What was the former name of the community now known as St. Albans in Kanawha County?

The community now known as St. Albans in Kanawha County was previously called Coalsmith. This name reflects the area's historical connection to coal mining, which played a significant role in the local economy and the development of communities in West Virginia. Coalsmith’s name was change to St. Albans in the late 1800s, likely to honor the English city of St. Albans, lending a more distinguished name to the growing community.

Understanding the evolution of community names like this is important as it reflects the region's economic history and the cultural shifts that often accompany changes in industry and settlement patterns. Other community names like Coalburg and Coal Valley are also associated with coal mining but refer to different locations within West Virginia and thus do not pertain to the community that became St. Albans.