Jump to content

Clendenin, West Virginia: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 38°29′19″N 81°20′56″W / 38.48861°N 81.34889°W / 38.48861; -81.34889
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m script-assisted date audit and style fixes per MOS:NUM
 
(12 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Clendenin, West Virginia
|official_name = Clendenin, West Virginia
Line 54: Line 54:
|population_total = 850
|population_total = 850
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021">{{cite web |last1=Bureau |first1=US Census |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
|population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021">{{cite web |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=July 3, 2022}}</ref>
|pop_est_as_of = 2021
|pop_est_as_of = 2021
|population_est = 850
|population_est = 850
Line 71: Line 71:
|utc_offset_DST = -4
|utc_offset_DST = -4
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 54-16012<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank_info = 54-16012<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1537398<ref name=GNIS1>{{gnis|1537398|Clendenin}}</ref>
|blank1_info = 1537398<ref name=GNIS1>{{gnis|1537398|Clendenin}}</ref>
Line 84: Line 84:
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 [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] in 1904 and named after the Clendenin family, an early pioneer family in the [[Kanawha River|Kanawha River Valley]]. The first petrochemical plant in the world was built in Clendenin in 1920. This plant was the original Union Carbide Corporation facility. Other chief economic staples included timber, coal, gas, oil, and salt. The decades from 1900 to 1930 saw most of the towns growth, and construction of most of the major buildings in town, including the elementary, middle, and high schools, several large churches, three banks, and several blocks of commercial buildings. When Union Carbide moved their production plant from Falling Rock to Charleston, the economy slowed but Clendenin remained a commercial hub for northern Kanawha County, southern Roane County, and western Clay County until Interstate 79 bypassed the town in the 1980s.
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 [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] in 1904 and named after the Clendenin family, an early pioneer family in the [[Kanawha River|Kanawha River Valley]]. The first petrochemical plant in the world was built in Clendenin in 1920. This plant was the original Union Carbide Corporation facility. Other chief economic staples included timber, coal, gas, oil, and salt. The decades from 1900 to 1930 saw most of the towns growth, and construction of most of the major buildings in town, including the elementary, middle, and high schools, several large churches, three banks, and several blocks of commercial buildings. When Union Carbide moved their production plant from Falling Rock to Charleston, the economy slowed but Clendenin remained a commercial hub for northern Kanawha County, southern Roane County, and western Clay County until Interstate 79 bypassed the town in the 1980s.


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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://wfpl.org/after-deadly-floods-west-virginia-created-a-resiliency-office-its-barely-functioning/|title=W.Va.'s Resiliency Office Is Barely Functioning|last=Peterson|first=Erica|date=2020-01-27|website=89.3 WFPL News Louisville|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref>
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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://wfpl.org/after-deadly-floods-west-virginia-created-a-resiliency-office-its-barely-functioning/|title=W.Va.'s Resiliency Office Is Barely Functioning|last=Peterson|first=Erica|date=January 27, 2020|website=89.3 WFPL News Louisville|language=en-US|access-date=February 11, 2020}}</ref>


The current mayor of Clendenin is Kay Summers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wchstv.com/news/local/clendenin-elects-new-mayor-shana-trippett|title=Fontalbert wins Marmet election by 4 votes; Clendenin mayor ousted by newcomer|website=WCHS|date=14 June 2017 |publisher=WCHS|access-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> 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.
The current mayor of Clendenin is Kay Summers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wchstv.com/news/local/clendenin-elects-new-mayor-shana-trippett|title=Fontalbert wins Marmet election by 4 votes; Clendenin mayor ousted by newcomer|website=WCHS|date=June 14, 2017 |publisher=WCHS|access-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> 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==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|1.51|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|1.44|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.07|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2013-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-07-02 }}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|1.51|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|1.44|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.07|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 }}</ref>


===Climate===
===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Clendenin has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=327164&cityname=Clendenin%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Clendenin, West Virginia]</ref> In Clendenin, 236 days out of the year have fog, and 153 days have precipitation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://myforecast.co/bin/climate.m?city=32488&zip_code=25045&metric=true|title=Clendenin, WV Climate|website=myforecast.co|access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref>
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Clendenin has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=327164&cityname=Clendenin%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Clendenin, West Virginia]</ref> In Clendenin, 236 days out of the year have fog, and 153 days have precipitation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://myforecast.co/bin/climate.m?city=32488&zip_code=25045&metric=true|title=Clendenin, WV Climate|website=myforecast.co|access-date=July 15, 2019}}</ref>

