Coal Run was laid out and platted in 1838, and named after a nearby stream of the same name noted for its coal deposits.[5] A post office called Coal Run was established in 1837, and remained in operation until 1997.[6]
In 1996, Coal Run was declared a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eighty-seven buildings in the community, plus two other non-building sites, compose the historic district, which covers an area of approximately 138 acres (56 ha). A range of architectural styles are present in the district, including the Federal and Victorian styles. Varied as well are the uses of the buildings: many houses are present, but shops, a post office, and a cemetery are also included within its boundaries. One of the community's residences is known as the Mason House; built in 1802, it is listed on the National Register by itself as well as qualifying as a contributing property to the district.[1]
