Visit West Virginia’s Former Town of Millionaires: Bramwell
West Virginia’s rich history makes Almost Heaven shine as bright as it does today. Bramwell, a small town in the heart of Mercer County, is a testament to the state’s success in the coal industry. Bramwell should rank high on your list of charming West Virginia towns to explore, from historic mansions to local businesses inspired by local heritage.
Look around town and discover the former city of Mountain State millionaires.
💰 The money behind Bramwell
Named after successful civil engineer and the town’s first postmaster, Joseph H. Bramwell, Bramwell quickly earned its reputation as a coal mining hotspot. In 1873, extensive coal fields started in Bramwell and extended over forty miles. The Pocahontas coalfields supported Bramwell’s wealth, employing over 100,000 miners.
At one time, the Norfolk & Western Railroad stopped in the town daily with 14 trains. Bramwell is famous for having the largest number of millionaires per capita of any town in America in the late 1800s, peaking at 17 in the early 1900s.
📖 Explore a town that’s rich in history
Today, Bramwell is a charming, historic town that lets you trace the tracks of the past. Whether you’re exploring the history on a world-class ATV trail or strolling past old millionaire homes on a brick-paved street, there is something for you to love about this small West Virginia Town.
🚂 Learn the full story at Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center
What did Bramwell look like over a century ago? It hasn’t changed much since then, but you can get a pretty good idea of how the wealth built the town at the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center. This museum is located right on Station Square and showcases relics and exhibits of West Virginia’s coal history. Look at photos of former Bramwell coal barons, their wives, memorabilia of the millionaire days and much more.
🏘️ Take a grand tour
Many historic millionaire homes line these brick-paved streets: Thomas House, Hewitt House, Pack House, Perry House, Historic Bank of Bramwell, H.V. McNeer House, Mann House, Jairus Collins Home and Goodwill House, to name a few. Stroll down the street to admire these historic homes, or take a guided tour during the spring and Christmas with historic interpreters sharing stories of early pioneers and their families. You can learn more about tours and other information here.
🛞 Kick up some dirt on Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Did you know that Bramwell is an ATV-friendly town? You can experience the history from the seat of your ATV, UTV or side-by-side in town and on the Pocahontas trailhead of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, one of the world’s largest off-highway vehicle trail systems. Explore miles of off-road fun in the quiet wilderness. Strap on a helmet, bring your off-roading vehicle (or rent one) and hit the trails!
For riders going the extra mile 💤
Rest your head at nearby hotels, like the Bramwell ATV Resort. Located directly on the trail, you won’t have to travel far after a day of adventure. The Pocahontas ATV Resort, also located near the trail, offers cozy cabins to call home during your stay.
🥾 Explore a State Park
Just two miles away from Bramwell, Pinnacle Rock State Park, with its 3,100-foot sandstone formation, is the perfect spot to get outdoorsy while you’re here. Enjoy exploring nearly 400 acres of uninterrupted scenery with a large stone outcrop with scenic overlooks, seven miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and a picnic shelter with a fireplace.
🍽️ Million dollar meals
Bramwell may be a small town, but it packs a big flavor with its local dining options. The old-fashioned ice cream parlor, The Corner Shop Diner, serves up “millionaire” burgers with shakes, floats, sundaes, splits and more from the antique soda fountain. This nostalgic eatery takes you back in time and makes you wish you could stay in the simpler times forever. Honeycomb Cafe Bramwell is the perfect spot to sink your teeth into pastries, biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, sausage, lunch items and much more.
Want to make your experience in Almost Heaven richer? Learn more in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide and start planning your getaway today!
Explore More Southern West VirginiaOld Money, New Memories in #AlmostHeaven
This post was last updated on June 23, 2025