Everything about Huntington West Virginia totally explained
Huntington is a city located in the
U.S. State of
West Virginia along the
Ohio River. Most of the city is in
Cabell County, for which it's the county seat of government. A small portion of the city, mainly the neighborhood of Westmoreland, is in
Wayne County. As of 2006, current data shows a city population of 49,007
(External Link
). Huntington is a part of the
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of current 2005 data, the MSA's population was 286,012. Huntington is the largest city within the MSA and the second largest city in West Virginia, behind
Charleston.
History
The city was named for
Collis P. Huntington, who founded Huntington in 1870 as the western terminus for the
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on the land west of the mouth of the
Guyandotte River at the
Ohio River. It was created as a railroad town for the C&O, when it initially stretched from
Richmond, Virginia to the
Ohio River. It became a huge shops center for the railroad, which expanded east to
Newport News (and
coal piers) and westerly to eventually reach
Cincinnati and
Chicago in the following years.
Huntington was
incorporated in 1871, but was really a massive addition to
Guyandotte, an earlier city that's now a neighborhood of Huntington, was first built upon in 1799. The land that's now part of both Guyandotte and Huntington was originally part of the 28,628 acre
French and Indian War veteran's
Savage Grant.
Historically, the old Federal Era town of Guyandotte has homes dating back to 1820 and a graveyard containing 18th century French and Colonial-era settlers, including surnames such as LeTulle, Holderby, and Buffington. Huntington was known as
Holderby's Landing prior to 1871 and the Buffington family held the tracts of land that became the Huntington Land Company. The Buffingtons were the only revolutionary-era Savage Grant claimants to continuously reside within the area, and later generations of Buffingtons were associated with Marshall College (later a university) were business partners of Collis P. Huntington. Albert Gallatin Jenkins, a
Confederate Army General, had his plantation home in nearby
Lesage, which has since become a historical landmark.
At the time of Huntington's founding, Holderby's Landing was already the home of Marshall College, a
normal school that had been founded in 1837 as Marshall Academy. Originally, Marshall Academy was essentially a
boarding school, under the control of the
Southern Methodist Church, for wealthy
high school students. In 1857, the school became Marshall College, which in turn became a public institution in 1867. The college later became
Marshall University in 1961 and now occupies a large portion of the city to the immediate east of the downtown
CBD.
Huntington grew to nearly 100,000 in population by the 1950s thanks to a successful coal and chemical industry. However, due to coal losing some of its prominence as a fuel, the city has lost much of its industrial base including several factories in industries such as glassworks, steel, and locomotive parts. Huntington is now effectively a regional medical community - the two hospitals, St. Mary's and Cabell-Huntington, are the largest employers - and a
university town, thanks to the presence of Marshall University, which has an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students.
Despite being located to the south of the area traditionally defined as the
Rust belt, the city suffered from the trend of heavy deindustrialization experienced in cities of the Upper Midwest during the 1970s. This trend has been one of the factors that has resulted Huntington's population decline over the last several decades.
In the 1970s, federal urban renewal programs destroyed part of the downtown, but in 2005 the Pullman Square retail and entertainment center, aided by the Tri-State Transit Authority, revived the downtown "Superblock" area, leading to rising downtown usage. The Harris Riverfront Park promenade is now well-attended along the
Ohio River downtown. Victorian architecture downtown is growing in popularity among new residents.
Marshall University aviation disaster
On November 14, 1970, a chartered
Southern Airways McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet transporting 75
Marshall University football players, coaches, staff, and supporters crashed just short of the
Tri-State Airport in adjoining
Ceredo, West Virginia. Everyone on board was killed.
A movie titled
We Are Marshall, starring Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox, was released locally on December 12, 2006, and nationally on December 22, 2006. The movie depicts the aftermath of the aviation disaster for the families and university.
Geography and climate
According to the
United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.0
square miles (46.6
km²), of which, 15.9 square miles (41.2 km²) of it's land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of it (11.51%) is water. The
Guyandotte River joins the
Ohio River in Huntington, about 5 mi (8 km) east of its downtown.
Due to its position in the westernmost and lowest altitude areas of the state, the city is on the northern limits of a warmer and milder
Humid subtropical climate (External Link), unlike the hilly
uplands of West Virginia which are located in the
Allegheny Mountains and the
Appalachian Mountains. Huntington is warmed by westerly winds from the
Midwest, and made humid by the Ohio River, but avoids the bitter cold and high winds of the interior of West Virginia. Huntington enjoys temperate four seasons, with hot (70-90 degrees)
summers and snowy (20-50 degrees)
winters.
