Pocahontas County Research: An Overview

 

The sources offer a glimpse into the wealth of research materials available for understanding the history, geography, culture, and natural environment of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. While some sources directly pertain to research conducted on the county, others provide data and information that can be used for research purposes.

 

Genealogy and Local History:

●

Genealogical Records: Sources like "st87_Part6.pdf" and "st87_Part9.pdf" provide valuable genealogical data, including marriage indexes and registers of births, likely from Pocahontas County. These records can be used to trace family lineages and reconstruct the lives of individuals who lived in the county.

●

Deed Records: Sources like "Jones from KY.pdf" offer insights into land transactions and property ownership in Pocahontas County. These records can help researchers understand patterns of settlement, land use, and economic activity over time.

●

Church Histories: Sources like the research reports by Juanita S. Dilley in "Merge st92d_Part5.pdf" and "Merge st92d_Part6.pdf" shed light on the establishment and development of religious institutions in Pocahontas County. These accounts provide insights into the social and cultural fabric of the community and the role of religion in local life.

Geography and Environment:

●

Property Maps: "st86.pdf" contains a collection of property maps for the Edray District in Pocahontas County. These maps provide detailed visual information about land boundaries, lot sizes, road layouts, and surrounding natural features, offering a valuable resource for geographical and environmental research.

●

River Preservation Efforts: "st76_Part3.pdf" highlights efforts to designate certain rivers in the Monongahela National Forest for preservation. This information can be used to understand conservation initiatives and the importance of protecting natural resources in the county.

●

Natural Wonders: "st76_Part4.pdf" focuses on remarkable natural formations in Giles County, specifically the Salt Pond. While not directly about Pocahontas County, this source provides an example of the natural wonders that might be found in the surrounding region, potentially sparking further research into Pocahontas County's unique geographical features.

Education and Culture:

●

Educational Directory: "Merge st92d_Part1.pdf" provides a list of schools and teachers in Pocahontas County in the early 20th century. This information can be used to understand the educational landscape of the time and potentially trace the history of specific schools.

●

County Fair: "Merge st92d_Part3.pdf" describes the Pocahontas County Fair, highlighting its role as a community gathering and a showcase for local talents. This source offers insights into the cultural traditions and values of the county.

●

Scenic Highway Markers: "Merge st92d_Part3.pdf" also lists scenic highway markers in Pocahontas County. This information can be used to identify historical landmarks and attractions, potentially leading to further research into the county's history and heritage.

Economic Development and Social Issues:

●

Timber Industry: "st88_Part1.pdf" mentions the significant role of the timber industry in Pocahontas County's history and its impact on the county's population growth.

●

Civilian Conservation Corps: "Merge st92d_Part2.pdf" highlights the activities of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Pocahontas County, emphasizing their contributions to infrastructure development and natural resource management.

●

Tourism and Land Use Conflicts: Sources like "st88_Part2.pdf" and "st88_Part3.pdf" touch upon issues related to tourism, land use, and economic development in the county, including conflicts over wind turbine projects and their potential impact on the environment and local communities.

Research Methodology:

The sources also provide examples of research methodologies used to study Pocahontas County:

●

Oral Histories: "Merge st92d_Part5.pdf" includes anecdotes and personal accounts from local residents, illustrating the value of oral histories in capturing lived experiences and local perspectives.

●

Archival Research: Sources like the research reports by Juanita S. Dilley demonstrate the use of archival materials, such as deed books and church records, in reconstructing historical events and social patterns.

The diverse range of research materials available, combined with various methodologies, allows for a multifaceted understanding of Pocahontas County. Researchers can explore topics ranging from genealogy and local history to geography, environment, education, culture, economic development, and social issues. The sources provide a valuable starting point for anyone interested in researching the rich and complex history of Pocahontas County.