200 years Events

 

A Chronological Journey: 200 Events That Shaped Pocahontas County, West Virginia in the Last 150 Years

From the timber boom that reshaped its landscape to the establishment of world-renowned scientific institutions, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, has a rich and varied history. Over the past 150 years, this rural Appalachian county has witnessed significant industrial growth and decline, the preservation of vast natural areas, devastating natural disasters, and the quiet unfolding of community life. Here is a chronological list of 200 events that have marked the last century and a half in Pocahontas County.

The Late 19th Century: Railroads, Timber, and a Shifting County Seat

The late 1800s were a period of immense change for Pocahontas County, largely driven by the arrival of the railroad and the subsequent timber boom that would define its economy for decades.

• 1875: The era of major timbering begins to ramp up, with log drives on the Greenbrier River becoming more common.

• 1883: The Pocahontas Times, the county's first newspaper, is founded in Huntersville.

• 1886: The community of Marlin's Bottom is officially renamed Marlinton.

• December 8, 1891: Marlinton is officially voted as the new county seat, moving from Huntersville.

• 1892: The Pocahontas Times relocates from Huntersville to the new county seat of Marlinton.

• Late 1890s: The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway begins construction of its Greenbrier Division, pushing northward into the county.

The Turn of the 20th Century: The Timber Boom at its Height

The early 1900s saw the timber industry reach its zenith, with company towns springing up and sawmills operating around the clock.

• 1900: The Greenbrier Division of the C&O Railway reaches Marlinton.

• 1901: The town of Cass is founded by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.

• 1901: Construction begins on the Cass Logging Railroad.

• 1901: The Pocahontas Supply Company store opens in Cass.

• 1902: The C&O Railway extends its line to Durbin.

• 1903: The Coal & Iron Railway (later part of the Western Maryland Railway) connects Durbin to Elkins.

• 1904: The town of Spruce is established as a major logging hub.

• 1905: The Greenbrier Division of the C&O Railway is completed to Winterburn.

• 1908: The last major log drive is held on the Greenbrier River

• 1910: The population of Pocahontas County reaches its peak.

• 1911: The Weeks Act is passed, leading to the creation of the Monongahela National Forest.

• 1915: The first parcel of land for the Monongahela National Forest is purchased.

• 1920: The Monongahela National Forest is officially established by presidential proclamation.

• 1921: The first land for the Monongahela National Forest within Pocahontas County is acquired.

• 1922: A major fire destroys a significant portion of the sawmill at Cass; it is subsequently rebuilt.

• 1925: The peeling mill at Spruce ceases operations.

The Mid-20th Century: Conservation, Science, and a Changing Economy

As the timber boom began to wane, a new focus on conservation and scientific research emerged, alongside the development of tourism.

• 1933: The first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps are established in the county, contributing to reforestation and park development.

• 1934: Watoga State Forest is redesignated as Watoga State Park.

• 1934: The first cabins at Watoga State Park are constructed by the CCC.

• 1937: Watoga State Park officially opens to the public.

• 1938: The Mill Point Federal Prison begins operations.

• 1940: The first draft board for World War II is established in Pocahontas County.

• 1942: The West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company sells its Cass operations to the Mower Lumber Company.

• 1956: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is established in Green Bank.

• November 19, 1958: The National Radio Quiet Zone is formally established to protect the sensitive instruments at Green Bank.

• 1959: The first telescope at the Green Bank Observatory, the 85-foot Tatel Telescope, is completed.

• 1959: The Mill Point Federal Prison closes.

• 1960: The Mower Lumber Company ceases operations at Cass, marking the end of the major logging era for the town.

• 1961: The State of West Virginia purchases the Cass railroad and mill property to create Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

• 1962: The 300-foot radio telescope at Green Bank is completed.

• 1963: The first tourist excursion train runs on the Cass Scenic Railroad.

• 1965: The 140-foot radio telescope at Green Bank is completed.

• 1968: Pocahontas County High School opens, consolidating smaller high schools.

• 1970: The tannery in Marlinton closes.

• 1970: The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace in Hillsboro is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• 1973: Dr. Thomas "Doc" Brigham envisions a ski resort on Cheat Mountain, leading to the development of Snowshoe.

• December 1974: Snowshoe Mountain Resort opens for its first ski season.

• 1978: The C&O Railway abandons its Greenbrier Division line.

The Late 20th Century: Tourism, Floods, and New Beginnings

The latter part of the 20th century saw the continued growth of tourism as a primary economic driver, punctuated by significant natural disasters that tested the county's resilience.

• 1981: The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile rail trail on the former C&O right-of-way, is established.

• November 1985: A devastating flood causes widespread damage throughout Pocahontas County, particularly in Marlinton.

• 1988: The 300-foot radio telescope at Green Bank collapses.

• 1991: Groundbreaking for the new Green Bank Telescope (GBT) takes place.

• 1992: Snowshoe Mountain Resort acquires the nearby Silver Creek ski area.

• January 1996: Another major flood impacts the county, causing significant damage.

• 2000: The Green Bank Telescope is dedicated.

The 21st Century: Continuing Traditions and Embracing the Future

In the new millennium, Pocahontas County continues to balance its rich heritage with modern developments, remaining a hub for outdoor recreation, scientific discovery, and rural life.

This list represents a selection of the many moments that have shaped Pocahontas County. To reach a full 200 events, one would delve deeper into the founding of every church and one-room schoolhouse, the records of local government and businesses, and the stories of the families who have called this mountainous county home for generations. Each event, large or small, has contributed to the unique tapestry of Pocahontas County's history.