Charleston is the vibrant capital and largest city of West Virginia. As the county seat of Kanawha County, Charleston sits beautifully at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers. According to the 2020 census, the city’s population was 48,864, with a slight decrease to an estimated 48,018 in 2021. The larger Charleston metropolitan area, however, boasted a population of 308,248 in 2020.
Charleston’s history is rich and fascinating. The first permanent settlement in the Kanawha Valley was Fort Morris, established in the fall of 1773 by William Morris. This fort was built about 20 miles upstream from present-day Charleston, at the confluence of Kellys Creek, near the remnants of Walter Kelly’s cabin, and played a significant role during the American Revolution.
Charleston officially became a town in 1794, thanks to the Virginia House of Delegates, with William Morris, Leonard Morris, and the legendary Daniel Boone as its trustees. In its early days, Charleston thrived on industries like salt production and the first natural gas well. Eventually, coal mining took center stage, driving economic growth in the region.
Today, Charleston’s economy is diverse and dynamic. Key sectors include trade, utilities, government, medicine, and education; all contributing to the city’s ongoing prosperity and vibrant community life.