The history of Bemis, West Virginia, dates back to the late 1800s. The town was originally known as Fishing Hawk, and it was a railroad camp for workers who were building the tracks to connect Elkins and Durbin. In 1903, the town was officially named Bemis after Henry Bemis, a Pennsylvania lumberman who had arrived in the area a few years earlier.
Bemis quickly became a thriving community. At its peak, the town had two coal mines, a lumber mill, three stores, a boarding house, a restaurant, a post office, a school, a dance hall, and a church. Bemis was also a popular tourist destination, and visitors came from all over the country to enjoy the town's beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
However, the decline of the coal and lumber industries in the early 1900s had a devastating impact on Bemis. The mines and lumber mill closed down, and the town began to lose its population. By the mid-1900s, Bemis was a ghost town.
In recent years, Bemis has experienced a modest revival. The town is now a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. There are also several bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals in the area.
Here are some pictures of Bemis, West Virginia, throughout its history:
Bemis is a small town with a rich history. The town's decline in the early 1900s was a tragedy, but it is heartening to see that Bemis is now experiencing a revival. Bemis is a beautiful place with a lot to offer visitors, and I encourage everyone to visit this historic town.
No comments:
Post a Comment