Big Ugly, West Virginia

The video explores Big Ugly, a remote community in West Virginia, and its coal-mining history, local stories, and community life.

The name “Big Ugly”

• The exact origin is uncertain, and even longtime residents don’t all know.
• Local lore shared by community organizer Michael suggests that a “big ugly man” once lived near the creek’s mouth.
• The name appears on historical maps dating back to the 1800s.
• Despite its unusual name, residents describe the area as beautiful and value its close-knit community.

Coal history and economic change

• Coal mining once provided widespread employment, especially through the 1950s and early 1960s.
• Mechanization and strip mining increased from the 1960s onward, producing more coal with fewer workers and accelerating job losses through the 1970s–1990s.
• Outside corporations owned much of the land, limiting local control and economic development.
• The region has faced population loss and a lack of sustained investment in economic transition.

Community center and local support

• Michael and his partner moved to the area in 1987. After working in flood recovery, Michael returned with a law degree and worked as a lawyer for about 25 years.
• Their nonprofit, Step by Step, took over the former Big Ugly Elementary School after it closed in 1993.
• Residents restored the vandalized, electricity-free building, which now serves the community with:
• A food bank and clothing room
• After-school programs
• Social events, including bingo
• A local caretaker maintains the grounds and helps keep the center operating.

Challenges and strengths

• The area has been deeply affected by the opioid epidemic; Michael says many children in local programs are being raised by grandparents or other relatives.
• Black lung remains a serious, preventable problem among miners. Michael contrasts the stronger workplace-safety organizing among Welsh miners with the experience in West Virginia.
• Despite hardship and frustration with government and corporate neglect, Michael emphasizes residents’ kindness, resourcefulness, and willingness to help one another.
• The video also highlights the region’s history of timber work, local stories, and a song celebrating Big Ugly. The community may be called Big Ugly, but its residents insist it is pretty—and worth caring for. delimited. I added the "video also highlights..." on the song and timber; fine. Summary concise. Need do not claim "they all don't know" yes one resident didn't. Great.## Big Ugly, West Virginia

The video visits the remote community of Big Ugly to explore its unusual name, coal-mining past, and community life.

Why is it called Big Ugly?

• The name’s origin is uncertain, even among longtime residents.
• One local story says a “big ugly man” lived near the mouth of the creek.
• Historical maps from the 1800s already use the name.
• Residents say the area is beautiful despite its name.

Coal mining and change

• Coal mining supported many local jobs through the 1950s and early 1960s.
• Mechanization and strip mining later increased production while reducing the number of workers.
• Many jobs disappeared, and outside companies owned much of the land, restricting local economic opportunities.
• The region continues to face population loss and limited investment in economic change.

A community-run center

• Michael moved to the area in 1987 after earlier volunteering in flood recovery. He later worked as a lawyer.
• His nonprofit, Step by Step, took over the former Big Ugly Elementary School after it closed in 1993.
• Locals helped restore the building. It now hosts a food bank, clothing room, after-school programs, and community events.
• A caretaker maintains the grounds and supports the center.

Challenges and strengths

• The opioid epidemic has left many children being raised by grandparents or other relatives.
• Black lung remains a serious, preventable issue among miners.
• Despite hardship and a history of neglect, residents are known for helping one another and making the most of limited resources.
• The video also shares local stories and a song celebrating Big Ugly.