Pocahontas County was created in December 1821

 

Formation and Initial Size

• Pocahontas County was created in December 1821 by an act of the Virginia General Assembly from parts of Bath, Pendleton, and Randolph counties.
• The initial intention was that it should contain 820 square miles, however, ambiguous boundary lines caused some disputes and changes.
• The county's size is later stated to be 942 square miles, making it the third-largest county in the state.

Geographic and Topographic Features

• Pocahontas County has three different geographic zones of outcropping rocks.
• The county is located in the Appalachian Geosyncline, which influences oil and gas accumulation.
• The area west of the Greenbrier River is part of a broad monocline with gentle folds.
• The county contains many streams, including the Greenbrier River, which flows generally southwest. The Greenbrier has a total length of 163 miles and a drainage area of 833 square miles.
• The Greenbrier River is described as a relatively swift and shallow stream with few areas of bottom land and has several tributaries including Laurel Creek, Little Laurel Creek, Sugar Creek, Tea Creek, Kins Creek, and Bannock Shoals Run.
• The headwaters of the North Fork of Anthony Creek and Douthat Creek divide at a location called "The Dock".
• There are a number of mountains, including Michael Mountain, Black Mountain, Browns Mountain, Burner Mountain, and Beaver Lick Mountain.
• Blister Swamp is located on Burner Mountain.
• The county also contains the Cranberry Glades, a unique area with open spaces and lichen beds.
• The region has undergone significant geological changes over time, with some areas experiencing uplift and others subsidence.

Geological Composition

• The county has a diverse geological makeup with rocks ranging from the Kanawha Group of the Pottsville down nearly to the base of the Catskill Series.
• The surface rocks in the county are approximately 25% Mauch Chunk Series.
• The Greenbrier Series is also a prominent geological feature.
• There is a notable presence of Greenbrier Limestone, especially east of the Greenbrier River.
• The Maccrady Series is primarily found west of the Greenbrier River.
• The Chemung and Portage Series are also present.
• The Oriskany Series is found along the Browns Mountain Anticline.
• The Clinton Series is limited to the Beaver Lick-Browns-Michael Mountain area.

Economic Activity and Resources

• The county is known for its mineral resources, which include coal, limestone, and iron ore.
• Coal is a major resource, with several seams including the Gilbert, Hughes Ferry, and Sewell coals. These coals are found mainly in the western portions of Edray and Little Levels Districts and are preserved in the tops of high knobs.
• There are limestone deposits of the Greenbrier Series, which may have potential for building stone. There are also deposits of the Union and Patton Limestones.
• There are also Oriskany iron ore deposits and manganese found in the county.
• There is a mention of an old tannery starting up operations.
• The county has potential for hydroelectric power due to its many streams .
• The area had a railroad line that extended up the North Fork of Anthony Creek and up Meadow Creek.

Settlements and Towns

• Marlinton is the county seat, and it is described as a "new town".
• Other towns and settlements include Edray, Hillsboro, Green Bank, Huntersville, and Bartow.
• Travelers Repose is mentioned as a possible location for a depot on the Greenbrier Railroad.

Additional Notes

• The county has a variety of natural features, including caves and springs. The water from these springs often follows fissures in the limestone.
• There is evidence of past glacial activity.
• The county is home to various plant and animal life.

This expanded information provides a more detailed picture of the geographical, geological, and economic aspects of Pocahontas County, emphasizing its unique features and the resources available in the region.