A Look into Huntersville's Rich History

 

A Look into Huntersville's Rich History

The sources offer a rich tapestry of information about Huntersville, painting a vivid picture of its origins, growth, challenges, and eventual decline as a prominent town in Pocahontas County.

Early Settlement and Development

• Huntersville, situated on the left bank of Knapps Creek, emerged as a significant trading hub even before the county was officially organized in 1821.
• Merchants and traders from the east would converge on Huntersville, engaging in bartering with hunters for the products of their hunts.
• John Bradshaw, a key figure in the town’s early history, championed the name “Huntersville” as a tribute to the hunters who contributed significantly to its growth.
• Bradshaw’s generous donation of land from his estate to establish public buildings solidified Huntersville’s position as the county seat, a role it held for 70 years.
• This strategic move shifted the county seat from a previously chosen location near Edray.

Economic Prosperity and Decline

• As the county seat, Huntersville thrived as the primary trading center for all of Pocahontas County.
• Its merchants prospered, often reaping significant profits from the sale of dry goods and groceries.
• The annual “Big Muster” of the 127th Virginia Regiment, along with the superior courts, attracted a large influx of people, further boosting the town’s economy.
• This influx, however, also highlighted the town's lively – and at times less savory – side, with “stores and bar rooms” doing a “rushing business”.
• The construction of the Huntersville and Warm Springs turnpike and the Parkersburg road led to the emergence of stores in other locations like Greenbank and Millpoint, gradually eroding Huntersville’s economic dominance.

Key Structures and Institutions

• The sources mention several structures that played vital roles in Huntersville’s development.
• Churches: The first Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854, and a dedicated house of worship was erected the same year. The Methodist Episcopal Church (South) was founded in 1866.
  • Before dedicated churches were built, religious services were held in the courthouse and later in the academy built around 1842.
  • The Presbyterian church served as a shared space for all denominations until the Methodists built their own church in the 1880s.
• Mount Vernon Church: This church, built in 1850 on Knapps Creek, holds the distinction of being the first church in the area.
  • While not explicitly stated, the context implies a possible Methodist affiliation.
  • The church's construction was financed through subscriptions and contributions from local families.
  • During the Civil War, soldiers used the church as a barrack and threatened to burn it down.
• Huntersville Jail: Built in 1878, the jail replaced two earlier jails, demonstrating the evolving approach to law enforcement.
  • The use of “White Medina” sandstone in its construction showcases the region’s robust natural resources.
  • The jail’s design and features, including its four cells and heavy iron rings, offer a glimpse into the penal practices of the time.

Challenges and Transformations

• Huntersville faced several setbacks throughout its history.
• A devastating fire in the winter of 1852 destroyed a significant portion of the town’s business district.
• During the Civil War, the town was burned by Federal troops, further impacting its infrastructure and economy.
• The loss of the county seat to Marlinton in 1892 marked a turning point, leading to a decline in the town’s prominence.

Enduring Legacy

• Despite these challenges, Huntersville retains historical significance, evidenced by the preservation efforts undertaken by organizations like the Pocahontas Beautiful Commission and the Pocahontas Historical Society.
• These efforts, including the installation of a memorial marker at the jail and the meticulous restoration of the jail's roof, underscore the community’s commitment to honoring the town’s legacy.

Huntersville’s story is a fascinating blend of economic ambition, religious fervor, and resilience in the face of adversity. From its beginnings as a bustling trading post to its later years as a quieter community, Huntersville has played a vital role in shaping the identity of Pocahontas County.