Beckley was named in honor of John J. Beckley, who was the first Clerk of the House of Representatives and the first Librarian of Congress. It was founded by his son Alfred Beckley (US Army general and confederate militia commander). Begin your Smokeless Coal Tour by reserving a room in one of Beckley’s hotels or B & B’s. Visit the home of Gereral Alfred Beckley, the “Wildwood” House Museum, built 1835-36 and the Raleigh County Veterans Museum. Beckley has also been referred to as Beckleyville and its nickname was the "Smokeless Coal Capital". See for yourself the “Smokless Coal” seams of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine a National Historic Site where visitors can experience a unique underground tour in an authentic “man car” conducted by veteran coal miners. Tour a historical coal camp. Take a few steps back in time and discover what it was like living in the coal camps of Southern West Virginia. Located just steps away from the coal mine are the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia and the Mountain Homestead. Here trained interpreters will take you through a late 19^th century two-story log house, one room school house, barn, blacksmith shop, weaver’s shed and general store. Adjacent to the Coal Mine and Youth Museum is the New River Park and campground complete with outdoor pool, waterslide, tennis courts and playground. After learning about Beckley’s smokeless coal visit one of our several Antique Malls where you can find treasures such as lunch pails or carbide lights you were shown on your tour.  After so much exploring and shopping we are sure you have worked up an appetite. Take advantage of our many restaurants on Harper Road conveniently located on exit 44. After dinner stretch and relax with a leisurely game of miniature golf at “Mountain State Miniature Golf” course where the holes have themes such as a Coal Mine, the New River Gorge Bridge, and Hatfield & McCoy Feud also located on exit 44.