Chester, West Virginia

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Chester is a small city in Hancock County, in the northern tip of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. It’s the northernmost city in the state and is part of the Weirton–Steubenville metro area. About 2,214 people lived there in 2020, a little fewer than in 2010.

History and notable sights
Chester was founded in 1896 and incorporated in 1907. The town grew with nearby pottery and steel industries, including the Taylor, Smith & Taylor company and the Chester Rolling Mill. Rock Springs Park, an early amusement park, opened in 1897 and closed in 1970 for a highway project. One of the town’s famous landmarks is the Chester teapot, billed as the world’s largest teapot. It was moved to Chester in 1938 and remodeled in 1990. The teapot has appeared in popular culture, such as the video game Fallout 76. The town’s name may come from Chester County, Pennsylvania, but the origin isn’t certain.

Geography and transportation
Chester covers about 1 square mile, all land, at an elevation of about 705 feet. U.S. Route 30 enters Chester via the Jennings Randolph Bridge from East Liverpool, Ohio, then connects to West Virginia Route 2. WV Route 2 runs through the town on Carolina Avenue (the main street) toward Newell.

Education
Children in Chester attend the Hancock County School District. Allen T. Allison Elementary School serves the city, while middle school and Oak Glen High School are outside the city limits. The old Chester High School, opened in 1926, is now the city’s municipal building.