A project by Mike Andrick
March - April 2007
The Big Creek district in southern McDowell County, W.Va., is a region historically dependent on coal mining. However, changes in the industry that lead to a significant decrease in the number of jobs, the area is now one of the impoverished in the nation. In a place where education is second-rate and economic opportunity is scarce, residents remain proud of their home, their family and even their ignorance of what is outside their mountainous community. This project is intended to show the pride of people from an insular community and their fear of what may be beyond it.
War, West Virginia’s southernmost city, was once a bustling coal mining town, but as most of the mines closed by the 1980s, the insular area nested amongst the Appalachian hills is left with empty storefronts and quiet streets.
The Coopers
Jerry Cooper, right, of War, leaves home to work on roofing job. Watching him leave are his wife, Melissa, and son, Gabriel. Jerry supports his family by doing freelance construction jobs around the area.
Donnie Cooper, the father of eight children, sits at his home atop a hill above War. Seven of Donnie's children still live in the area including three of which who still live at home.
David Cooper, whose only employment is helping his brother Jerry's roofing business, loiters along the sidewalks of War.
Jeff Cooper, center, picks up trash from a business in War. Jeff, the only one of his family with a full-time job with benefits, works for the City of War.
