Handley, West Virginia is a small town located in the Appalachian Mountains. It is situated in the heart of West Virginia, about 35 miles from Charleston. The town sits at an elevation of 1,527 feet above sea level and has a total area of 0.9 square miles. Handley is surrounded by rolling hills with lush green vegetation and beautiful mountain views. The town has two major rivers, the Elk River and the Big Sandy River, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. The climate in Handley is mild with hot summers and cold winters. Average yearly temperatures range between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional snowfall during the winter months. Handley has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to its founding in 1891 by Reverend John Handley. Today, this small mountain community still celebrates its history with festivals throughout the year such as the annual Apple Butter Festival in October and Christmas on Main Street in December.
History of Handley, West Virginia
Handley, West Virginia was founded in 1891 by Reverend John Handley and is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. The town was originally named Handley Station after the railway station located here, but was later changed to its current name. During the early years, Handley was a rural farming and coal mining community with a population of around 500 people. In the late 19th century, several churches were built in Handley including St. James Methodist Church which still stands today.
The town flourished during the early 20th century, becoming a popular summer resort destination for many wealthy families from Charleston and beyond. In addition to its booming tourist industry, Handley had become a major agricultural center by this time with apple orchards and dairy farms dotting the landscape. However, as the coal industry declined and other economic opportunities dwindled, many of these small businesses began to close their doors in the mid-1900s.
Today, Handley is still a small mountain town with a population of just over 1,000 people. Despite its size, it has managed to remain an important part of West Virginia’s cultural heritage with festivals such as the Apple Butter Festival in October and Christmas on Main Street in December that attract visitors from all over the state. The town also boasts several historic sites including several churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as beautiful mountain views that make it an ideal place for outdoor recreation such as fishing and camping.
Economy of Handley, West Virginia
According to andyeducation, Handley, West Virginia is a small mountain town with a population of just over 1,000 people. Despite its size, the town has managed to maintain an important role in West Virginia’s economy. The economy of Handley is largely based on tourism and agriculture.
The town was once a popular summer resort destination for wealthy families from Charleston and beyond, but this industry has since declined due to competition from other nearby towns and the rise of other vacation destinations. Despite this decline, tourism still plays an important role in Handley’s economy as the town hosts several festivals each year such as the Apple Butter Festival in October and Christmas on Main Street in December that attract visitors from all over the state.
Agriculture is another major part of Handley’s economy with apple orchards and dairy farms dotting the landscape. These farms provide produce for local markets as well as jobs for many residents of Handley. In addition to these traditional agricultural activities, there are also several wineries located in the area that offer tours and tastings for visitors to enjoy.
The coal industry is also an important part of Handley’s economy with several mines located nearby providing jobs for many residents of the town. In recent years, however, this industry has been in decline due to competition from natural gas producers and other energy sources which has caused many coal mines to close their doors.
Handley’s economy is driven by a combination of tourism, agriculture, and coal mining which continues to be an important part of life in this small mountain community.
Politics in Handley, West Virginia
Handley, West Virginia is a small mountain town with a population of just over 1,000 people. Despite its size, the town has managed to maintain an important role in West Virginia’s politics. Handley is part of the larger Kanawha County and falls within the boundaries of the 3rd Congressional District in West Virginia.
The town is served by the Kanawha County Commission which is composed of three members who are elected to four-year terms. The commission works with local government agencies such as the sheriff’s office and other county offices to ensure that Handley’s citizens have access to necessary services such as law enforcement and public safety.
The town also elects representatives to serve in both chambers of the West Virginia state legislature. These representatives are responsible for advocating for policies that benefit their constituents and ensuring that their voices are heard at the state level.
Handley is also home to several local organizations such as the Handley Community Action Group (HCAG) which works to improve quality of life for residents through advocacy and community outreach initiatives. HCAG works with local businesses, government officials, and other organizations to address issues such as poverty reduction, economic development, education reform, and environmental protection.
Finally, Handley’s residents also have access to a variety of federal programs that provide assistance with housing, health care, education, and other services. These programs are administered by agencies such as the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Small Business Administration (SBA), and Social Security Administration (SSA).
Handley’s political landscape consists of both local and state representatives who work together to ensure that citizens have access to necessary resources while advocating for policy changes that benefit their constituents. In addition, there are several local organizations working on behalf of citizens’ interests which makes it easier for residents to stay informed about important issues in their community.