Visit Harlem Heights, West Virginia

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Harlem Heights is a historic African American community within the city of Oak Hill. Harlem Heights, a historic African American community within the city of Oak Hill, was different than most communities in the New River region. Black residents worked in a variety of occupations as teachers, mining inspectors, seamstresses, and ministers. Although there were a few coal miners, they did not represent the majority. Unlike a coal town where homes were owned by the company, most of the residents of Harlem Heights were homeowners.The people of Harlem Heights took pride in their community by keeping it clean and attractive. They actively supported their churches, civic clubs, and fraternal organizations. Through all of these efforts, it grew to become a rather upscale African American community, eventually gaining its own voting precinct. Today, the community has a Masonic Lodge and three churches. Driving Directions:From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to the exit for East Main Street (Oak Hill). Turn right at top of exit and travel 1.5 miles. Turn right at Russell E. Matthew Park and playground onto Broadway Avenue. Tour Stop is the playground parking lot on the left. Please feel free to drive through the community of Harlem Heights.From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the exit for Lochgelly Road. At the top of the exit, turn right on Lochgelly Road. The road will turn in to Highway 16 (Main Street). Travel 5/10 of a mile to playground at Russell E. Matthew Park. Turn left onto Broadway Avenue. Tour Stop is the playground parking lot on the left. Please feel free to drive through the community of Harlem Heights.

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