Beckley, city, seat of Raleigh County, southern West Virginia; incorporated 1858. It is the commercial center of one of the country's richest coal-producing areas. Manufactures include mining equipment and dairy items. A junior college is here. In 1838 the community was established by General Alfred Beckley, for whom it is named. Growth was spurred after coal mining began nearby in 1889. Population 20,492 (1980); 18,296 (1990); 17,254 (2000).
