History of Arbovale, West Virginia

 

Here is a bullet list of the history of Arbovale, West Virginia:

• 1773: The first settlers arrive in the area that is now Arbovale.
• 1823: The town is officially founded and named Arbovale, which means "tree valley" in French.
• 1861-1865: Arbovale is a strategic location during the Civil War, and is the site of several skirmishes and battles.
• 1880s: The town experiences a period of growth due to the coal mining industry.
• 1920s: The coal mining industry begins to decline, and Arbovale's population decreases.
• 1930s: The town is hit hard by the Great Depression.
• 1940s-1950s: Arbovale experiences a revival due to the World War II effort and the post-war economic boom.
• 1960s and beyond: The town's population continues to decline, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history.

Here are some additional details about the history of Arbovale:

• The town was originally founded as a community for Methodist settlers.
• In the early 1800s, Arbovale was a popular stop on the stagecoach route between Staunton, Virginia, and Lewisburg, West Virginia.
• During the Civil War, Arbovale was a strategic location for both the Union and Confederate armies. The town was the site of several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Arbovale in 1863.
• In the late 1800s, Arbovale experienced a period of growth due to the coal mining industry. The town's population increased from a few hundred people to over 3,000 people by the turn of the century.
• In the early 1900s, Arbovale was home to a thriving business district with several stores, hotels, and restaurants. The town also had a school, a post office, and a church.
• The coal mining industry began to decline in the 1920s, and Arbovale's population decreased as a result. The town was hit hard by the Great Depression in the 1930s.
• In the 1940s and 1950s, Arbovale experienced a revival due to the World War II effort and the post-war economic boom. The town's population increased and new businesses were established.
• In the 1960s and beyond, Arbovale's population continued to decline, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history. The town is home to a number of historical sites, including the Arbovale Battlefield and the Arbovale Museum.