==Sites of interest==
===Elk River Trail State Park===
The [[Elk River Trail]], currently under construction, will traverse a 74-mile segment of the former Coal and Coke Railway from Clendenin to Gilmer Station, with a significant stretch along the Elk River from Clendenin to Gassaway. When finished, it will rank among the East Coast's longest trails. The park offers recreational options like hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elk River Trail Foundation|url=https://elkrivertrail.org/|website=Elk River Trail Foundation|access-date=October 30, 2023}}</ref> In addition, boat access directly to the Elk River is available along or nearby the trail.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elk River Water Trail Foundation|url=https://diyoutdoors.wvu.edu/files/d/6097bc04-2c9d-4dc9-8ad4-3be19d026de6/elk-river-water-trail-guide-1.pdf|website=Elk River Water Trail Guide|access-date=October 30, 2023}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:ERTPath-2022.png|thumb|alt=Elk River Trail Path in Clendenin|Elk River Trail Path in Clendenin]]
[[File:ERTBridge-2022.jpg|thumb|alt=Original train bridge under the Elk River Trail path|Original train bridge under the Elk River Trail path]]
[[File:ElkRiver-2022.jpg|thumb|alt=The Elk River at the Clendenin North access ramp|The Elk River at the Clendenin North access ramp]]

===Elk River Water Trail===
The Elk River Water Trail starts at Sutton Dam (I-79 Exit 62) and goes through Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties (including through Clendenin and Charleston). There are 14 main access points and 2 proposed locations near Interstate 79 exits 1 to 62. You'll find signs and info kiosks at these primary sites. The Elk River is known for its rich fish diversity and unique invertebrates, like a crayfish found nowhere else globally, making it a top river destination in West Virginia for fishing and kayaking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elk River Water Trail |url=https://braxtonwv.org/things-to-do/elk-river-water-trail/ |website=Elk River Water Trail |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

===First petrochemical plant===
A spinoff of the oil and gas industries started at Clendenin in 1920 when Union Carbide built the world's first petrochemical plant—producing synthetic chemicals from natural gas. Carbide soon relocated to South Charleston, and the Kanawha Valley became the nation's chemical capital. But the oil and gas boom had already put Clendenin on the map, with a thriving downtown section.<ref>{{cite web|title=Clendenin|url=http://www.wvculture.org/goldenseal/fall16/Clendenin.html|website=WV Division of Culture and History|access-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref>

⚫
===November 1966 Mothman sighting===
On November 12, 1966, a small group of gravediggers were digging a plot inside Clendenin's Reamer Hill Cemetery for a resident named Homer Smith who had recently died. The group was led by Kenneth Duncan, Smith's son in law. Duncan later claimed that while digging, he observed a large brown winged man take flight from a nearby tree and glide overhead for approximately one minute before flying off.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wvexplorer.com/2022/07/19/did-legendary-mothman-first-appear-at-clendenin-cemetery/ | title=Did legendary Mothman first appear near Elk River Trail? - West Virginia Explorer | date=19 July 2022 }}</ref>

Four days later, two young couples from [[Point Pleasant, West Virginia|Point Pleasant]], Roger and Linda Scarberry and Steve and Mary Mallette, told police they saw a large gray creature whose eyes "glowed red" when the car headlights picked it up. They described it as a "large flying man with ten-foot wings", following their car while they were driving in the [[McClintic Wildlife Management Area]] outside of town,<ref name="Nickell2004">{{cite book|author=Joe Nickell|title=The Mystery Chronicles: More Real-Life X-Files|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sComGoDFJZ4C&pg=PA93|accessdate=21 August 2011|date=April 2004|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|isbn=978-0-8131-2318-9|pages=93–}}</ref> known locally as the "TNT area", the site of a former [[World War II]] munitions plant.<ref>[http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/93914124.html UPDATE: Munitions Risk Closes Part of Wildlife Area Again] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115943/http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/93914124.html |date=2014-08-26 }} (retrieved 8 February 2012)]</ref> The creature soon became known as the "[[Mothman]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/mothman-point-pleasant-west-virginia|title= An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia|website=[[Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage]]|date=7 June 2021}}</ref> and this sighting compelled Duncan to come forward with his account, which he and the others had kept quiet about for four days.

This Clendenin incident is widely believed to be one of the first reported sightings of the Mothman, although authors Loren Coleman and John Keel have documented possible earlier sightings within their respective works.

