WEST VIRGINIA - A state known for its scenic mountain landscapes and towns with names that often echo its rich history, from "Harpers Ferry" to "Morgantown." But in a state full of evocative place names, a fun piece of local trivia often arises: which West Virginia town has the shortest name? The answer is a small, historic coal town in Logan County with a remarkably brief, three-letter name: Man.
The Champion of Brevity: Man, West Virginia
While West Virginia has several communities with short names, the incorporated town of Man is widely recognized as holding the title for the shortest name in the state.
- Location and History: Man is situated in the heart of the southern coalfields region of West Virginia, along the banks of the Guyandotte River. Its history is deeply intertwined with the coal mining industry that shaped much of Southern West Virginia in the 20th century.
- Origin of the Name: The most commonly cited story for the town's unique name dates back to the early 1900s. It is believed that the town was named by a local postmaster, who took the last syllable from the name of a prominent U.S. Congressman from the region at the time, Ulysses Hinchman.
Other Short-Named Contenders:
While Man is the most famous example, other West Virginia communities also have notably short names, including:
- Ceredo: A city in Wayne County with six letters.
- Womelsdorf (now known as Jodie) is a small community in Fayette County.
However, as a distinct, three-letter incorporated town, Man stands out as the most definitive answer to this fun trivia question.
The town of Man, West Virginia, holds the unique distinction of having the shortest name of any incorporated town in the Mountain State. More than just a trivia answer, its brief name is a memorable moniker for a community with a long and important history in the state's southern coalfields, representing the unique character and heritage of the region.
Sources:
- The West Virginia Encyclopedia
- West Virginia Division of Culture and History
- U.S. Census Bureau - Gazetteer Files
- Historical records and municipal histories of Logan County, WV
