Malden, West Virginia

Malden, West Virginia is a city located in Kanawha County, West Virginia, near the Kanawha River and Charleston, West Virginia. The city is situated in the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Charleston, West Virginia, which also includes Beckley, West Virginia and Huntington, West Virginia. Malden is close to several notable landmarks, including the New River Gorge Bridge and the Kanawha State Forest. The city is also near the West Virginia State Capitol and the University of Charleston.

Geography

Malden is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains region, near the Kanawha River Valley. The city's geography is characterized by rolling hills and scenic vistas, with nearby attractions including the Babcock State Park and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The New River flows through the region, offering opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Malden is also close to the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Summersville Lake. The city's location allows for easy access to nearby cities, including Beckley, West Virginia, Huntington, West Virginia, and Parkersburg, West Virginia.

History

The area that is now Malden was originally settled by European-American pioneers, including Daniel Boone and John Jacob Astor. The city was officially founded in the late 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, and was named after Malden, Massachusetts. Malden's history is closely tied to the coal mining industry, with nearby mines including the Kaymoor Mine and the New River Mine. The city was also home to several notable labor unions, including the United Mine Workers of America and the American Federation of Labor. Malden's history is also marked by its role in the American Civil War, with nearby battles including the Battle of Charleston and the Battle of Lewisburg.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Malden was approximately 2,500 people, with a median age of 42 years old. The city's population is predominantly White American, with smaller percentages of African American and Asian American residents. Malden is also home to a significant number of veterans, with nearby Veterans Administration facilities including the Beckley VA Medical Center and the Huntington VA Medical Center. The city's demographics are similar to those of nearby cities, including Charleston, West Virginia and Beckley, West Virginia.

Economy

Malden's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and tourism. The city is home to several major employers, including the Kanawha County Schools and the Charleston Area Medical Center. Malden is also close to several major interstate highways, including Interstate 64 and Interstate 77, which provide easy access to nearby cities and regional markets. The city's economy is also supported by nearby universities and colleges, including the University of Charleston and the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

Infrastructure

Malden's infrastructure includes several major roads and highways, including West Virginia Route 61 and West Virginia Route 214. The city is also served by the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, which provides public transportation to nearby cities and rural areas. Malden is close to several major airports, including the Yeager Airport and the Raleigh County Memorial Airport. The city's infrastructure is also supported by nearby utilities and services, including the American Electric Power and the West Virginia American Water.

Education

Malden is served by the Kanawha County Schools district, which operates several public schools in the area, including Malden Elementary School and DuPont Middle School. The city is also close to several major universities and colleges, including the University of Charleston and the West Virginia University Institute of Technology. Malden is also home to several vocational schools and technical institutes, including the Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College and the West Virginia State Community and Technical College. The city's education system is supported by nearby libraries and cultural institutions, including the Kanawha County Public Library and the Charleston Civic Center. Category: Cities in West Virginia