The small town of Cooper, just outside of Bramwell, recognized the 125th anniversary of the first coal shipped out of the Pocahontas seam.

The town is named after John Cooper who opened the first coal mine in West Virginia. It was known as the Mill Creek Coal and Coke Co.

Cooper built two churches in Bramwell and once served as the president of the Bank of Bramwell.

Some of his family members were on hand for the celebration.

"I was very surprised when the mayor came to me and said she would like to do a celebration of this today and I think it's very nice and it shows that coal can still be king in West Virginia," said Kelly Murphy-Eller, Cooper's great-great granddaughter.

A piece of the Cooper tunnel just outside of Bramwell was placed underneath the historic sign.

The Montcalm High School band was on hand to play for the celebration.

Other city and county leaders also attended.