Williamson

Williamson is the largest city in Mingo County and it also serves as the County Seat. With a population of over 4,000, Williamson is often referred to as one of the gateways to the south. The city is over 100 years old and remains an important area along the Norfolk Southern Corporation's rail system. Williamson was incorporated as a city in 1905 by a special charter of the legislature. The city has been the county seat of Mingo since formation of the county. Most historians believe that Williamson was named in honor of Wallace J. Williamson who owned the land where Williamson now stands. He is also credited with founding the city’s first bank and hotel. Others claim that the city was named for Wallace’s father, Benjamin F. Williamson, who owned most of the land in the region before dividing it among his sons.

Delbarton

The city of Delbarton is located south of Williamson and was incorporated as a municipality in 1946. The city is named Delbarton in honor of one of the officials of The United Thacker Land Company, which once owned the land where the city is now located. With a population of over 700 it is located in the heart of the richest coal area of the State of West Virginia.

Gilbert

Incorporated in 1918, the town was named after Joseph Gilbert, one of the earliest white settlers to come into the region. With a population of 450, Gilbert was incorporated in 1918 and named for Gilbert Creek. The name of the creek is derived from the name of an early traveler in the area who was killed by Native Americans here.

Kermit

Incorporated in 1909 by Circuit Court and named for Kermit Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt. The town, located on Route 52, has a population of 350 and was formerly known as Lower Burning Creek and Warfield

Matewan

Incorporated in 1895, was named after Matewan, New York, home city of the engineer who laid out the town. Matewan has intrigued visitors and inspired folklore for over one hundred years. In the 1880s the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys raged near Matewan. Forty years later the town was the scene of a fatal conflict between mine workers and coal operators.