In W.Va., a new air of optimism Coal industry's comeback, tourism, construction spark resurgence in jobs By Jamie Smith Hopkins from the Baltimore-Sun Coal, which built McDowell County, nearly destroyed it. As technology mechanized the work, jobs were cut. As mineral prices fell, jobs were cut. As easily worked seams disappeared, jobs were cut. Companies left, and the people did too. McDowell County, once one of the largest coal producers in the nation, lost three-quarters of its population in the past 50 years. Now, in this poorest corner of the poorest state in the nation, something remarkable is happening: Jobs are coming back. Much More ...