Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · West Virginia

Faraday

A ghost town of unknown status in McDowell County, West Virginia.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Faraday. Faraday is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It lies just north of the border with Tazewell County, Virginia on County Route 9.

McDowell County holds 19 documented ghost towns, including Algoma, Bartley, Beartown — Faraday keeps them company on the map.

The story of Faraday

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

Faraday is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It lies just north of the border with Tazewell County, Virginia on County Route 9.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Faraday 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.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Faraday 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.

Good to know

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.

Faraday FAQs

Where is Faraday located?
Faraday is in McDowell County, West Virginia. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Faraday in?
Faraday sits in McDowell County, West Virginia. See our full guide to ghost towns in McDowell County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Faraday?
Faraday is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. It lies just north of the border with Tazewell County, Virginia on County Route 9.
What remains at Faraday today?
The on-the-ground condition of Faraday 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.
Can you visit Faraday?
Here's the honest truth: access to Faraday 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.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Faraday, West Virginia”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in McDowell County

See all 19 ghost towns in McDowell County, West Virginia