===Other sites of interest===
Other sites of interest include:
* [[Clendenin Historic District]]
* Roxy Theater
* [[Elk River (West Virginia)|Elk River]]
* [[Morris Creek Wildlife Management Area]]
* Elk Refinery
* Original Clendenin High School Building
* The Hedges Mansion


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 146: Line 116:


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2013-01-24}}</ref> there were 1,227 people, 524 households, and 335 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|852.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 576 housing units at an average density of {{convert|400.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 0.7% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.1% of the population.
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 24, 2013}}</ref> there were 1,227 people, 524 households, and 335 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|852.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 576 housing units at an average density of {{convert|400.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 0.7% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.1% of the population.


There were 524 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were [[Marriage|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.
There were 524 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were [[Marriage|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.
Line 152: Line 122:
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.
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==
⚫
==Education==
The [[Clendenin Historic District]] is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Kanawha County, West Virginia|National Register of Historic Places]].
⚫
Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Clendenin attend Clendenin Elementary School (PK-5), Elkview Middle School (6-8), and [[Herbert Hoover High School (West Virginia)]] (9-12). Only the Clendenin Elementary lies within the boundaries of the city. Elkview Middle School is located 7 miles from Clendenin in neighboring [[Elkview, WV]]. Herbert Hoover High School was located just outside of Clendenin town limits until it was destroyed in the June 2016 floods. The new Herbert Hoover High School is located on Frame Road in Elkview and has an opening date of August 2023.


==Parks and recreation==
As of the 2010-2011 academic year and in terms of WESTEST 2 math and RLA scores, Clendenin Elementary was ranked 152nd out of 407 primary schools in the state (up 192 ranks from the prior year, and 10th most-improved in the state), receiving an average 48.5 in math and 49.8 in RLA. There were 350 students enrolling in 2010 with a student-teacher ratio of 15.2 students per teacher.<ref>[http://www.schooldigger.com/go/WV/schoolrank.aspx West Virginia Elementary School Rankings]</ref>
⚫
[[File:ERTPath-2022.png|thumb|Elk River Trail Path in Clendenin]]


The [[Elk River Trail]] is a {{convert|75|mi|km|adj=on}} trail from Clendenin to [[Gassaway, West Virginia]]. The trail features waterfalls, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.<ref>{{cite web | title = Elk River Trail | publisher = West Virginia State Parks | url = https://wvstateparks.com/park/elk-river-trail/ | accessdate = October 30, 2023}}</ref>
Elkview Middle was ranked 62nd of 159 middle schools in the state (up 28 ranks from the prior year, and 24th most-improved in the state), receiving an average 42.2 in math and 52.8 in RLA. Enrollment at the school in 2010 was 681 students and the student-teacher ratio was 16.2.


⚫
==Education==
Herbert Hoover High was ranked 41st of 118 high schools in the state (up 64 ranks from the prior year, and the most-improved high school in the state), receiving an average 40.8 in math and 49.3 in RLA. Enrollment at the school in 2010 was 797 students and the student-teacher ratio was 16.2.
⚫
Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Clendenin attend Clendenin Elementary School (PK-5), Elkview Middle School (6-8), and [[Herbert Hoover High School (West Virginia)]] (9-12). Only the Clendenin Elementary lies within the boundaries of the city. Elkview Middle School is located 7 miles from Clendenin in neighboring [[Elkview, WV]]. Herbert Hoover High School was located just outside of Clendenin town limits until it was destroyed in the June 2016 floods. The new Herbert Hoover High School is located on Frame Road in Elkview and has an opening date of August 2023.

Vocational schools in the area include [[Everest Institute]], [[Garnet Career Center]], [[Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College]], and [[West Virginia Junior College]].

Post-secondary four year and graduate education facilities near Clendenin are primarily located in and around the [[Charleston, WV]] urban area, which is located 21 miles away from the town. These schools include [[West Virginia State University]], the [[University of Charleston]], and [[West Virginia University Institute of Technology]] (a subsidiary campus of [[West Virginia University]]). Both [[Marshall University]] and [[West Virginia University]] have graduate college facilities located within the Charleston, WV urban area.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
Line 169: Line 137:
*[[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]]
*[[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]]
*[[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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wvexplorer.com/2022/07/19/did-legendary-mothman-first-appear-at-clendenin-cemetery/ | title=Did legendary Mothman first appear near Elk River Trail? - West Virginia Explorer | date=July 19, 2022 }}</ref> Others described seeing "a large gray creature whose eyes 'glowed red' when the car headlights picked it up."<ref name="Nickell2004">{{cite book|author=Joe Nickell|title=The Mystery Chronicles: More Real-Life X-Files|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sComGoDFJZ4C&pg=PA93|accessdate=August 21, 2011|date=April 2004|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|isbn=978-0-8131-2318-9|pages=93–}}</ref> The alleged creature became known as the [[Mothman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/mothman-point-pleasant-west-virginia|title= An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia|website=[[Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage]]|date=June 7, 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 15:39, 6 May 2024

