NITRO, W.Va. — Members of the Nitro City Council last week unveiled a new city seal showcasing the city’s history as well as its natural landmarks.
Nitro’s Branding Committee first approved the seal, which features a World War I-era soldier, Ridenour Lake, a train car, a horse and the year 1917, which was when the city was established.
Horses and trains were used to carry supplies into the city.
Nitro City Councilmember Donna Boggs said she pushed for a new seal three months ago following a meeting with City Recorder Rita Cox.
“She was stamping a paper, and I asked to see the stamp. I didn’t realize that we had a city seal that was very generic,” Boggs said.
Boggs said the old seat had no details residents of Nitro may recognize, instead including basic information like the city’s name and location in Kanawha and Putnam counties.
Boggs presented the idea of creating a new seal to the Nitro Development Authority, which agreed with the proposal.
The city held a contest; the design of Jim Caudill and J.R. Earls was selected.
“It just sets us apart. We want people when they see that to say, ‘Hey, that’s Nitro,'” she added.
Caudill and Earls received $250 for their winning submission.