Hype for the Future 96C: Bluefield State University — Bluefield, West Virginia

Introduction

Located at the southern edge of the State of West Virginia and Mercer County, Bluefield State University is one of the two public state universities located within the State of West Virginia and serves as one of the more significant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the region.

Information

Though Bluefield State University was established circa 1895, the university campus is completely locked into car dependency. Car dependency is inevitable, without any significant sense of walking nor cycling infrastructure, even for shorter trips within the City of Bluefield itself.

Hype for the Future 96B: Mercer County, West Virginia

Introduction

One of the southernmost counties of the State of West Virginia, the community of Bluefield is primarily located within Mercer County, including the site of Bluefield State University. Unlike many other colleges and universities, though like many of the regional institutions throughout the Southern United States, car dependency is completely inevitable at Bluefield State within the area. Princeton is located further north along Interstate 77, and the Town of Athens, even further north, is generally home to the more walkable site of Concord University.

Attractions

The community of Princeton, named for Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey, serves as the county seat and is home to the Mercer County War Museum, the Mercer County Historical Society, and the Princeton Railroad Museum.