BRAMWELL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In the 1880s, when railroads in the West Virginia coalfields were booming as coal was pouring out of the mountains, it brought many people to the area to capitalize off the coal boom.
The town of Bramwell in Mercer County, established in 1888 and named after civil engineer J.H. Bramwell, was soon to be home to the largest number of millionaires per capita in the United States after its establishment.
Several large and luxurious homes, some still stand today, were built to house the large coal operators in the area and their families.
The town was established specifically for the rich coal barons and their families and mansions were built throughout the town.
According to the U.S. Census, the population of the town peaked in 1920 at 1,690 people and has continued to decrease since 1950. The current population is less than 280 people.
The historic town is also home to the Bramwell passenger depot which serves as a coal and railroad heritage museum.
The Hatfield and McCoy Trail also runs through the town.