Mingo County, West Virginia
Mingo County sits deep in southwestern West Virginia, right in the heart of historic coal country. Williamson, the county seat, was once nicknamed the “Heart of the Billion Dollar Coalfield,” a reflection of just how important coal was to the region’s economy.
The county has a fascinating and sometimes turbulent history, but today there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails attract ATV riders from across the region, while the Tug Fork River offers opportunities for fishing and relaxing by the water.
Mingo County is working to build a more diverse economy, with tourism playing an increasingly important role. In Williamson, visitors can check out the famous Coal House, a unique building made from coal. Local coal festivals also celebrate the county’s mining heritage with music, food, and community gatherings. It’s a place where Appalachian history and small-town spirit remain strong.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Mingo County |
| County Seat | Williamson |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Williamson, Matewan, Gilbert, Delbarton, Kermit |
| Interstates and Highways | US-52, WV-65, WV-49, WV-119 |
| Etymology | Named after the Mingo Native American tribe |
| FIPS Code | 54-059 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 424 sq mi (Land: 423 sq mi; Water: 1 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 37.7631° N, 82.1475° W |
| Major Landmarks | Hatfield-McCoy Trails, Matewan Historic District, Chief Logan Wildlife Management Area |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Lincoln County (North), Logan County (Northeast), Wyoming County (East), McDowell County (Southeast), Pike County, Kentucky (West), Martin County, Kentucky (West), Wayne County (Northwest), Buchanan County, Virginia (Southeast) |
| Population | Approximately 22,000 |
