1838Government
Beckley was founded on April 4, 1838, and was long known for its ties to the coal mining industry.
1850Government
In 1850 the act of the Virginia legislature creating Raleigh County named Beckley the county seat.
1960Government
The city is sometimes called the "Smokeless Coal Capital", "The City of Champions" and the "Gateway To Southern West Virginia."
During the presidential primaries of 1960, the ve...
1996Government
Tamarack Marketplace, a showcase of Appalachian arts and crafts, was built in 1996 at a cost of $10 million and dedicated to former Governor Gaston Caperton.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,254 people, 7,651 households, and 4,590 families living in the city.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 17,614 people, 7,800 households, and 4,414 families living in the city.
2016History
It had a circulation of 19,237 in 2016 and is owned by Community Newspaper Newspaper Holdings.
2020History
It is the principal city of the Beckley metropolitan area of Southern West Virginia, home to 115,079 residents in 2020.