Historic Register of Pocahontas County, West Virgina.

 

Pocahontas County, West Virginia: A Journey Through Its National Register of Historic Places

Pocahontas County, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, is rich in history, from its early settlements and Civil War battlefields to its significant contributions to science and culture. While not reaching a total of 100, the National Register of Historic Places lists numerous significant sites within the county that offer a glimpse into its unique heritage. These designated landmarks, buildings, structures, and districts are protected for their historical and cultural importance.

Here is a comprehensive list of the places in Pocahontas County that have been officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

Historic Districts:

• Camp Bartow Historic District: Encompassing the site of a significant early Civil War engagement, this district includes remnants of fortifications and the historic Travellers' Repose inn.

• Cass Historic District: This district preserves the heart of a 20th-century company logging town, including company houses, the general store, and other essential community buildings.

• New Deal Resources in Seneca State Forest Historic District: This district comprises structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), showcasing the rustic architecture and public works projects of the New Deal era.

• New Deal Resources in Watoga State Park Historic District: Similar to the Seneca State Forest district, this area features cabins, administrative buildings, and other facilities constructed by the CCC, highlighting their lasting impact on West Virginia's state park system.

Individual Listings:

• Richard Beard House: A historic home recognized for its architectural significance.

• Pearl S. Buck Birthplace: The birthplace and childhood home of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, offering a look into her early life in West Virginia.

• Camp Allegheny: A Confederate encampment during the Civil War, this site includes the remains of earthworks and provides insight into military life during the conflict.

• Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: A heritage railway that once served the logging industry, now a popular tourist attraction offering scenic rides on historic steam-powered locomotives.

• Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: The site of the last major Civil War battle in West Virginia, the park features a museum, observation tower, and preserved trenches.

• Frank and Anna Hunter House: A notable example of residential architecture from its period.

• Huntersville Old County Jail: A historic jail that served as the county's primary correctional facility.

• Huntersville Presbyterian Church: A significant religious and community building in the historic village of Huntersville.

• IOOF Lodge Building: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows building, a fraternal hall that played a vital role in the social life of Marlinton.

• Locust Creek Covered Bridge: One of West Virginia's few remaining covered bridges, representing a bygone era of transportation and engineering.

• Marlinton Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Station: (Note: This structure was destroyed by fire but remains on the register) A testament to the importance of the railroad in the development of Marlinton and the surrounding region.

• Marlinton Opera House: A cultural hub for the community for many years, hosting a variety of performances and events.

• McNeel Mill: A historic gristmill that was a vital part of the local agricultural economy.

• Pleasant Green Methodist Episcopal Church: A historic African American church that served as a cornerstone of its community.

• Pocahontas County Courthouse and Jail: The center of county government and a prominent architectural landmark in Marlinton.

• Pocahontas Times Print Shop: The historic home of one of West Virginia's oldest newspapers, highlighting the importance of a free press in rural communities.

• Reber Radio Telescope: A pioneering instrument in the field of radio astronomy, located at the Green Bank Observatory. This was the first telescope specifically designed to receive and measure radio waves from space.

• Seebert Lane Colored School: A historic one-room schoolhouse that served the educational needs of the local African American community during the era of segregation.

• Warwick's Fort: The site of an early frontier fort, providing a connection to the settlement and defense of the region.

• GW Jeep Site: An archaeological site of historical significance.

This list represents the entirety of the properties and districts in Pocahontas County currently on the National Register of Historic Places. While it does not amount to 100 locations, each site holds a unique and valuable story, contributing to the rich tapestry of West Virginia's history and heritage.