Twin Branch is an unincorporated community in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. Twin Branch is 1 mile (1.6 km) west-southwest of Davy. It was founded by Henry Ford as a mining community.The community was named for the fact two streams meet at the town site.
The mining town was founded by Henry Ford some time in the late 1920s or early 1930s with the intention of controlling coal and steel production for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit.
Rather than let his coal company, Fordson Coal Company, let the UMWA union in, he closed the mine and boarded up the company houses. (Henry Ford also owned mines in Nuttallburg, WV and Stone, KY). Later the Twin Branch mines were operated by Bigelow and Brooks Collieries Company.


Restored aerial view of Twin Branch, McDowell County, circa early 1930s.
"Henry Ford, coal mine owner and operator. Here is a panoramic view of Twin Branch,
est Virginia, Henry Ford's coal town, where miner's average $7 to $8 per day in wages.
Rather than letting the UMWA union in Henry Ford closed the mine and boarded up the company houses.
(Henry Ford also owned mines in Nuttallburg, WV and Stone, KY). Later the Twin Branch mines were operated by
Bigelow and Brooks Collieries Company.




Twin Branch coal miners leaving coal mine portal.


Homes in Twin Branch, WV. -1930's.


The historic Davy Tunnel, also known as the Twin Branch Tunnel, is an old railroad tunnel in McDowell County,West Virginia. It is located in the area of the Tug Fork River, near the community of Davy, WV.
The tunnel was originally constructed for a railroad that transported coal from the Twin Branch area.
Some reports indicate it was built around 1890. The area was once operated by Henry Ford's Fordson coal company.
The former railroad tunnel has since been converted for use as a road. It is a single-lane route,
and those who drive or ride through it describe it as an impressive piece of history.The tunnel was reportedly
constructed using basic, rudimentary methods, hand-dug with picks and shovels through a sandstone mountain.
The primitive construction is often noted by visitors as being a testament to its "rugged beauty".
The road through the tunnel crosses the Tug Fork River on both sides. According to a social media post
from 2019, the tunnel was scheduled for either closure or major repair around 2020.


The historic Davy Tunnel, also known as the Twin Branch Tunnel, is an old railroad tunnel in McDowell County, West Virginia.
It is located in the area of the Tug Fork River, near the community of Davy, WV.


Twin Branch/Davy Tunnel, is an old railroad tunnel in McDowell County, West Virginia.
It is located in the area of the Tug Fork River, near the community of Davy, WV.


Twin Branch Tunnel, (also known as the Davy Tunnel ) is an old railroad tunnel in McDowell County, West Virginia.
It is located in the area of the Tug Fork River, near the community of Davy, WV.

Restored & Enhanced photographs proveded by: Buddy French

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