Fall and
spring tend to be cool and wet, but
Huntington fills the roughly three-mile wide
flood plain of the south bank of the Ohio River for sixty
city blocks and portions of the hills to the immediate south.
source
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
| Avg high (°F) |
41 |
45 |
56 |
67 |
75 |
83 |
86 |
84 |
78 |
67 |
56 |
45 |
65 |
| Avg low (°F) |
24 |
26 |
35 |
44 |
53 |
61 |
65 |
64 |
57 |
45 |
37 |
29 |
45 |
| Rainfall (in) |
2.9 |
2.9 |
4.0 |
3.3 |
4.2 |
3.4 |
4.5 |
3.9 |
2.9 |
2.7 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
41.4 |
| Snowfall (in) |
8.3 |
7.3 |
4.3 |
0.6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
1.2 |
3.9 |
25.7 |
The city's primary public recreation center is Ritter Park (named for Charles L. Ritter who donated the land). The park area encompasses a walking and cycling path, tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater, a multi-terraced rose garden, and a stone-tiered reflecting pond built by the
Works Progress Administration and
Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. Four Pole Creek, runs the entire length of Ritter Park and the creek is crossed by numerous wooden and stone
footbridges.
Government and politics
Huntington has, since 1985, operated under a
strong mayor/
city council form of government. The mayor is elected to four-year terms in partisan elections contested at the same time as
United States presidential elections. The current mayor is David Felinton, a
Democrat who is currently in his second term. Mayors in Huntington are
term-limited to three terms and have the authority to
veto acts of the city council.
Huntington's city councillors are also elected to four-year terms at the same time as the mayor. There are eleven members of the council, nine of whom represent single-member districts, while the other two are elected at-large by the city as a whole. Huntington's city council has the authority to draft and debate ordinances and can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds majority. There are currently ten Democrats and one
Republican on the city council.
| District |
City Councillor |
District |
City Councillor |
| District 2 |
Teresa Loudermilk (D) |
District 8 |
P. D. Adkins (D) |
| District 4 |
Mary Neely (D) |
At Large |
Gary Black (D) |
| District 6 |
Calvin Kent (R) |
|
|
The city also serves as the
county seat of Cabell County. The Cabell County Courthouse is located in downtown Huntington on a parcel that covers an entire city block. Within the building are the offices for all of the county's elected officials and their employees, including the
sheriff,
county commissioners,
county clerk,
magistrates, and Circuit Court
judges.
Demographics
As of the
census of 2000, there are 51,475 people, 22,955 households, and 12,235 families residing in the city. The
population density is 3,234.1 people per square mile (1,248.4/km²). There are 25,888 housing units at an average density of 1,626.5/sq mi (627.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 89.61%
White, 7.49%
Black or
African American, 0.20%
Native American, 0.82%
Asian, 0.05%
Pacific Islander, 0.30% from
other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population are
Hispanic or
Latino of any race.
There are 22,955 households out of which 20.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% are
married couples living together, 13.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 46.7% are non-families. 37.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.12 and the average family size is 2.80.
The age distribution, which is strongly influenced by Marshall's presence, is 17.7% under the age of 18, 17.5% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $23,234, and the median income for a family is $34,756. Males have a median income of $30,040 versus $21,198 for females. The
per capita income for the city is $16,717. 24.7% of the population and 17.5% of families are below the
poverty line. Out of the total population, 29.8% of those under the age of 18 and 12.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Institutions
Huntington is home to several medical centers.
St. Mary's Medical Center and
Cabell-Huntington Hospital provide healthcare for Huntington and the surrounding metropolitan area. St. Mary's and Cabell-Huntington are jointly designated as the only trauma center in the region. St. Mary's is home to a regional heart institute, regional cancer center and regional neuroscience center. The
Marshall University Medical Center is located at Cabell-Huntington. In addition, the
Marshall University Medical School, now known as the
Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in honor of
Joan C. Edwards, a major benefactor, has a comprehensive cancer care center. It is also a distinguished leader nationwide for rural health care delivery.
The Huntington
Veteran's Administration (VA) Medical Center, located on Spring Valley Drive, is an 80-bed medical and surgical care facility that offers primary inpatient and outpatient care, along with mental health services and subspeciality outpatient options. It is also the primary teaching facility for the Marshall University School of Medicine and is also affiliated with the
Pikeville School of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1993, the
Robert C. Byrd Clinical Addition expanded the hospital's surgery, radiology, laboratory, cardiology, nuclear medicine, and rehabilitation services and renovated inpatient care facilities. In 1998, a $10 million research facility was completed
The city is also home to the state's largest psychiatric hospital,
Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital.
