The Lost Colony of Williams River

 

The Lost Colony of Williams River

A Documentary Review

Introduction:

Our story unfolds in the rugged, isolated landscape of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, a place carved by ancient rivers and steeped in the echoes of early settlers. Here, within the folds of this Appalachian terrain, lies a place known as Dutch Bottom, a name that whispers of a forgotten chapter in the region's history – a lost colony of sorts, along the Williams River.

The Mystery of Dutch Bottom’s Location:

The precise location of Dutch Bottom is shrouded in some mystery. Historical accounts hint at a settlement near the headwaters of a river, its isolation so profound that some early settlers were driven to leave. However, clues point us toward the Williams River. The term "bottom" itself suggests a low-lying area, fertile land nestled along the riverbank, a topographical feature consistent with other place names in the county.

The Arrival of the “Dutch”:

The name "Dutch Bottom" leads us to a group of immigrants who arrived in 1847, seeking refuge from religious intolerance in the Netherlands. Among these settlers was the Stulting family, ancestors of the renowned author Pearl S. Buck. Their arrival and settlement likely gave the area its distinctive name, forever linking it to this chapter of immigration and the pursuit of religious freedom.

Life in the Bottom:

The early days of Dutch Bottom were marked by the challenges of frontier life. Isolation was a stark reality, and while some families couldn't endure, others persevered, laying the foundation for a community. The Stulting family's journey from Dutch Bottom to Hillsboro, the birthplace of Pearl S. Buck, connects this small settlement to a figure of literary significance.

Landmarks and Legacy:

Evidence of Dutch Bottom's existence remains, albeit faint. A road, "Dutch Bottom Spruce Flats Road," bears its name, and historical records suggest a "Dutch Bottom Cemetery," a potential resting place for the community's pioneers. These landmarks, along with the nearby Williams River and the Greenbrier River Trail, serve as tangible links to the past.

Dutch Bottom Today:

Today, Dutch Bottom exists as an unincorporated community, a testament to its enduring presence, though its population remains small, in line with the broader trend of rural Pocahontas County. While specific details of current community life are scarce, the echoes of the past resonate in local stories and the potential for uncovering more through historical societies and genealogical research.

The Enduring Mystery:

Dutch Bottom represents a compelling story of early settlement, resilience, and the enduring legacy of immigration. While much is known, the full picture of its history, the details of daily life, and the complete stories of its people, remain a subject for further exploration. The "Lost Colony of Williams River" continues to beckon, inviting us to delve deeper into its past and uncover the hidden narratives of those who shaped this remote corner of West Virginia.