RetireWV

Recreation

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia

No matter what time of year you visit Beckley, West Virginia, there are many scenic, cultural, and recreational opportunities to explore. Two unique attractions that encompass the history, culture, and character of our uncommon coal-mining region are the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia.

As the focal points on Beckley's lovely New River Park, the Exhibition Coal Mine and the youth Museum draw thousands of people to the area annually. The unique underground mine, the recreated coal camp, the Youth Museum and their Mountain Homestead are surrounded by inviting lawns, colorful flowers, picnic areas, an imposing coal miner statue, and a whimsical 20ft. "Peace Totem."

The Exhibition Coal Mine is the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the region. After years of planning, the Exhibition Coal Mine recently completed an extensive renovation that includes the newly opened 14,000 sq. foot Rahall Company Store, visitor center, fudgery, and gift shop. Of special note is the Coal Museum, an extensive collection of mining artifacts and tools, geological specimens, photographs, and other features of early life among the coal towns of southern West Virginia.

The main attraction is an actual tour that takes visitors below ground, under the supervision of an experienced veteran coal miner. Traveling 1,500 feet beneath the hillsides of New River Park, visitors are carried along track, riding authentic "man cars" from the mine entrance, to old working areas of the coal mine and back. Stops throughout the tour explore the history of low-seam coal mining from the hand loading days into the era of modern mechanization.

In addition to the underground mine tour, visitors can explore the historical coal camp situated throughout the grounds. Lovingly restored, the Coal Company House, Superintendent's Home, Pemberton Coal Camp Church, and the Helen Coal Camp School, give guests a true representation of early 20th century coal camp life.

The Beckley Exhibit Coal Mine's Gift Shop has many unique local items for sale. The spacious shop offers inventory including West Virginia food products, coal jewelry and figurines, underground helmets for children, clothing, books on historical and mining subjects, toys and many other items. And no trip is complete without a visit to The Fudgery, which features home-made fudge in an ever-changing menu of classic flavors prepared with the finest ingredients available.

Located just footsteps away from the Exhibition Coal Mine, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia is open to the public year round. The Youth Museum's main gallery is made up of four railroad boxcars. The central exhibit area features an average of three different exhibits yearly. Designed to entertain as well as educate, the exhibits range from "T-Rex," "Bats," and "Artist in the Studio" to

"Page after Page," an award-winning children's authors presentation.

The musium\s Planetarium features seasonal programs highliting constellations, visible planets, and special celestial events.

Behind the museum's main building stands the Mountain Homestead. Developed to enrich history studies, the Museum has recreated a typical settlement on the Appalachian frontier. Trained interpreters explain the importance of each reconstructed historical building.

The weaver's shed is complete with loom and spinning wheels. The two-story log house includes many interesting artifacts and antiques made and used by the rugged individuals that settled this region. The one-room school, barn, blacksmith shop, and general store all help to complete this rich historical journey of the late 19th century.

Wildwood House Museum

The historic home of Beckley's founder, General Alfred Beckley, is open on weekends during the summer and for special pre-arranged occasions throughout the year for tours. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the original double log structure was built in 1836 and named "Wildwood," typifying its mountaineer spirit. In 1850 a kitchen, dining room, and porches were added. The entire struc - ture was then covered with clapboard and painted white.

Lovingly restored and filled with period antiques, many owned by the Beckley family, "Wildwood" played a significant part in early Raleigh County history. In its rooms, Beckley spent many an hour pondering the future of the area, and in 1850, he drew up a bill proposing the formation of Raleigh County. The General Assembly of Virginia approved the bill and Beckley was made first Clerk of the Circuit Court.

After the Civil War, General Beckley devoted the remainder of his life to the betterment of the town, serving as lawyer, preacher, teacher, politician and peacemaker. He died May 26, 1888, just 86 years to the day from his birth and was put to rest in sight of his beloved "Wildwood."