War is a city in McDowell County, West Virginia, USA. The population was 788 at the 2000 census. War was incorporated in 1920 by the Circuit Court of McDowell County. Its name is derived from War Creek, whose confluence with Dry Fork is located within the city. Legend has it that War Creek was in turn named by the local Native Americans about 1788 because of a battle which occurred near the source of the creek. War is the only place in the United States with this name. War was formerly known as Miner's City. It is also recognized as "the southernmost incorporated city in West Virginia. " It is well known for being a setting in the movie "October Sky" as writer Homer Hickam is a Big Creek High School alumni.