Nestled along the Bluestone River in about as far south in West Virginia as possible without crossing state lines into Virginia, lies the tiny town of Bramwell. By all acounts, Bramwell is a sleepy little town with mere a population of 350. But things weren’t also so quiet in this picturesque community in the Mountain State.
Back in the late 1800s, it's estimated that nearly 4,000 people lived and flourished here, some more than others.
To that end, Bramwell flourished. So much so, that in the late 1800s it became famous for having the most millionaires per capital of anywhere in the country. What's more, the mine owners lived in town.
Some accounts say there were 14 millionaires in Bramwell in the late 1800s; others put the number as high as 19. Unfortunately, most of them, if not all, lost their fortunes in the Great Depression. Each May and December, the big beautiful homes in Bramwell (now still private residences) open their doors for walking tours. If you're lucky enough to get one of the coveted tickets then you can tour homes of the former coal barons at your own pace on a self-guided walking tour. Upcoming tour dates can be found on the official Visit Mercer County website.
A trip to Bramwell is worth the effort to get to the far reaches of the Mountain State. The historic district is still filled with Victorian homes and all the charm of yesterday. The Corner Shop (found on Main Street), is located in a former drug store built in 1910. Stop in for bite and to say hello to the locals.
As you can imagine, the railroad played a major role in this mining community. At the end of Main Street, you'll find a replica of the original depot that was destroyed in the 1950s.
On the outskirts of town, you can visit Pinnacle Rock State Park. Its namesake is a mysterious and massive sandstone peak that juts up out of the earth like a saber's tooth on the horizon.
Bramwell is located on U.S. 52, approximately 12 miles from Interstate 77 in southern West Virginia. Find it on a map and get Google directions at this link.
