Bluefield WV Essay Example For Students

Bluefield WV Essay Bluefield is located in southern West Virginia along the foothills of one of the most beautiful mountain valley settings to be found anywhere. The city stands at 2,612 feet above sea level in the East River Mountain, making it West Virginias loftiest incorporated community. (Greater Bluefield Area Community Profile) With the average temperature in January at 35o F and July at only 71o F, Bluefield is nicknamed Natures Air Conditioned City. In fact, a tradition of the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce is to serve free lemonade to the residents and visitors when the temperature reaches an official 90o F. Its so seldom when the 90o reading occurs that when the magic number is reached, the promotion often receives national publicity, particularly in the sweltering cities of the south. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 2) Bluefield belongs to Mercer County, named in honor of General Hugh Mercer of the Revolution and is considered to be the Gateway to Southern Hospitality and Black Gold. Bluefields neighboring towns include Bluefield, VA, Virginias Tallest Town; Princeton, the county seat; and Bramwell, The Millionaires Town. According to the 1995 census, its population reaches almost 12,600, making it West Virginias seventh largest city. (Southern West Virginias Visitors Guide) The citys early history dates back to 1780 when two Revolutionary soldiers, Andrew Davidson and Richard Bailey, built the Davidson-Bailey Fort to protect their families from hostile Indians. It is said that soon afterwards, however, a band of Indians captured Mrs. Davidson and her two daughters. Along the way, she gave birth to a child, which the Indians drowned, and her daughters were tied to a tree and shot in her presence. After searching for many months, Mr. Davidson found his wife in Canada living with some farmers. (Rankin, 2) As late as 1880, only four families resided in the present site of Bluefield the Baileys, the Davidsons, the Higginbothams, and the Wilsons. It was named Higginbotham Summit. (History of Bluefield, West Virginia) These families allowed the Norfolk and Western Railway to lay an 80-foot track through their village. A few years later, when the railroad continued through the valuable Pocahontas Coal Field, some five hundred people settled into Summit. In 1885, when a post office was being established, some local women named it (not realizing they were naming a future city) Bluefields after the chicory flowers in bloom. On November 16, 1889, after many businesses had begun to flock to the growing town, the question of incorporating Bluefield was placed before the public. When the polls were closed, the commissioner reported that 177 votes were cast in favor of incorporation. (Rankin, 7) Soon after, the first bank, appropriately named the First National Bank, and the first standing newspaper, the Daily Telegraph, were organized. Coal was the key to Bluefields success. The area of Mercer, McDowell, Wayne, and Mingo Counties in West Virginia, and Tazewell, Buchanan, and Wise Counties in Virginia was known throughout the United States as the Great Pocahontas Coal Field. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 13) Bluefield was the headquarters of the Pocahontas Operators Association. Mining for this all-purpose fuel provided jobs for hundreds of people. In fact, in 1932, West Virginia took the lead from Pennsylvania as the largest coal producing state and has held that honor since. In 1940, more than one-third of the states population was directly dependent on the coal industry for food and shelter. (Nelson, Interview) Despite the seemingly roseate picture painted here of the prosperity of the coal mining industry in southern West Virginia, there is the seamier side. The area has had its share of labor difficulties, stemming primarily from the fine disregard of the owners for the safety, health, social and economic welfare of its workers. (Rankin, 19) Many outraged employees went on strike. Then in July, 1935, Congress passed the National Labor Relations Act, guaranteeing for all time the right of industry to collective bargaining and forbidding employers to interfere with labors exercise of these rights or to discriminate against union members. (Rankin, 20) Another serious problem with mining was the maintenance of law and order. The organization of the West Virginia Coal Police during the 1920s was prompted by the need for protection of the property of the coal operators as well as the rights of the innocent citizen. Rankin, 20) One example of this is the Glen Alum payroll robbery of 1914, in which eleven people were killed. Also, there was always the danger of sudden death. Marketing Management EssayThe Bluefield area is proud to offer quality facilities and curricula that prepare the young and older citizens for the future. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 4) A prime example of the citys educational system is John F. Nash. Born and raised in Bluefield, he received the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economic Science. He now has a boulevard named in his honor and a permanent exhibit in the Bluefield Arts and Science Center. Although the city promotes itself as an ideal retirement community, Bluefield has its share of entertainment and festivities for young and old alike. Every year in December it has a Festival of Lights display featuring fifty decorated Christmas trees. The city is also home to the Country Craft and Guild Show, Bluefield Coal Show, and Bluefield Comcast Mountain Festival. (West Virginias Southern Gateway) These exciting events can be found in Yakkity Yak, the newly remodeled city park. A modern playground (built completely by volunteers), a softball field, lighted tennis courts, exercise and bike trails, an auditorium, youth center, and the Ridge Runner Railroad can be enjoyed by all throughout the year. Also located in the city park, Mitchell Stadium is the home football stadium for both high schools and Bowen Field, the home baseball field for the area high schools and the annual Coppinger Tournament. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 13) Local schools have always been in fierce competition and are regularly breaking school records. Bowen Field is also the home of the Bluefield Orioles. The team has the distinction of having the longest affiliation (over forty years) in Minor League Baseball with their parent club, the Baltimore Orioles. Another interesting fact is that Cal Ripkin started his career with the Bluefield Os. (Law, Interview) To experience a scenic view of Bluefield and the East River Valley at 3500 feet above sea level, visit the East River Mountain Overlook. First opened on September 2, 1960, it was made possible by hundreds of volunteers and organizations who donated time, effort, and funds to the project. In the first two months of operation, the overlookwas visited by a record 7,700 people coming from 42 states and 26 foreign countries. East River Mountain Overlook Park) Now, newly renovated, it features an observation deck with binoculars, restrooms, hiking trails, and picnic shelters with tables and grills. In an effort to expand for the future, Bluefield is in the process of constructing Bluefield Intermediate, a new school that will hold all of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in the area. Upon its completion, the smaller Cumberland Heights Elementary School will be closed. It is planned to be operational for the 2000-2001 school year. (Crockett, Interview) Through nearby major highways, Bluefield is easily accessible to the surrounding areas. Interstate 77, which runs from the Great Lakes to Florida, and U. S. Route 460 are just minutes away connecting the Greater Bluefield area with major routes for tourism and shipping. (Southern West Virginias Visitors Guide) Giving the area better access for new business development, Congress passed the Intermodel Surface Transportation Act in 1991 that include corridor I-73/74 which will run from Detroit to Charleston, S. C. through Bluefield, W. V. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 7) With the addition of the new highway, Bluefield will have the opportunity to once again grow and prosper as a tourist area.