[4] In 1863, West Virginia's counties were divided into civil townships, with the intention of encouraging local government.

This proved impractical in the heavily rural state, and in 1872 the townships were converted into magisterial districts.

[5] Nicholas County was divided into six districts: Grant, Jefferson, Kentucky, Mumble-the-peg, Summersville, and Wilderness.

[6] Carnifex Ferry Battlefield, Keslers Cross Lanes As of the census of 2000, there were 26,562 people, 10,722 households, and 7,762 families living in the county.

The racial makeup of the county was 98.84% White, 0.05% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races.

24.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 26,233 people, 10,938 households, and 7,591 families living in the county.

[12] In terms of ancestry, 21.7% were Irish, 19.0% were German, 12.9% were English, and 10.1% were American.