What was a major industry in West Virginia during the late 19th century?

During the late 19th century, coal mining emerged as a major industry in West Virginia, significantly shaping the state’s economy and social landscape. The state's unique geological features provided abundant coal deposits, making it an ideal location for coal extraction. The industrial revolution heightened the demand for coal, as it was a crucial energy source for trains, factories, and homes.

As coal mines expanded, they attracted a workforce, including many immigrants seeking employment, which fostered growth in local communities. The coal industry not only influenced economic structures but also had lasting cultural impacts, leading to the development of mining towns and labor movements advocating for miners' rights and safety.

While agriculture, textiles, and forestry were also present during this period, they did not drive the state's economic development to the same extent as coal mining. Agriculture was primarily subsistence-based, textiles were not as developed in West Virginia compared to other regions, and forestry was important but did not dominate the economy as coal did during this transformative era. Thus, coal mining stands out as the defining industry of West Virginia in the late 19th century.