Tell me how Pocahontas County West Virginia was founded

Pocahontas County, West Virginia, has a fascinating history, and its founding was a complex process with several key moments:

1821: Creation by the Virginia General Assembly:

On December 21, 1821, the Virginia General Assembly passed an act officially establishing Pocahontas County. This act carved out territory from three existing counties: Bath, Pendleton, and Randolph. The new county's boundaries were drawn to include land rich in natural resources like timber and farmland.

1822: First Court Meeting and Early Governance:

The first official meeting of the Pocahontas County Court took place on March 5, 1822, at John Bradshaw's home near Huntersville. This marked the beginning of local governance in the newly formed county. Early government focused on establishing basic infrastructure, setting up courts and schools, and promoting economic development.

1863: West Virginia Statehood and Unification:

When West Virginia became a separate state in 1863, Pocahontas County was automatically included within its borders. This occurred without a formal vote from the county's residents, leading to some resentment and controversy at the time. However, over time, Pocahontas County has become firmly established as part of West Virginia.

Additional Factors:

• Native American Presence: The land now encompassing Pocahontas County was once inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and the Monongahela. Their history and legacy continue to be important aspects of the region's cultural heritage.
• European Settlement and Resource Extraction: Prior to county formation, European settlers began arriving in the area in the 18th century. Logging and agriculture became major industries, shaping the landscape and economy.

Resources for Further Exploration:

• Pocahontas County Historical Society: http://www.pocahontashistorical.org/
• West Virginia Encyclopedia: https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1876
• Pocahontas County on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocahontas_County,_West_Virginia