According to gradinmath.com, Braxton County is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Central West Virginia. It is bordered by Clay, Nicholas, Webster, and Upshur counties. The population of Braxton County is 14,876 according to the 2018 census.
The county was formed in 1836 from parts of Lewis and Kanawha counties and named for Carter Braxton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county seat is Sutton where many historical buildings can be found such as the Courthouse built in 1895-1896 and the jail built in 1894-1895. Other historic sites include several churches from various denominations and a few Civil War era fortifications.
Attractions include several outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking along many trails that run through the county’s forests and hillsides. Golfing can be found at two nearby golf courses while visitors can also enjoy skiing at Winterplace Ski Resort or visit several nearby state parks for swimming or picnicking.
Famous people from Braxton County include former U.S Senator Robert C Byrd who served his state for over 55 years; actor Don Knotts who starred on television’s “The Andy Griffith Show”; country singer Kathy Mattea; baseball players Elmer Riddle and Jim Weaver; basketball player Ollie Johnson; football players John Browning and Chris Crocker; Olympian swimmer Jeneba Tarmoh; baseball coach Donnie Young; rock musician Chris Barron; actress Phyllis Hyman; and folk singer Jean Ritchie among others.
Climate and weather in Braxton County, West Virginia
According to educationvv.com, Braxton County, West Virginia has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot with temperatures reaching up to 90°F in July and August. The humidity and the high temperatures can make it feel even hotter than it is. Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures dipping to lows of around 10°F in January and February. The average snowfall is 16 inches per year, although this can vary from year to year. Spring and fall are milder with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F depending on the time of year.
The area experiences an average of 45 inches of rain per year, mostly concentrated in summer months when thunderstorms can be frequent. Braxton County also experiences several days of fog throughout the year due to its location in the Appalachian Mountains. In addition, the county is prone to severe weather such as heavy winds, flooding, hail, and tornadoes which can occur at any time but are more likely during spring months.
The area’s elevation provides a cooler climate than surrounding areas, although summers remain warm due to its inland location. Braxton County’s mountainous terrain also makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, camping, fishing and hiking during all seasons of the year.
Transportation in Braxton County, West Virginia
Braxton County, West Virginia offers a variety of transportation options, both public and private. The county is served by the West Virginia State Route 4 highway, which connects the county to neighboring counties and cities. Other major roads in the area include US 19, US 33, and WV 16.
The county is served by a public bus system provided by the Braxton County Transit Authority. The buses run on fixed routes throughout the county and provide transportation to local businesses, schools, hospitals, and other destinations. There are also several taxi services available in Braxton County for those who need a ride to their destination.
The closest airports to Braxton County are North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport and Yeager Airport in Charleston. These airports offer flights to major cities across the United States as well as international destinations.
Braxton County is home to several railroads including CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway which provide freight service throughout the area. Amtrak’s Cardinal Line also stops at several stations in Braxton County providing passenger rail service between New York City and Chicago.
For those looking for more adventure while traveling around Braxton County, there is also an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, ATV riding, horseback riding and more throughout the area’s scenic mountainside terrain.
Cities and towns in Braxton County, West Virginia
According to COUNTRYAAH, Braxton County, West Virginia is home to several cities and towns that offer a variety of amenities and attractions. The county seat is the town of Sutton, which is also the largest city in the county with a population of around 1,500 people. Sutton offers a quaint downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The town also has a number of parks and recreation facilities for residents to enjoy.
Other cities in Braxton County include Flatwoods, Frametown, Gassaway, Burnsville, and Exchange. Each city offers its own unique culture and history as well as plenty of activities to explore. Flatwoods features several historic sites including an old train station while Frametown is known for its annual festival celebrating the town’s coal mining heritage. Gassaway is home to several parks while Burnsville features a number of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots along the Little Kanawha River. Exchange is home to an old-fashioned general store that serves up classic country dishes like chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.
In addition to these cities, there are also several small towns located throughout Braxton County such as Widen, Given, Wallback, Heaters, Shockleytown, and more which offer their own unique charm and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or small-town living Braxton County has something for everyone.