A
banking and
commerce center for the area between 1880 and the present, Huntington developed along the river's shore with its 19th century urban industry. The
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad had its western terminus in Huntington and railroad tracks bifurcate the city today. The railroad was historically the leading Huntington industry, along with coal, railcars, nickel, steel and glass.
Economy
Cityscape
Huntington has a central business district, located directly south of the
Ohio River, east of the
Robert C. Byrd Bridge, and west of 11th Street. It has another smaller business district, known as Central City, that's well known for its antique shops and for Heiners Bakery. There are several heavy industrial plants that line the Ohio River and the
Guyandotte River, but the dominance of
Marshall University's research prominence and the growing service sector, especially in the medical field, is reversing the effects of the
rust belt that have plagued Huntington for two decades.
The city also has a wealth of architecture, most of it constructed at a time when Huntington was dominated by the
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad and the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The city can also lay claim to a new urban renewal stance, brought on by Heritage Village, Pullman Square, and the continued investment in numerous downtown properties. Offshoots of the Pullman Square project include the renovation of many historical structures along 3rd Avenue, a new 9th Street Plaza, and the Old Main Corridor project.
Culture
Annual events and fairs
Huntington is home to numerous unique events and fairs held throughout the year.
| Name |
Location |
Date |
Comments |
| Chilifest |
Downtown district - 4th Avenue and Plaza |
September 15-17 |
State championship is held every year, with chili cooks coming from West Virginia and other states to compete for a berth in the national competition. |
| Guyandotte Civil War Days |
Guyandotte |
Early-November |
This festival features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. (External Link) |
| Guyandotte Heritage Days |
Guyandotte |
November |
This historic-themed festival features reenactment of the Confederate raid and the Union reprisal. It features period music, museums, 'living histories', and craft displays. |
| Hilltop Festival |
Huntington Museum of Art |
2nd weekend in September |
This event offers entertainment, children's activities, a petting zoo, book fair, arts and crafts, and concessions. |
| X-Fest |
Harris Riverfront Park |
Within the first 3 weeks of September |
Rock/alternative music concert that allows local bands to play with bigger bands. |
| Huntington Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival |
Big Sandy Superstore Arena |
April |
This features the demonstration and sale of traditional arts and crafts plus specialty ethnic foods. (External Link) |
| Jazz-MU-Tazz |
Marshall University |
June |
A summer jazz festival, it's a weekend of music that features jazz cabarets, outdoor concerts, and numerous activities. |
| Lions Tri-State Arts & Crafts Festival |
Big Sandy Superstore Arena |
1st weekend in December |
An old-fashioned arts and crafts fair that includes over 200 exhibitors featuring a variety of arts and crafts and homemade foods and sweets. |
| Old Central City Days |
Central City district in West Huntington |
3rd weekend in June |
This event offers numerous entertainment and shopping options in addition to the existing stock of storefronts, historic tours, and various food vendors at the new farmers market "depot." |
| Pilot Club of Huntington's Antique Show and Sale |
Big Sandy Superstore Arena |
Last complete weekend in September. |
An antique show and sale that features more than 40 dealers representing more than 10 states and West Virginia. |
| Ritter Park Days |
Ritter Park |
Weekends in July and August. |
Features children-based activities and programs. |
| West Virginia Day Celebration |
Downtown district - 9th Street Plaza |
June 20 |
This features live entertainment, jugglers, food, crafts, and more. |
| St. Patrick's Day Celebration |
Downtown Huntington |
March 14 |
This features live entertainment by musical and dance groups appropriate for St. Patrick's Day. (External Link) |
| West Virginia Hot Dog Festival |
Pullman Square district - 3rd Avenue |
|
Celebrates the unique variations of regional hot dogs. |
Historical structures and museums
The
Huntington Museum of Art is located in the hills above Ritter Park, featuring numerous collections and exhibitions; it's also home to the
C. Fred Edwards Conservatory. The
Museum of Radio and Technology is located near the west end of the park in a renovated elementary school. The Cabell County Courthouse and the
Carnegie Library in the downtown also hold historical interests, along with
Old Main at Marshall University, a structure dating to the 1840s and is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
The
Keith Albee, a former
Vaudeville palace from the 1920s, is one of the architectural masterpieces of downtown Huntington, located along 4th Avenue. It is currently being renovated to become one of the state's largest performing arts centers. One block north, 5th Avenue is noted for its many historical church buildings. The city is also the site of an
Adena Native American burial
mound.
