Algoma

West Virginia's ghost towns are coal company towns, owned outright by the mine and abandoned the same way.

Algoma is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. Algoma is located adjacent to the town of Northfork. Its post office was established in 1891 and discontinued in 1988. Algoma was most likely derived from the Algonquin language. The Algoma Coal and Coke Company Store was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

The on-the-ground condition of Algoma is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Algoma is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Algoma is roughly 37.4189, -81.4258 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.