In 1890, the company bought 850 acres (3.4 km2) adjoining the western and northern corporate limits of Charles Town, and commissioned D.G.

Ranson, in Jefferson County, West Virginia, was officially incorporated in 1910, when residents, by a vote of 67–2, decided to form their own town.

The early growth and development of Ranson reflects the late 19th century boom of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas associated with the rise of the railroads, mining, and manufacturing.

Early photographs of Ranson show the offices of the Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing & Improvement Company, and the Hotel Powhatan, along with a few residential structures nearby.

Some of the companies that located in Ranson early on included the Hotel Powhatan, the Goetz Saddlery, the Shenandoah Brass and Iron Works, the Elemer E. Beachley Saw and Planing Mill, the John Farrin Boiler and Machine Shop, and the Vulcan Road Machine Company.

This four-story frame Queen Anne structure was located on 3.61 acres (14,600 m2) on 3rd Avenue, between Mildred and Preston Streets.

The building was designed by "Baldwin and Pennington, Architects", and was built by local contractor Julius C. Holmes for $46,500.

In 1913, the college closed, and in 1915 it was re-opened by the Episcopal Diocese, under the direction of Maria Pendleton Duval, as St. Hilda's Hall for Girls, a Christian school.

In the 2000s, the City Council saw a need to grow its tax and employment base after the unfortunate closings of AB&C Corporation, Dixie Narco, and Badger Powhatan, and took advantage of the commercial development opportunities along the 4-lane stretch of State Route 9 north of Ranson.

Just outside the limits of Ranson, but extremely important to the community's economy, is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

This facility provides employment to over 1200 individuals, and generates millions of dollars of taxes to Jefferson County and its municipalities for capital improvements.

Thanks, in part, to these proceeds, which began flowing in 2004, the city has been able to purchase police cars and equipment, complete the Mildred Street streetscape project in 2007, which added sidewalks, curb, gutter and benches, renovate and construct parks, and renovate City Hall.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the corporation has a total area of 8.05 square miles (20.85 km2), all land.

Ranson is governed by a mayor, recorder, and five-member city council, who each serve four-year staggered terms.

[citation needed] The main highway serving Ranson is West Virginia Route 9.

The other highway serving Ranson is West Virginia Route 115, which follows WV 9's old alignment from before its newer expressway was constructed.