Clendenin, West Virginia
Clendenin, West Virginia | ||
---|---|---|
FIPS code 54-16012[3] | | |
GNIS feature ID | 1537398[4] | |
Website | Official website |
Clendenin is a town in Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States, situated along the Elk River. The population was 850 at the 2020 census.[2]
History
In the 1800s, Clendenin was a small settlement at the confluence of Big Sandy Creek and the Elk River that eventually became a small village named Chilton. At this time, timber and coal mining were the principal industries in the area. In 1846, one of the first cannel coal veins was discovered at Falling Rock (only a few miles from Chilton/Clendenin) and became a rich source for manufacturing artificial gas.[5] Clendenin was platted in 1877.[6]
In 1893, the Coal and Coke railroad was built running through Clendenin, paralleling the Elk River and allowing the logging industry to set up residence. Along with the drilling of the first gas well in the area in 1900, this allowed the development of one of the largest oil and gas fields in West Virginia. The town was
Clendenin suffered damage during the 2016 West Virginia flood. Recovery was largely complete by January 2020, although some homes remained in need of demolition or rebuilding.[7]
The current mayor of Clendenin is Kay Summers.[8] Town elections (including the office of mayor and city council) occur every two years. Recent efforts have been made by 25045-A New Clendenin (a non-profit corporation based in Clendenin) and the Business and Industrial Development Corporation (headquartered in Charleston) to enhance economic and cultural development in the town.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.51 square miles (3.91 km2), of which 1.44 square miles (3.73 km2) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) is water.[9]
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 815 | — | |
1920 | 1,263 | 55.0% | |
1930 | 1,217 | −3.6% | |
1940 | 1,200 | −1.4% | |
1950 | 1,475 | 22.9% | |
1960 | 1,510 | 2.4% | |
1970 | 1,438 | −4.8% | |
1980 | 1,373 | −4.5% | |
1990 | 1,203 | −12.4% | |
2000 | 1,116 | −7.2% | |
2010 | 1,227 | 9.9% | |
2020 | 850 | −30.7% | |
2021 (est.) | 850 | [2] | 0.0% |
U.S. Decennial Census[12] |
The median income for a household in the town was $32,000, and the median income for a family was $38,021. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $18,500 for females. The
2010 census
As of the
There were 524 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.96.
The median age in the town was 43.5 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 18.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
Arts and culture
The Clendenin Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Parks and recreation
The Elk River Trail is a 75-mile (121 km) trail from Clendenin to Gassaway, West Virginia. The trail features waterfalls, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.[14]
Education
Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Clendenin attend Clendenin Elementary School (PK-5), Elkview Middle School (6-8), and
Notable people
- Bill Karr, played right end for the Chicago Bears from 1933 to 1938, scoring 18 TDs on a career total of only 48 receptions
- Billy Joe Mantooth, 1970 All American at Ferrum College; transferred to West Virginia University in 1971, played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Oilers
- Dave Stephenson, played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers
Mothman sighting claims
Various claims of seeing "a large brown winged man take flight" have been made in the area.[15] Others described seeing "a large gray creature whose eyes 'glowed red' when the car headlights picked it up."[16] The alleged creature became known as the Mothman.[17]
References
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". Census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clendenin
- ^ "Clendenin Historic District". Living Places.
- ^ Kenny, Hamill (1945). West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains. Piedmont, WV: The Place Name Press. p. 175.
- ^ Peterson, Erica (January 27, 2020). "W.Va.'s Resiliency Office Is Barely Functioning". 89.3 WFPL News Louisville. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
- ^ "Fontalbert wins Marmet election by 4 votes; Clendenin mayor ousted by newcomer". WCHS. WCHS. June 14, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ Climate Summary for Clendenin, West Virginia
- ^ "Clendenin, WV Climate". myforecast.co. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ "Elk River Trail". West Virginia State Parks. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Did legendary Mothman first appear near Elk River Trail? - West Virginia Explorer". July 19, 2022.
- ISBN 978-0-8131-2318-9. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
- Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. June 7, 2021.