Rivers and Logs

 

The sources highlight the crucial role of rivers in the timber industry of West Virginia, particularly in Pocahontas County.

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Transportation: Before the advent of railroads, rivers served as the primary means of transporting logs from mountainous logging sites to sawmills and markets downstream. The Greenbrier River, for example, was a vital waterway for moving timber. Logs would be floated downstream in large drives.

The Greenbrier Independent describes Cheat River as being “raised full” of logs and mentions a “general drive,” indicating the scale of these logging operations.

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Log Drives: Log drives involved floating large quantities of logs downriver, often requiring significant manpower and coordination.

The sources mention log drives on the Greenbrier, Cheat, and Elk Rivers, and their tributaries. These drives could be dangerous and challenging, as logs could jam or become stranded, requiring skilled rivermen to dislodge them. The story of Mr. Edward Renick's load of coal falling through a bridge at Marlins Bottom illustrates the risks associated with transporting heavy cargo over rivers.

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Environmental Impact: The intensive logging and log drives described in the sources likely had a significant environmental impact on the rivers and surrounding ecosystems. The clearing of forests and the disruption of river flow could lead to erosion, sedimentation, and habitat degradation. While the sources do not explicitly discuss these consequences, it is important to consider the long-term ecological effects of these practices.

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Evolution of the Industry: The sources also reveal the gradual shift from river-based log transportation to railroads. The construction of logging railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries facilitated the movement of timber from previously inaccessible areas, reducing the reliance on rivers.

The Greenbrier Independent frequently mentions plans for new railroads in Pocahontas County, reflecting the growing importance of rail transportation for the timber industry.

Additional Insights

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Shifting Landscape: The sources show how the landscape of Pocahontas County transformed as logging operations intensified. The once abundant white pine forests, which initially attracted loggers, began to dwindle as timber was harvested.

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Economic Boom: The timber industry brought significant economic growth to Pocahontas County, as evidenced by the construction of new businesses and the influx of workers from other states, particularly Pennsylvania.

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Social Change: The arrival of outside workers and the growth of the timber industry also brought social changes to the relatively isolated communities of Pocahontas County.

The sources hint at potential tensions and conflicts that might have arisen as traditional ways of life clashed with the demands of a burgeoning industrial economy.

Conclusion

The sources provide a glimpse into the dynamic relationship between rivers and logs in the history of West Virginia's timber industry. They reveal how rivers facilitated the early growth of the industry, serving as essential transportation routes for moving logs. However, the emergence of railroads gradually reduced the reliance on rivers, leading to a shift in the industry's practices and the economic landscape of the region. Examining these historical accounts allows for a better understanding of the evolution of logging practices, their environmental impact, and their role in shaping the social and economic development of Pocahontas County.