mcdowell county

Commonly referred to as 'The County' by natives in the bordering areas, McDowell county is located in southern West Virgina. It consists of many small communities who lived out their heydays through the mid nineteenth century during the booming times of coal mining. Today, these communities are quiet and generally run-down. Although, a couple of the mining tipples are still active. Notable figures include The Rocket Boys; such as Homer Hickam Jr. whose story is documented in his memoir Rocket Boys (later inspiring the film October Sky.)