Welch, WV is located in McDowell County which is located on the most southern tip of West Virginia. McDowell County was created in 1858 by the Virginia General Assembly and named for Virginia Governor James McDowell. It became a part of West Virginia in 1863, when several counties seceded from the state of Virginia during the American Civil War.

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Here is an interesting fact about Welch, is that Sid Hatfield who was the Police Chief of Matewan was shot and killed in front of the McDowell County Welch Courthouse. There is a very interesting movie called "Matewan" that was made in 1987 about it. 

 

Another interesting fact about Welch! While running for President, John F. Kennedy visited McDowell County and was seen standing from an office window waving at the people below at The Welch Newspaper that is still in operation today.