Logging on Cheat

 

 

 The history of logging on Cheat Mountain, located in West Virginia, is marked by extensive deforestation and industrial activity, primarily driven by the demand for timber during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Logging and Industrialization

Logging on Cheat Mountain began in earnest after the Civil War, when the area's rich red spruce forests attracted lumbermen. W. S. Dewing and Sons were among the first to exploit these resources, cutting timber with the intention of floating it down Shavers Fork and Cheat River to their mill in Pennsylvania. Dewing introduced the first logging locomotive, a small Shay engine, but eventually sold his holdings to the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company in 1899.

The Logging Boom

The West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company played a significant role in logging Cheat Mountain, constructing a large band sawmill at Cass, Pocahontas County, and building a town for the workers. This period saw the extensive clearcutting of the region's forests, including the largest red spruce forest south of Maine. The logging industry dominated the area until the forests were virtually depleted by the 1960s.

Environmental Impact

The aggressive logging practices led to significant environmental degradation. By the 1960s, Cheat Mountain had become barren, and the ecosystem suffered greatly from the loss of its forest cover. This destruction was a testament to the industrial mindset of the era, which prioritized economic gain over environmental preservation.

Recovery and Modern Development

Following the decline of the logging industry, Cheat Mountain began to recover its forest ecosystem. In 1973, the area was renamed Snowshoe Mountain and developed into a ski resort, which helped revitalize the region. Over the past 50 years, the forests have fully recovered, and the area is now a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Legacy

The legacy of logging on Cheat Mountain is still visible today. Many of the trails at Snowshoe Mountain are named after logging terms, reflecting the area's industrial past. The remnants of the logging era, such as railroad grades and equipment, can still be found throughout the region, serving as historical markers of a time when the mountain's forests were heavily exploited.

The main logging companies that operated on Cheat Mountain were primarily W. S. Dewing and Sons and the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company.

- **W. S. Dewing and Sons**: This company initially made extensive purchases of timber on Cheat Mountain and commenced logging operations with the intention of floating the timber down Shavers Fork and Cheat River to their mill in Pennsylvania. They introduced the first logging locomotive in the area, a small Shay engine[3].

- **West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company**: In 1899, W. S. Dewing and Sons sold their holdings to this company. The West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company then constructed a large band sawmill at Cass in Pocahontas County and built a town to house the workers. They were a dominant force in logging on Cheat Mountain during the early 20th century[1][2][3].

Citations:
[1] http://www.pocahontaspreservation.org/omeka/items/show/935
[2] http://www.pocahontaspreservation.org/omeka/items/show/934
[3] https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1111
[4] https://www.cheatlake.com/history
[5] https://restoreredspruce.org/2012/05/25/logging-the-virgin-forests-of-west-virginia/

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 The logging activities on Cheat Mountain significantly contributed to the development of nearby towns, particularly through the establishment of infrastructure and communities centered around the logging industry.

1. **Cass, West Virginia**: The West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company played a crucial role in the development of Cass. They constructed a large band sawmill and built a town to accommodate the workers. This led to the creation of a community that was directly tied to the logging operations on Cheat Mountain[1][2].

2. **Economic Growth**: The logging industry brought economic growth to the region by providing jobs and supporting related industries. The demand for timber led to the establishment of numerous mills and logging camps, which in turn spurred the development of transportation networks, such as railroads, to facilitate the movement of logs[3].

3. **Infrastructure Development**: The presence of logging companies necessitated the development of infrastructure to support their operations. This included the construction of railroads and roads, which not only served the logging industry but also improved access to the region, benefiting other economic activities and contributing to the growth of local towns[3].

Overall, the logging activities on Cheat Mountain were a driving force behind the development of nearby towns, shaping their economic and social landscapes during the peak of the logging era.

Citations:
[1] http://www.pocahontaspreservation.org/omeka/items/show/935
[2] http://www.pocahontaspreservation.org/omeka/items/show/934
[3] https://www.bobsmarket.com/blog/wvforesthistory
[4] https://www.cheatlake.com/history
[5] https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/west-virginia-cheat-mountain/