important community in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Hatfield-McCoy Trails or enjoy the scenery at nearby Pinnacle Rock State Park, where hiking and mountain views are the main attractions.
Traveling through Mercer County is convenient thanks to major routes such as U.S. Route 460 and Interstate 77. With its small-town communities, rich Appalachian heritage, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Mercer County offers a comfortable mix of history, nature, and everyday West Virginia life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Mercer County |
| County Seat | Princeton |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Princeton, Bluefield, Athens, Bramwell, Matoaka |
| Interstates and Highways | I-77, US-460, WV-20, WV-123 |
| Etymology | Named after Hugh Mercer, a general during the American Revolution |
| FIPS Code | 54-055 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 421 sq mi (Land: 419 sq mi; Water: 2 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 37.4323° N, 81.1198° W |
| Major Landmarks | Pinnacle Rock State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, East River Mountain Overlook |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Raleigh County (North), Summers County (Northeast), Giles County, Virginia (East), Bland County, Virginia (South), Tazewell County, Virginia (Southwest), McDowell County (West), Wyoming County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 57,000 |
