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West Virginia's 3rd District
Located in the southern part of the state, West Virginia's Third Congressional District stretches from the river city of Huntington on the banks of the Ohio River to the majestic Greenbrier Resort secluded in the foothills of Appalachia. The Third District is a region that is rich in heritage and serenely rural, where the natural world is never more than minutes away.
Coal, an abundant resource in our state, is critical to the well being of the distrtict, as well the economy of West Virginia and the nation. Commonly referred to as “Coal Country,” southern West Virginia is strong in history and folklore. The town of Matewan, deep in the southern part of the district is the site of the 1920 Matewan Massacre, where miners attempting to unionize, clashed with coal companies during the Mine Wars. The Thrid District is also home to the famous family feud between the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s of the late 19th century and now home to the Hatfield and McCoy ATV Trails, named in their honor.
Tourism, because of outdoor recreation, is also substantial part of the economy as well. The New River/Greenbrier Valley region, known for the New River Gorge National Park and several premier spots for hunting and climbing, is home to the New River, the longest commercially raftable river in the East and hotspot for whitewater rafting. Fayetteville, in Fayette County hosts the Bridge Day Festival each October, where 200,000 people gather to watch BASE jumpers parachute off the New River Gorge Bridge diving 876-feet into the New River Gorge below. One hour east into the foothills of Appalachia lies the majestic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. During the Cold War, this Five Star Resort was used as a nuclear shelter for the President and members of Congress because of the close proximity to Washington.
Winterplace, near Beckley, has 27 slopes, and is a great place to take kids or beginners who have never learned how to ski. The resort is in close proximity to the Charleston/Huntington metro area.
