The town of Spruce, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

 

The town of Spruce, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, holds a unique place in the state’s history due to its distinctive characteristics and the role it played in the lumber and coal industries. The sources emphasize the following aspects of Spruce’s historical significance:

• A Unique Industrial Town: Spruce stands out as one of the few towns established solely for the manufacturing of pulpwood. Unlike other lumber towns that focused on producing finished lumber, Spruce's primary function was to supply raw material for the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company's (WVP&P) paper mills.
• Extreme Isolation: Spruce was renowned as the "highest and coldest town east of the Mississippi." Situated at an elevation of 3,853 feet in a remote basin near the headwaters of the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, the town remained isolated throughout its existence. Notably, Spruce never had a road, with all transportation and supplies relying solely on the railroad or foot travel.
• Company Town Dynamics: As a company town, Spruce epitomized the social and economic stratification prevalent in the early 20th century. The company wielded absolute power, dictating the lives of its residents. The town's layout and housing reflected this hierarchy, with company-owned housing for workers and separate accommodations for management. This social structure offered a unique opportunity for researchers to study the dynamics of company towns and their impact on residents' lives.
• Shifting Industrial Focus: Spruce transitioned from a lumber-focused economy to a support center for the coal industry in the mid-20th century. Following the decline of the pulpwood operation in 1925, the town's infrastructure, particularly its railroad, became crucial in transporting coal from the nearby Elk River valley. This shift marked a significant change in the town's population and economic activity, reflecting the broader industrial trends in West Virginia.
• Preservation Challenges and Tourist Potential: Abandoned by residents around 1950, Spruce presently exists as a "ghost town" in a pristine wilderness setting. Despite its derelict state, the site attracts tourists who are drawn to its remote beauty and historical intrigue. The sources advocate for preserving Spruce's historical and environmental integrity while promoting responsible tourism that educates visitors about the town's unique story.

The sources acknowledge that the historical significance of Spruce extends beyond its industrial contributions. The town provides a window into a bygone era of American life, offering insights into the social dynamics, living conditions, and challenges faced by those who inhabited this remote and remarkable community.