Cucumber, West Virginia | |
|---|---|
 The main area of Cucumber, West Virginia, viewed from West Virginia Route 16 | |
  Cucumber  Cucumber | |
| Coordinates: 37°16′40″N81°37′36″W / 37.27778°N 81.62667°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | McDowell |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.452 sq mi (1.17 km2) |
| • Land | 0.452 sq mi (1.17 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,542 ft (470 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 74 |
| • Density | 160/sq mi (63/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EST) |
| ZIP codes | 24826 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1554238 [3] |
Cucumber, West Virginia is a census-designated place (CDP) located in McDowell County, West Virginia, USA. As of the 2020 census, Cucumber had a population of only 74 people, making it one of the smallest communities in the state. Despite its small size, Cucumber is a unique community that plays a role in the coal industry of the region, contributing to the history and culture of the coal mining areas in West Virginia.
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The name "Cucumber" has several possible origins. One of them is the nearby stream called Cucumber Creek, which may have inspired the name. Another possibility is that the area was named after the cucumber trees found in the region. Regardless of its exact origin, Cucumber is the only community in the United States with this name, which adds to its uniqueness. The post office in Cucumber remains operational, despite the small population, which highlights the importance of the community for local residents and their connection to the surrounding areas.
Cucumber is located in the central part of McDowell County at an elevation of 1,542 feet (470 meters) above sea level, with geographic coordinates of 37°16′40″ N and 81°37′36″ W. The area of the CDP is 0.452 square miles (1.17 km²), and all of this land is occupied by dry land, as there are no significant water bodies within the CDP. This relatively small area is where the life and economy of the tiny community continue to thrive.
Cucumber has historically been associated with the coal industry, which has been the primary economic activity in the region for many years. West Virginia, including McDowell County, is one of the largest coal mining areas in the United States, and coal mining has long served as the main source of income for the local population. Between 2005 and 2008, the Brooks Run Mining Company, which operates in the Cucumber area, extracted more than 2 million tons of coal, emphasizing the importance of coal mining to the local economy and its impact on the lives of residents. Despite its small population, Cucumber remains an important part of the coal extraction and processing network in the region.
However, life in Cucumber and other coal communities in West Virginia is not without risks. On January 13, 2007, a tunnel collapse at the Brooks Run Mining Company coal mine in the area resulted in the deaths of two miners. This incident served as a reminder of the high risks faced by workers in the coal industry and the challenges of life in mining towns. Despite the dangers, many local residents continue to work in the coal mines, as it remains one of the few sources of employment in the region.
Today, Cucumber and its surrounding areas are part of a complex social and economic landscape in West Virginia, where coal remains a vital resource despite a decline in production and growing environmental and economic challenges. While the population of Cucumber is small, its residents continue to uphold traditions and historical connections to the mining industry, reflecting the character of many small coal towns across the state.
In addition to coal mining, Cucumber and its residents face challenges related to economic decline in the region. In recent decades, many coal mines have closed, and coal production has decreased, leading to the loss of many jobs and affecting the standard of living and migration patterns of local residents. Some have left the small towns in search of better employment and living conditions, which has led to further depopulation and deterioration of social infrastructure. However, in Cucumber and other small coal communities, values related to hard work, community solidarity, and a deep connection to the land remain strong.
Despite the challenges, Cucumber remains an important part of the history and culture of West Virginia, a reminder of how the coal industry shaped the lives of local residents and continues to influence the region. In recent years, there have been initiatives to explore new paths for economic development in former coal-mining areas, such as tourism related to the history of coal mining or environmental restoration projects. However, for now, coal remains the primary driver of the economy in Cucumber and its surrounding areas.
In conclusion, Cucumber, despite its small population and remoteness, continues to be a unique and significant place in West Virginia, where the history of the coal industry and the work ethic of local residents are preserved in the modern world.
