Elkins, West Virginia

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Davis Avenue in downtown Elkins

Elkins is a city in Randolph County, West Virginia, United States. The community was incorporated in 1890 and named in honor of Stephen Benton Elkins (1841-1911), the U.S. Senator from West Virginia. The population was 7,032 at the 2000 census, and the 2005 census estimate has Elkins with a population of 7,109 people. It is the county seat of Randolph County^GR6.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Festivals and Events
4 Famous natives of Elkins
5 External links

[edit] Geography

Elkins is located at 38°55′17″N, 79°51′3″W (38.921478, -79.850846)^GR1, along the Tygart Valley River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.3 km² (3.2 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 7,032 people, 2,988 households, and 1,756 families residing in the city. The population density was 851.1/km² (2,207.7/mi²). There were 3,362 housing units at an average density of 406.9/km² (1,055.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.94% White, 0.90% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.77% of the population.

There were 2,988 households out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.2% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.2% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,906, and the median income for a family was $34,291. Males had a median income of $27,012 versus $19,154 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,916. About 14.4% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Festivals and Events

Augusta Heritage Festival -- A music and heritage festival, with 10+ themes ranging from Old Time, Blue Grass, Cajun, Irish, dance, wood and metal working and more. Attracting musicians and students from around the world, it is held on the Davis and Elkins College campus and in town over 5 consecutive weeks every summer, typically in July and August. There is also a week long Old Time event in October, and a dulcimer week in the spring. Link to the Augusta Heritage Web Site
Mountain State Forest Festival -- An annual, early fall festival and fair held on the streets of Elkins and on the Davis and Elkins College Campus. Lasts several days in early fall; the 70th annual event was held in 2006. Link to the Mountain State Forest Festival website
Pickin' in the Park -- A Wednesday afternoon Old Time fiddling get-together in the park. Every Wednesday, all year long; indoors in the winter, nearby.
Randolph County International Ramp Cookoff and Festival -- An annual festival at city park and on the Davis & Elkins College campus at the end of April. The focus of this celebration is the ramp, or wild leek, a wonderous indigenous herb which is prevalent in the Elkins region. Featuring a cooking competition of ramp inclusive recipes, other activities include concerts, craft vendors and more. Link to the Randolf County festival website

[edit] Famous natives of Elkins

Herman Ball - Football player.
William Wallace Barron - Former governor who was indicted for bribery and jury tampering.
Dellos Clinton "Sheriff" Gainer -- Major league baseball player
Marshall Goldberg - Football player.
Kay Rosencrance - Miss West Virginia 1963