City of Mullens


City of Mullens

The City of Mullens, the Dogwood City, is a historic railroad and coal mining town nestled among the steep majestic mountains and rambling streams and rivers of Wyoming County. Mullens is located in southern West Virginia at the junction of state highways 10, 16, and 54 where Slab Fork Creek joins the Guyandotte River. It is one of the many small coal towns located along the Coal Heritage Trail.   Mullens was incorporated in 1912.

 

 During mid-century the region produced large amounts of coal from both deep mining and surface mining. The need to move coal to market brought the railroad into Mullens and established it as a railroad center that was vital to the existence and growth of the City. Mullens became a hub for the newly formed railroad, the Virginian Railway, and the city developed very rapidly.   During the 1950’s the Virginian Railroad operated steam and electric locomotive shops, a coal classification yard, and a lucrative local freight business.  The operations in addition to train crews, supervisory and other supporting positions provided employment for over five hundred people.  Declining demand for area coal and the mechanization of coal extracting methods decreased the number of people needed to produce a ton of coal. Employment opportunities declined causing the city’s population to decrease.  Soon like most other coal and railroad communities store fronts were boarded up, homes were abandoned and residents headed north to find work.                                                         

 

Today, Mullens is a strong community that celebrates its unique heritage, family values and surrounding natural resources.  Despite obstacles, Mullens is experiencing a rebirth.

 

Local points of interest include Twin Falls State Park, Hatfield and McCoy’s Trail System and historic coal camps many of which are still occupied.  The Mullens Historic Landmark Commission has identified more than 75 structures of historic significance.  Downtown Mullens has been designated as National Historic District.