African-American Life in Preston County

Preston County, an area nestled in the northern corner of West Virginia, is bounded on the north by

Pennsylvania and the Mason-Dixon line and on the east

by the state of Maryland. This scenic Appalachian region is primarily a farming community, though mining, timber, recreation, and tourism have also been vital contributors to the county’s economy. The small yet vibrant African-American community of Preston County, whose story is told here through family photographs, documents, and memories, is a vital part of the county’s heritage. For generations, these families have worked on the land and in the mines; they have raised their children and built their homes in Preston County. Vintage images from as early as the 1860s preserve the

African-American story of the mothers and fathers and

the mine workers and farmers who have played and

continue to play an important role in the history of this beautiful part of the world.