Traditional "drive-in" restaurants and
hotdog stands are popular in the city, with locally-based favorites including Stewart's Original Hot Dogs, Frostop, Sam's Hot Dog Stand, Farley's (in Barboursville), and Hillbilly Hot Dogs making appearances throughout the region. Several drive-ins have closed in recent years, including Midway, Wiggins, and Cam's Ham. Cam's Ham still exists as a sit-down restaurant.
Parks and outdoor attractions
Camden Park, an amusement park, is also adjacent to the city.
A great place to spend a night on the town is pullman square. This towncenter features many fantastic restaurants, including Frankie D's Italian Chophouse, Max and Erma's, and many other restaurants. This beautiful center also features a stage for live performances and many great little shops including a news stand and book store.
Sports
Huntington's sports scene is dominated by Marshall University athletics; it is, however, the current home to one professional sports franchise. The indoor football team, the
Huntington Heroes, is a 2006 expansion franchise member of the
American Indoor Football League (now the
American Indoor Football Association). Home games were originally played in the
Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse, but are now played in the
Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Huntington was also home to the
Huntington Blizzard, an
ECHL ice-hockey team that was in existence from 1993 to 2000 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, and a succession of minor league
baseball teams in the 1990s at St. Cloud Commons.
Media
Print
Huntington has one of West Virginia's largest daily circulating newspapers,
The Herald-Dispatch, with an average weekday circulation of just over 29,000. The paper was recently purchased by
Champion Industries for
US$77 million.
(External Link)
Television
Radio
» Note: These are the only stations that are licensed to the city of Huntington.
Education
The residents of Huntington are served by the
Cabell County School System, which includes
Huntington High School,
Cabell Midland High School, numerous
elementary and
middle schools, as well as
private schools. Huntington is also the home of three
colleges and
universities, including
Marshall University, the
Robert C. Byrd Institute, and the
Huntington Junior College.
The
Cabell County Public Library system operates a main branch in the downtown and seven branches in neighboring towns.
Infrastructure
Roads
Huntington is located along
Interstate 64, which skirts the city to the south. It has four interchanges that serve the city:
US 52 (West Huntington Expressway),
WV 152/
WV 527,
WV 10, and
US 60.
US 60, part of the historic
Midland Trail, runs through the entire length of Huntington from west to east, cutting through West Huntington, downtown, East Huntington, and along the
Guyandotte River.
US 52 cuts through West Huntington along the
West Huntington Expressway, but its presence is brief. It has an interchange at Madison Avenue and one for
US 60.
The city is the northern terminus for
WV 10, a scenic highway that follows the Guyandotte River for much of its length and connects Huntington to
Princeton. It is also the southern terminus of
WV 2, which parallels the entirety of West Virginia's section of the
Ohio River, and facilitates much traffic towards
Point Pleasant and
Parkersburg.
Huntington utilizes a grid-like street pattern featuring several wide
boulevard-style avenues that run east and west. Most notable of these are 3rd and 5th Avenues. The city has a numbered street naming system, with avenues running east and west (parallel to the Ohio River) and streets running north and south.
The city has connections over the
Ohio River to
Proctorville, Ohio via the
East End Bridge, and to
Chesapeake, Ohio via the
Robert C. Byrd Bridge and the
West Huntington Bridge.
Rail
Since its founding as the western terminus of the C&O Railroad, Huntington has served as a major break of bulk point between rail traffic and the Ohio River/
Mississippi River
watershed. Much of the coal mined in southern
West Virginia is brought to Huntington by train to be transshipped and then transported by river
barges to industrial centers in other parts of the United States.
CSX, the successor company to C&O, continues to maintain a regional office, a rail yard, a freight car light repair shop, and a locomotive heavy repair facility in the city.
The city was once a hub for passenger rail service in the region, but accounts for a significantly smaller portion of rail traffic than in the early decades of the 20th Century. Huntington, however, has an
Amtrak station that lies on the
Cardinal line running between
New York City and
Chicago via
Washington, DC and
Cincinnati.
River
Huntington is the largest inland port in the United States in both in terms of total tonnage and ton-miles. This is due in large part to the coal traffic from the railroads and the
petroleum products produced by the
Marathon Petroleum Company oil refinery in nearby
Catlettsburg, Kentucky that use the Port of Huntington to load their products onto barges.
Air
Tri-State Airport, located southwest of the city, is a public airport with two runways. Commercial air service is provided by three airlines:
Allegiant Air,
Delta Connection and
US Airways Express.
Notable people from Huntington
Further Information
Get more info on 'Huntington West Virginia'.
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