By the 1880's, coal mining was becoming a booming industry and it was only getting bigger. The New River Gorge was growing fast with the start of the coal industry. Local farmers, freed slaves from the South, and immigrants were flocking to the area. Towns formed all over thanks to the railroads, the coal industry, and the logging industry. The Need for a HospitalWith this growth came needs including medical needs. Thousands of people were working dangerous jobs that caused injuries and illness. But there were no places for the treatment and recovery of injured workers in New River Gorge. In February of 1899, West Virginia legislature created three hospitals for state miners. Miner's Hospital No.1 would be in the Flat Top coal region near Pocahontas County. Miner's Hospital No. 3 would be in the Fairmont region of Marion County. Miners Hospital No. 2 would become McKendree Hospital. McKendree was a small community with a population of 44 residents in the 1880. It was almost completely isolated from all the other communities in the New River Gorge. This sleepy community drew the notice of the influential coal operator, Joseph Beury. Beury wanted the hospital in that location. Of the sites proposed, McKendree was the closest site to Quinnimont, the location of his mine. Beury offered both the land and a free five year supply of coal to help heat the facility. In 1901, Miners Hospital No. 2, or McKendree Hospital, opened its doors for business. They built the hospital near the train tracks that connected all the New River coal towns. Serving the Community
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Last updated: September 14, 2023