Historical Site Surveys in Pocahontas County

 

The sources provide information about a historical site survey that was conducted in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This survey was initiated by the Pocahontas County Historic Landmark Commission, which was created by interested citizens in response to the West Virginia State Code that provided for the survey and protection of historic sites in the state.

The Landmark Commission applied for and received a Survey and Planning Grant from the West Virginia Department of Culture and History in 1985 to fund the survey. The grant was approved for $3,000, and the County Commission agreed to match that amount and provide office space in the Courthouse Annex. In May of 1985, the Landmark Commission voted to apply for inclusion of Pocahontas County in the National Register of Historic Places and to request information about potential sites and buildings.

The survey was originally planned to use volunteers from the public to do much of the field work and initial site visits. The role of the consultant was to review the volunteers’ work and assist in the organization and presentation of their findings. This approach was largely successful, due in part to the efforts of the Project Coordinator and the Chair of the Landmark Commission. Volunteers like Madge Bledsoe, the Pocahontas County Sheriff's Department, Eugene Burner, and David Arrington made significant contributions to the survey.

The survey began in the spring of 1988 and was a reconnaissance survey, meaning that it was intended to provide a broad overview of historic sites in the county and identify patterns of historic development. The survey was not intended to provide the level of in-depth research necessary for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Instead, the survey was to be used to guide the Landmark Commission in focusing future survey efforts and nominations.

The survey report included an introduction and summary by district, with an accompanying map, photographs, and a prioritized list of sites for future research and possible nomination for the National Register or local listings. The report was presented to the West Virginia Department of Culture and History and made available at the offices of the Pocahontas County Historic Landmark Commission. The original inventory forms, background materials, research information, and photo negatives were filed with the Landmark Commission.

Recommendations for Future Work

The sources include a list of recommendations for continuing the preservation of historic sites in Pocahontas County. The recommendations include completing the reconnaissance survey for areas not covered by the initial survey, in-depth research on sites listed on the National Register, and researching sites identified as locally significant.

The sources recommend that the Landmark Commission develop a process for decision-making and activities for the protection and recognition of Pocahontas County's heritage. The survey team also suggests conducting a reconnaissance survey or random sampling to determine the possibility of archaeological sites in the county.

The sources emphasize the importance of listing sites on a County Historic Landmark Register to recognize sites important to the county or specific localities, even if those sites are not significant enough to warrant listing on the National Register. Listing sites on the local register would also allow for immediate recognition of sites that need protection while waiting for formal listing on the National Register. This process could also be used to recognize sites or areas that may not meet federal criteria, such as those less than 150 years old.

The report highlights the need for additional surveying efforts in several areas:

• The Slaty Fork area
• The southwest and north areas of the county
• The Cass Scenic Railroad and the Greenbrier River Trail
• The old Seneca/Marlinton to Hillsboro section of the old Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
• Snow Creek and Cass railroad depots, as well as other railroad structures in Marlinton

Finally, the sources include a list of sites recommended for prioritizing the development of historic districts in Pocahontas County: Huntersville, Hillsboro, Cass, Mill Point, and Dunmore. The report stresses the need for intensive-level surveys of these districts to determine their eligibility for listing in the National Register.