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What's Left of Anawalt, West Virginia?

Hoods N Hollers

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Deep in the heart of Appalachia sits a place called Anawalt, West Virginia. It's one of the most impacted areas of the coal mining decline in McDowell County. With a poverty level of an astounding 48%, and a population of just 141, it's looking grim for a recovery. Since the year 2000 the population has declined over 46% due to not only coal mines shutting down in the 1980's and 1990's but also from severe flooding. Amenities are very few, and commutes are a must. Income per capita is only 10,250 dollars. Will it recover, time will tell. Let's take a drive and see what's left...

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#westvirginia #abandonedplaces #mcdowellcounty

20 Comments

@ohreally8929 1 year ago

You provide a really useful service for folks who can't travel. With today's big screen TVs and high resolution digital videos it's like sitting in the passenger seat of your car and we can see the countryside without leaving the easy chair. Thanks!

@mysticluvbug1797 8 months ago

I think this scenery is stunningly beautiful… anyone else think so too?

@violetsinspring5863 1 year ago

That’s such a beautiful but sad place😢 I loved seeing a triangle building. Thank you for the calming drive❤

@solangelauthier2381 1 year ago

No music, that is wonderful. Thank you.

@LindaZeno 1 year ago

Such a beautiful area that looks lost and forgotten. 😢

@samkangal8428 1 year ago

Thanks for taking us along👍🏻

@drummersagainstitk 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you for posting. Your work is important. THE CAMERA SPEAKS.

@LindaZeno 1 year ago

Thank you for the peaceful Sunday drive 🤗❤.

@LindaZeno 1 year ago

Good afternoon Hoods 'n Hollers and viewers!

@l.salisbury1253 1 year ago

Man, I LUV your WV visits! Even the "sad" ones...

@wotgerman2070 11 months ago

In May 2010, I was in Anawalt as part of my trip through the Rust Belt, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. I met some very friendly residents at the time, but unfortunately their house now appears to be uninhabited... .
I come from Germany and would like to say a big thank you for these new impressions.
It is really frustrating to see this decline in such a wonderful area. :(

@Vickitheleo 1 year ago

Such beautiful country! I hope that somehow, someday, towns like this can be revitalized ❤ luvs our Sunday drives as always, thank you H & H❤

@shirleygiordano7627 1 year ago

So sad that all these small towns are in such bad shape. 😢 nice and quiet, though. I like quiet.

@stevenobrien4360 1 year ago

Thank you. My fathers aunt and uncle lived and died in anawalt. We used to visit in the 80s every October. Great memories

@jackiefloyd8003 1 year ago

It’s such an absolutely beautiful location.Its tragic with what is happening to the small towns and villages in the Rust Belt. It has to be devastating to see your generational home disappear before your eyes. God bless them and I wish them well.

@lisabunnie22960 1 year ago

Thank you for the trip. Breaks my heart every time. 😢

@cherylkimbley3992 1 year ago

Kind of eerie - no traffic and only a couple people seen. Spooky in a way. Lonely looking place.

@bren_g5767 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing. WV is such a beautiful state and it is really sad to see the conditions of beautiful properties. Hurts this WV woman's heart.

@frankwoods4532 1 year ago (edited)

I think I'd go Mad. We lived in Fairmont up until I was 7.The coal mines shut down, my dad got laid off, Then he moved us to Colorado. Thanks Dad!😂

@bridgetmuehlberger5141 1 year ago

Gotta admit, I was a little surprised to see the kids playing in that little park! Gives a whole other perspective on what it's like to actually live there. The number of abandoned houses in just the areas you showed was very sad. Thanks for continuing to share these towns with us.