Clendenin, West Virginia
Town
Maywood Avenue in downtown Clendenin in 2007
Maywood Avenue in downtown Clendenin in 2007
Official logo of Clendenin, West Virginia
Logo
Location of Clendenin in Kanawha County, West Virginia.
Location of Clendenin in Kanawha County, West Virginia.
Coordinates: 38°29′19″N 81°20′56″W / 38.48861°N 81.34889°W / 38.48861; -81.34889
CountryUnited States
StateWest Virginia
CountyKanawha
Government
 • TypeStrong City Council
 • MayorKay Summers
 • RecorderAmanda N. Amburgey
Area
[1]
 • Total1.52 sq mi (3.94 km2)
 • Land1.44 sq mi (3.73 km2)
 • Water0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2)
Elevation
623 ft (190 m)
Population
 (2020)[2]
 • Total850
 • Estimate 
(2021)[2]
850
 • Density762.83/sq mi (294.56/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
25045
Area code304
FIPS code54-16012[3]
GNIS feature ID1537398[4]
WebsiteOfficial 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[edit]

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 incorporated in 1904 and named after the Clendenin family, an early pioneer family in the Kanawha River Valley. The first petrochemical plant in the world was built in Clendenin in 1920. This plant was the original Union Carbide Corporation facility. Other chief economic staples included timber, coal, gas, oil, and salt. The decades from 1900 to 1930 saw most of the towns growth, and construction of most of the major buildings in town, including the elementary, middle, and high schools, several large churches, three banks, and several blocks of commercial buildings. When Union Carbide moved their production plant from Falling Rock to Charleston, the economy slowed but Clendenin remained a commercial hub for northern Kanawha County, southern Roane County, and western Clay County until Interstate 79 bypassed the town in the 1980s.

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[edit]

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[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Clendenin has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[10] In Clendenin, 236 days out of the year have fog, and 153 days have precipitation.[11]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910815—
19201,26355.0%
19301,217−3.6%
19401,200−1.4%
19501,47522.9%
19601,5102.4%
19701,438−4.8%
19801,373−4.5%
19901,203−12.4%
20001,116−7.2%
20101,2279.9%
2020850−30.7%
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 per capita income for the town was $16,587. About 9.7% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census[edit]

As of the 2010 census,[13] there were 1,227 people, 524 households, and 335 families residing in the town. The population density was 852.1 inhabitants per square mile (329.0/km2). There were 576 housing units at an average density of 400.0 per square mile (154.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.1% of the population.

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[edit]

The Clendenin Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parks and recreation[edit]

Elk River Trail Path in Clendenin

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[edit]

Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Clendenin attend Clendenin Elementary School (PK-5), Elkview Middle School (6-8), and Herbert Hoover High School (West Virginia) (9-12). Only the Clendenin Elementary lies within the boundaries of the city. Elkview Middle School is located 7 miles from Clendenin in neighboring Elkview, WV. Herbert Hoover High School was located just outside of Clendenin town limits until it was destroyed in the June 2016 floods. The new Herbert Hoover High School is located on Frame Road in Elkview and has an opening date of August 2023.

Notable people[edit]

Mothman sighting claims[edit]

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[edit]

  1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". Census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  3. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clendenin
  5. ^ "Clendenin Historic District". Living Places.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Peterson, Erica (January 27, 2020). "W.Va.'s Resiliency Office Is Barely Functioning". 89.3 WFPL News Louisville. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  8. ^ "Fontalbert wins Marmet election by 4 votes; Clendenin mayor ousted by newcomer". WCHS. WCHS. June 14, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  9. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  10. ^ Climate Summary for Clendenin, West Virginia
  11. ^ "Clendenin, WV Climate". myforecast.co. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  12. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  14. ^ "Elk River Trail". West Virginia State Parks. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  15. ^ "Did legendary Mothman first appear near Elk River Trail? - West Virginia Explorer". July 19, 2022.
  16. ^ Joe Nickell (April 2004). The Mystery Chronicles: More Real-Life X-Files. University Press of Kentucky. pp. 93–. ISBN 978-0-8131-2318-9. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  17. ^ "An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia". Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. June 7, 2021.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clendenin,_West_Virginia&oldid=1222546690"