Outline for Price Book

 

A History of Pocahontas County, West Virginia: An Outline

Introduction: The Birthplace of Rivers

• A brief, evocative overview of Pocahontas County's unique geography and its role as the headwaters for eight major rivers.

• Introduction to the book's central themes: the interplay of nature and human endeavor, the resilience of its people, and the county's distinct identity within West Virginia.

• A roadmap for the reader, outlining the book's chronological and thematic structure.

Part I: The Natural World and First Peoples

• Chapter 1: A Land of Mountains and Valleys

  • Geological formation of the Allegheny Mountains and the unique topography of the region.

  • Flora and fauna: descriptions of the native species and ecosystems, including the significance of the red spruce forests.

  • The "Birthplace of Rivers": a detailed look at the eight rivers that originate in the county and their importance to the broader region.

• Chapter 2: The Original Inhabitants

  • Prehistoric evidence: archaeological findings and what they tell us about the earliest human presence.

  • Native American tribes of the region: focusing on the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Iroquois and their use of the land for hunting and travel.

  • The "Seneca Trail" (Great Indian Warpath): its significance as a major transportation route.

  • The legacy of the county's name: the story of Pocahontas and its connection to the area.

Part II: Settlement and the Shaping of a County

• Chapter 3: The First European Settlers

  • The arrival of Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell in 1749.

  • Early pioneer life: challenges, homesteading, and interactions with the native population.

  • The establishment of Pocahontas County in 1821: the political and social context.

  • The development of early communities: Huntersville, Marlinton, and others.

• Chapter 4: A County Divided: The Civil War

  • The social and political climate leading up to the war.

  • The Battle of Cheat Mountain (1861).

  • The Battle of Camp Allegheny (1861).

  • The Battle of Droop Mountain (1863): its significance as the last major Civil War battle in West Virginia.

  • The impact of the war on the local population and the county's inclusion in the new state of West Virginia.

Part III: The Industrial Age and Its Aftermath

• Chapter 5: The Timber Boom: Sawmills and Railroads

  • The arrival of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and other logging railroads.

  • The rise of the timber industry and the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.

  • The company town of Cass: its development, social structure, and daily life.

  • The diverse workforce: the influx of immigrant laborers (Italian, Greek, Slovenian) and African American workers, and the harsh realities of their labor.

  • The environmental impact of clear-cutting and the subsequent changes to the landscape.

• Chapter 6: The Decline of Timber and the Great Depression

  • The depletion of the forests and the closure of the mills.

  • The economic and social consequences for the county.

  • The New Deal and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): their role in reforestation and the development of state parks.

Part IV: A New Identity: Conservation, Science, and Tourism

• Chapter 7: The Rise of Conservation and State Parks

  • The establishment of Watoga State Park, West Virginia's first and largest state park.

  • The creation of Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Seneca State Forest.

  • The development of the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and its importance to tourism.

  • The growth of outdoor recreation: hiking, fishing, and the emergence of the tourism economy.

• Chapter 8: The Quiet Zone: The Green Bank Observatory

  • The history of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank.

  • The establishment of the National Radio Quiet Zone and its impact on the county.

  • Major scientific discoveries and the role of the Green Bank Telescope.

  • The unique culture and community that has grown around the observatory.

Part V: Modern Pocahontas County

• Chapter 9: Contemporary Life and Challenges

  • The modern economy: tourism, agriculture, and small businesses.

  • Preserving history and culture: the role of the Pocahontas County Historical Society and local museums.

  • The challenges of rural life: population changes, economic development, and access to services.

• Chapter 10: The Future of the Birthplace of Rivers

  • Emerging trends and opportunities.

  • The ongoing balance between development and preservation.

  • Conclusion: Pocahontas County as a place of enduring natural beauty and resilient community.

Appendices

• Maps of Pocahontas County at different historical periods.

• A timeline of key events.

• Biographies of notable figures.

• A guide to historical sites and markers in the county.

• Bibliography and sources.