Located in McDowell County, West Virginia, Gary was founded in 1902 as a coal mining town by U.S. Steel. The town was named after Judge Elbert Gary, chairman of the United States Steel Corporation. Throughout its history, Gary has been known for its coal mining industry, which brought prosperity to the town in the early 20th century.
One notable resident of Gary is filmmaker John Sayles, who directed the movie "Matewan" about a coal mining strike in West Virginia.
According to the 2010 census, Gary had a population of 968 residents. This is a significant decline from its peak population of over 10,000 in the 1950s.
Gary is located in the southern part of West Virginia, near the Virginia border. The town is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills.
The economy of Gary has historically been dependent on the coal mining industry. However, in recent years, the town has struggled with economic decline and high unemployment rates due to the decline of the coal industry.
Gary has a rich cultural history, with influences from Appalachian and African American traditions. The town has a strong sense of community and pride in its coal mining heritage.