Big Chimney, West Virginia: A Story of Salt, Industry, and Appalachian Resilience
Big Chimney, or “Big Chim’ly” as the locals call it, is nestled along the Elk River in Kanawha County, West Virginia. The unassuming community of Big Chimney carries a name as distinctive as its history. Once a hub of salt production and frontier industry, this rural enclave has evolved into a quiet residential area. It has deep roots in Appalachian culture. Below, we explore the layers of its past and present. We trace its journey from industrial landmark to modern-day retreat.
The Chimney That Named a Town
Big Chimney owes its name to a towering 60-foot brick chimney that once dominated its landscape. Built in the early 19th century as part of a salt works facility, the chimney served as both a functional structure and a local landmark. Salt production was a vital industry in the region. The area’s rich brine springs and cannel coal deposits drove this industry. Workers molded the chimney’s bricks at a nearby plantation. Its imposing presence became a navigational reference for travelers along the Elk River.
The chimney’s story took a poetic turn in 1928 when high winds finally toppled the weathered structure. A poem discovered on the back of an old photograph immortalized its legacy:
“Marred and stained by the rush of time / It stood by the riverside / A landmark to all nigh sublime…” .
Today, only remnants of the salt works survive, but the chimney’s memory persists in the town’s identity.
Early Settlement and Frontier Life
Long before the chimney rose, the Elk District—home to Big Chimney—was shaped by pioneers and Native American conflicts. The first settlers arrived in 1783, including Michael Newhouse, Martin Hamock, and Allen Baxter. They established homesteads along Elk River’s banks. These early residents faced constant threats from Indigenous tribes resisting encroachment. Figures like John Young gained renown as scouts and Indian fighters.
Salt production began in earnest in 1817 under a Frenchman named Jinott. He tapped into the area’s brine springs. By the mid-19th century, the “Big Chimney” salt furnace became a cornerstone of the local economy. It produced salt shipped via river barges to growing markets. The industry also spurred ancillary developments, such as Edmund Price’s gristmill (1817) and Joseph Moore’s sawmill (1831). These supported the burgeoning community.
Boom, Decline, and the Civil War’s Shadow
The salt works thrived until the Civil War disrupted operations. Kanawha County’s strategic location made it a battleground, and the salt industry became a target. Confederate raids destroyed infrastructure, while labor shortages and competition from newer mining regions further weakened production. By the late 1800s, the salt works lay abandoned. The chimney remained a solitary relic of the town’s industrial heyday.
Coal mining soon supplanted salt as the region’s economic engine. The “Peacock coal” variety, mined near Big Chimney, was hailed as some of the finest in West Virginia. However, the town itself remained a small, rural outpost.
20th-Century Transformations
The 20th century brought modest growth. Big Chimney was officially designated a census-designated place (CDP) in 2010. It had a population of 627. Its proximity to Charleston (just 6.6 miles southwest) made it a bedroom community for commuters. Meanwhile, its rural charm attracted those seeking affordable land and outdoor recreation.
The construction of Interstate 79 and Route 119 improved accessibility. Today, the town straddles a delicate balance between pastoral life and suburban development. Homes here range from historic farmhouses to modern ranches. They are often nestled in wooded hollows or atop ridges overlooking the Elk River.
Modern-Day Big Chimney: Community and Culture
Recreation and Natural Beauty
Big Chimney’s landscape is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Coonskin Park, a 1,000-acre green space bordering the town, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and a kayak launch along the Elk River. The park’s Grotto Trail leads to a hidden cave and waterfall, a favorite among locals. However, the community has fought to preserve this natural haven. It notably opposed a 2023 proposal to expand the nearby Yeager Airport runway into Coonskin’s woodlands.
Local Eateries and Quirky Charm
Dining options reflect the town’s unpretentious character. Harding’s Family Restaurant, open since 1980, serves hearty comfort food like mashed potatoes and steak in a time-capsule setting. Outer Limits, a dive bar housed in a converted garage, embodies the area’s laid-back vibe .
Education and Demographics
Students attend Kanawha County schools, including Herbert Hoover High, known for its robotics and trade programs. The population skews older, with a median age of 46, and the median household income is $70,833—slightly above the national average. Despite its rural setting, 19% of residents hold college degrees. This reflects a mix of blue-collar workers and professionals commuting to Charleston.
Legacy of an Appalachian Landmark
Big Chimney’s history mirrors broader Appalachian themes: industrial rise and decline, resilience in the face of economic shifts, and a deep connection to the land. The salt works chimney, though long gone, remains a symbol of the community’s roots. As local historian Ellie Teaford notes, the town’s name—alongside neighboring Pinch and Quick—adds to West Virginia’s tapestry of quirky, folklore-driven place names.
Today, the town grapples with modern challenges. It faces issues such as balancing growth with environmental preservation. Yet its identity endures, shaped by generations of families and the whispers of the Elk River. There is an enduring memory of a chimney that once touched the sky.
Sources and Further Reading
https://youtu.be/K0D65Bnf1Mw
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Visibility: Rain
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Trace Fork Shopping Center (38:00)
Southridge (1:03:00)
Charleston
I64 (1:15:00)
Big Chimney
Pinch (1:40:00)
Elk City/West Side (2:04:00)
Patrick Street (2:10:00)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
