Place Names Reflect the History and Landscape of Pocahontas County

 

Place Names Reflect the History and Landscape of Pocahontas County

The sources, particularly the manuscript "Natural Settings of Pocahontas County," emphasize how the names of various locations within the county reveal much about its history, geography, and the people who have lived there.

Place Names Inspired by Nature:

• Descriptive Features: Many place names directly reflect the prominent natural features found in the region. This is a common practice in many places around the world, as people often name locations based on what they see and experience. Examples from the sources include:
  • Stony Run: This name clearly indicates a stream or creek bed with a significant presence of rocks.
  • Laurel Fork: This name points to a fork or branch of a river or stream where laurel bushes or trees grow abundantly.
  • Spruce Flats: This name suggests a relatively flat area characterized by a dense growth of spruce trees.
• Animal Life: While not explicitly mentioned in your query, the sources demonstrate that the presence of animals also influenced place names:
  • Beaver Creek: The abundance of beavers in this creek's waters led to its name.
• Unique Characteristics: Some place names highlight specific and notable natural characteristics:
  • The Mine Bank: This location, frequently mentioned in the sources, is named for a prominent bank or hillside that was believed to contain valuable minerals. The sources suggest this name might have originated from Native American knowledge of the area.

Place Names Commemorating Settlers:

• Honoring Individuals: Many place names in Pocahontas County pay tribute to early settlers and pioneers who played a significant role in the county's development. This practice reflects the importance of recognizing the contributions of these individuals and preserving their memory in the landscape. Examples from the sources include:
  • Cartmills Creek: Named after Thomas Cartmill, a Revolutionary War veteran who received a land grant in the area in 1780. The creek was initially called Cartmills Creek for several decades before becoming known as North Fork Creek.
  • Marlins Run: Named after Jacob Marlin, one of the first European settlers of Scotch-Irish descent to spend a winter in present-day Pocahontas County. Marlin arrived in the area with Stephen Sewell around 1750-51 and their camp was situated near Marlins Run and Knapps Creek.
  • Sitlington Creek: Named after Robert Sitlington, who was the first permanent settler on the creek and in the eastern part of the county. His home was located at the site of the present-day town of Dunmore. The story of Sitlington is intertwined with that of the Warwick family, further illustrating the interconnectedness of these early settlers and their impact on the naming of places.
• Family Names: The sources illustrate that entire families could leave their mark on the landscape:
  • Galfords Creek: This creek was named after the pioneer Thomas Galford and his descendants, who were early settlers in the area. A notable historical incident involving the capture of Thomas Galford's daughter Elizabeth by Native Americans also contributed to the creek's name.

Observations about Place Names in Pocahontas County:

• Reflection of History: The naming of places provides a tangible link to the past, preserving the memory of individuals, families, and historical events.
• Connection to the Environment: The close relationship between the people of Pocahontas County and the natural world is evident in the many place names derived from natural features.
• Evolution of Names: Some place names, like Cartmills Creek evolving into North Fork Creek, demonstrate how names can change over time. This evolution might be influenced by various factors, including shifting demographics, new discoveries, or the desire to use more descriptive or standardized names.

The study of place names in Pocahontas County offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history and the lives of its early settlers. It also highlights the importance of understanding how these names came about, as they hold valuable clues to the county's cultural heritage and its enduring connection to the natural environment.