Kingwood

History of Kingwood

As the county seat of Preston County, Kingwood was established in 1811 and chartered in 1853. Named for its location near a grove of tall, stately trees, Kingwood is home to the first organized Court of Quarter Sessions, a group of justices who initially met at the home of William Price.

Preston County was formed from Monongalia County by the act of Assembly passed on January 19, 1818. County court justices convened at the house, known as the “Herndon Hotel,” of William Price in Kingwood. The warm community is recognized for the many hard-working leaders and families who live there.

Kingwood Today: What Makes Us Unique

Kingwood is a safe community where you can take a relaxing walk or attend social outings. Children play with friends at neighborhood parks and neighbors create lifelong relationships. Neighbors come together to meet the needs of the community, including food drives, donations for causes and church mission projects for school supplies. Kingwood encourages and celebrates community members’ talents and interests.

Surrounded by many unusual and rare trees and shrubs imported by the builder, McGrew House invites all to witness Preston County’s place in West Virginia’s history. As a rich resource for students, McGrew House offers the Bill Williams Gallery, the Bill Prince photo gallery and the Leo Kotchek Museum as well as Civil War area artifacts. Aspiring architects can experience two contrasting styles of architecture that Mr. McGrew was involved in constructing his house. The McGrew House is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

zoo

Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo

Nestled in the woods, the Kingwood treasure began with a small array of black bear, deer, tigers and cougars that has blossomed into an eclectic display of grizzlies, chimpanzees, white and orange tigers, spotted leopards and more.

hikingWV Northern Rail-Trail

Kingwood is one terminus of the WV Northern Rail-Trail. The scenic greenway runs 10 miles to Tunnelton for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more along the former West Virginia Northern Railroad.

city poolKingwood City Pool

What’s more inviting on a warm, sunshine-filled day, than a refreshing pool with all of the amenities? Kingwood proudly supports youth sports and exercise. Bring your family and friends for day and night swimming, lessons, and private pool parties. Dressing rooms and concessions are offered.

mcgrew houseMcGrew House

The home of one of Preston County’s most influential citizens and one of its founding fathers, James Clark McGrew, is available for tours, parties, and receptions. The McGrew Society’s mission includes preserving James C. McGrew House and its place in West Virginia’s history as a State Founder who led through obstacles of his day, including the Civil War and its aftermath. Deep historical and moral lessons come from their courage and persistence in the face of adversity and destruction. 

senior centerPreston County Senior Center

Those 60+ years of age will find the Preston County Senior Center as the place to be for healthy activities and camaraderie. In addition, services are offered for health, medical and financial needs. 

county clubPreston Country Club

Kingwood is home to the pristine 18-hole golf course offering beautiful scenery along the Cheat River. Highlighted as one of West Virginia’s longest golf courses at 7001 yards from the tips, Preston County Country Club has proudly hosted the Men’s and Women’s Tri-State for more than 20 years, the Senior Tri-State and other tournaments. End your unforgettable round of golf with dinner at Rosemary’s Thyme Mexican Restaurant.

tout for the cheatTrout for Cheat

As a non-profit organization, Trout for Cheat stocks Rainbow Trout in an eight-mile section of the Cheat River. Multiple stockings in the Spring and Fall keep the river plentiful. Come cast your line for fresh trout, ranging from 2-8 pounds. 

clownPreston County Buckwheat Festival

The Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Preston County Buckwheat Festival each year! The four-day event serves up mouthwatering Buckwheat Cake dinners all weekend and is filled with events, including a carnival, arts and crafts, parades, livestock and a celebrated pageant.

high schoolLocal Schools

The Preston County School District operates several schools in Kingwood, including Kingwood Elementary, Central Preston Middle School and Preston High School.

libraryKingwood Public Library

The Kingwood Public Library is an excellent community resource. Beyond standard reading materials, it has a tremendous collection of genealogical information on West Virginia history in the form of cemetery record books, census records and microfilms.

mon healthPreston Memorial Hospital (PMH)

Originally opened in 1955, Kingwood’s Preston Memorial Hospital (PMH) is a nonprofit, 25-bed, Critical Access Hospital with a new facility dedicated in 2015. PMH operates a 24/7 Emergency Department with a Level IV Trauma designation and has two nationally recognized Centers of Excellence in Bariatrics and Sleep Medicine.

 

 

 

Kingwood

Population

Total Population

2,955

Population
Growth Rate

-0.25%

Median Age

47

Diversity Index

12.500

Housing & Income

Households

1,244

Total Housing Units

1,438


Owner Occupied

912

Renter Occupied

332

Vacant

194

Median Home Value

$152,885


Average Home Value

$194,222

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

3.29%

Income Projection

Median Household

$56,520 $64,481


Average Household

$72,468 $85,043


Per Capita

$30,358 $35,697

Workforce

Total Businesses

175

Total Employed

1,797

Workers 16+

1,312

2022 HealthCare/Social Assist

cp-industries

Businesses

17

Employed

400

2022 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

26

Employed

312

2022 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

27

Employed

262

2022 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

2

Employed

194

2022 Accommodation/Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

15

Employed

179

2022 Food Service/Drinking Estab

cp-industries

Businesses

14

Employed

176

Some
High School

157

Graduated
High School

857

Associates
Degree

89

Bachelor's
Degree

415

Graduate
Degree

210

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

936

Non-Resident Commuters

307

Drive Alone

1,163

Carpooled

73

Public

0

Work At Home

11


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