From Coal Camp Cornerstone to Trailhead Hub

Built in 1907 by the Ashland Coal Company, the Ashland Company Store was never just a storefront. It was the commercial, civic, and social heart of the coal camp of Ashland.

From its counters, miners collected wages in scrip (non-legal company issued currency). Families purchased groceries and dry goods. The building housed the company pay office, later the U.S. Post Office, and for decades served as the central gathering point for the community. Behind the store stood a gymnasium, which held basketball games and local events.

In 1943, the original store burned and the warehouse across the street transformed into Ashland’s primary company store. The post office remained in operation there until 1991, tying the small coal camp to the wider world.

For nearly a century, daily life passed through those doors.

The Store Today

More than 100 years after its construction, the Ashland Company Store remains active — not as a relic, but as a working part of modern McDowell County.

Today it serves as a full-service convenience store and outfitter hub, especially for visitors lodging at Ashland Resort or riding the nearby Indian Ridge Trailhead of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.

Modern offerings include:

– Groceries, snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials

– ATV and riding supplies

– Trail permits and maps

– West Virginia souvenirs

– Polaris RZR rentals for off-road exploration

Inside, the Coal Camp Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — continuing the tradition of the store as a place where people gather, talk, and share stories.

In many ways, the purpose hasn’t changed. The faces may be different — trail riders instead of coal miners — but the building still provides what the community and its visitors need.

A Living Landmark

Unlike many company stores that have disappeared, the Ashland Company Storestands intact and operational. Original architectural features remain visible inside the historic brick structure, preserving the character of the early 20th-century coal era.

Its story reflects the broader story of southern West Virginia:

– Built by coal

– Sustained by community

– Adapted through change

– Still standing

To learn more about current hours, services, or trail access, visit the official site:

👉 Ashland Company Store

The Ashland Company Store is not just a preserved building.

It is proof that history here is not frozen in time — it evolves, adapts, and continues to serve the people of McDowell County.

If you enjoy stories that preserve the heritage of the southern West Virginia coalfields, consider subscribing to Explore McDowell.