Chester, West Virginia History, Economy and Politics
Chester, West Virginia is located in the northern panhandle of the state, bordering the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The city is situated in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, including the Allegheny Plateau to the east and south. The Ohio River forms Chester’s western border, while its eastern border follows along US Route 250. Visit Polyhobbies to learn about Berkeley County, West Virginia.
The city of Chester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures in July range from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit while average temperatures in January range from 15-25 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall averages around 25 inches per year while rainfall averages around 43 inches per year.
Chester is home to many parks and recreational areas, including two major state parks: Tomlinson Run State Park and Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. Other attractions include historic buildings such as the 18th century log cabin at Oglebay Park, numerous hiking trails, golf courses, campgrounds and more.
The city also has several educational institutions including Bethany College, West Liberty University, Wheeling Jesuit University and West Virginia Northern Community College. There are also three public school districts that serve Chester: Hancock County Schools; Brooke County Schools; and Ohio County Schools.
In addition to schools and parks, there are plenty of shopping centers as well as restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from Italian to Mexican to Chinese food. Medical care facilities are also available in Chester with both Fairmont General Hospital and Reynolds Memorial Hospital providing nearby healthcare services for residents of the area.
Overall, Chester is a vibrant city with an abundance of recreational activities for residents to enjoy along with educational opportunities for students of all ages. With its picturesque surroundings nestled between rolling hillsides and its convenient location along the Ohio River Valley – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Chester home!
History of Chester, West Virginia
Chester, West Virginia is a small city located in the northern panhandle region of the state, along the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Founded in 1796, Chester was originally part of a larger district known as Hardin’s Settlement which included parts of both Ohio and West Virginia. The area was named after Colonel Benjamin Chew Hardin who was responsible for establishing the first settlement in the area.
In 1802, the Virginia General Assembly established Hancock County with Chester as its county seat. The city continued to grow throughout the 19th century with a variety of industries such as coal mining, lumbering and manufacturing setting up shop in Chester. In 1832, Bethany College was founded just outside of Chester – providing educational opportunities to students from all over the region.
Throughout much of its history, Chester has been an important transportation hub due to its location on both US Route 250 and on the banks of the Ohio River Valley. This allowed easy access to resources from surrounding areas as well as convenient trade routes for goods heading north or south along the river.
During the early 20th century, Chester experienced an economic boom with manufacturing plants such as Wheeling Steel Corporation and WV Pottery Company setting up shop in town. This period also saw several new schools being built including Tomlinson Run High School and Oglebay Institute – both established in 1920s.
Today, Chester is still an important transportation hub for goods traveling along US Route 250 and also serves as a recreational destination for visitors who come to enjoy its numerous parks and attractions such as Tomlinson Run State Park and Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. In addition to its many recreational activities, Chester also offers educational opportunities at institutions such as Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling Jesuit University – providing students from all over with quality higher education programs.
Overall, Chester has had a rich history full of economic growth while still managing to remain true to its roots by preserving much of its natural beauty through parks like Tomlinson Run State Park and Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. With this combination of industry and natural beauty – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Chester home!
Economy of Chester, West Virginia
The economy of Chester, West Virginia has been a major contributor to the state’s Overall, growth and prosperity. Located in Hancock County, Chester is situated along US Route 250 and on the banks of the Ohio River Valley. This advantageous location has enabled easy access to resources from surrounding areas as well as convenient trade routes for goods heading north or south along the river.
Throughout much of its history, Chester has had a variety of industries such as coal mining, lumbering and manufacturing that have contributed to its economic growth. In 1832, Bethany College was founded just outside of Chester – providing educational opportunities to students from all over the region. During the early 20th century, Chester experienced an economic boom with manufacturing plants such as Wheeling Steel Corporation and WV Pottery Company setting up shop in town.
Today, Chester is still an important transportation hub for goods traveling along US Route 250 and also serves as a recreational destination for visitors who come to enjoy its numerous parks and attractions such as Tomlinson Run State Park and Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. These recreational activities have helped stimulate local businesses by increasing tourism in the area. In addition to its many recreational activities, Chester also offers educational opportunities at institutions such as Bethany College, West Liberty University and Wheeling Jesuit University – providing students from all over with quality higher education programs.
The city also boasts a vibrant retail sector with several large shopping centers located throughout town including Southridge Shopping Center which features over 60 stores and restaurants. The city also has numerous specialty shops that offer unique items from antiques to books to handmade crafts – making it a great place for shoppers looking for something special or one-of-a-kind items.
Chester’s economy is further bolstered by its agricultural sector which produces wheat, corn, hay, soybeans and other crops that are sold at local markets or exported around the country. The city also has several wineries located near it which produce award-winning wines that have become popular both locally and abroad.
Overall, Chester’s economy is diverse with various industries contributing to its Overall, growth while still managing to remain true to its roots by preserving much of its natural beauty through parks like Tomlinson Run State Park and Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. With this combination of industry and natural beauty – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Chester home!
Politics in Chester, West Virginia
Chester, West Virginia is a small city located in Hancock County and is part of the Weirton-Steubenville metropolitan area. The city has a population of just over 5,000 people and is a major transportation hub for goods traveling along US Route 250.
The politics in Chester are largely dominated by the Democratic Party. In the 2016 presidential election, Chester overwhelmingly voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by a margin of 77% to 19%. This trend has held true in other elections as well with Democrats typically receiving more votes than Republicans in local and state-wide races.
At the local level, Chester has had Democratic mayors since its incorporation in 1837. The current mayor is Kenneth “Ken” Brown who was first elected in 2009 and reelected to his fourth term in 2019. Mayor Brown is a strong advocate for environmental protection and has worked to improve infrastructure and public services throughout the city during his tenure.
The City Council of Chester consists of six members from different wards throughout the city who are elected by popular vote every four years. Currently, all six members are Democrats with three representing Ward 1, two representing Ward 2, and one representing Ward 3.
The politics of Chester also extend to the state level where it is represented by two senators (both Democrats) and one delegate (also a Democrat) in the West Virginia Legislature. These representatives have been instrumental in passing legislation that benefits their constituents such as providing tax relief for small businesses, improving access to quality healthcare options, increasing funding for public education programs, and protecting citizens’ rights under labor laws among other things.
Overall, Chester’s political landscape is heavily dominated by the Democratic Party which reflects its liberal-leaning population’s views on social issues such as gun control and LGBT rights as well as economic issues like raising minimum wages or providing affordable housing options for citizens. While there may be some disagreements on certain topics within this party – Overall, they have been able to come together on many important issues that benefit their constituents both locally and statewide.
