Bluefield

The remarkable story of Bluefield represents a unique combination of geology, geography, and opportunity. Once just the confluence of a handful of family farms in southern West Virginia, Bluefield was put on the map, literally,in the 1880s, when the Norfolk & Western Railway came to town. The company,s influence on the rural landscape was overwhelming, and soon, Bluefield was transformed into the center of a coal-fired universe and became a major thoroughfare for the then-thriving mining industry. Though the company,not the coal,was king in Bluefield, enterprising men and women could, and did, share in itssuccess. The city evolved into a successful supply center for the enormous network of towns that sprung up almost overnight throughout the region,s coalfields. For the next 60 years, Bluefield experienced dramatic growth, enticing a diverse group of newcomers who helped to build the strong cultural heritage that continues to play a prominent role in the community to the present day.

In Bluefield, local historian and author William R. Archer has combined informative captions with a fascinating array of visual memorabilia to illustrate the tremendous development of the city and the steadfast spirit of its people. Drawing on the collections of residents and local photographers, this engaging pictorial retrospective pays tribute to the generations that have called Bluefield "home" and the singular city they built.