A Century of Transformation: 100 Facts About Pocahontas County, West Virginia in the 1900s
The 20th century ushered in an era of dramatic change for Pocahontas County, West Virginia. From the deafening roar of logging locomotives to the quiet hum of world-class radio telescopes, the county experienced a profound transformation. The century began with a timber boom that reshaped the landscape and economy, followed by the hardships of the Great Depression and the restorative efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The latter half of the century saw the decline of traditional industries and the rise of tourism and scientific research, positioning Pocahontas County as a unique destination of natural beauty and technological innovation. Here are 100 facts that illuminate the journey of Pocahontas County through the 1900s.
The Timber Boom and Early 20th Century Life (1900-1929)
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Arrives: In 1900, the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway completed its Greenbrier Division line to Marlinton, the county seat. This event was a major catalyst for the timber boom that would dominate the county's economy for the next several decades.
Marlinton's Incorporation: The town of Marlinton was officially incorporated in 1900, reflecting its growing importance as a commercial and governmental hub with the arrival of the railroad.
The Founding of Cass: The quintessential company town of Cass was established in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company to support its massive logging operations on Cheat Mountain.
First National Bank of Marlinton: Around 1905, the First National Bank was established in Marlinton, providing essential financial services to a rapidly growing industrial economy.
Pocahontas County's First Hospital: The first hospital in the county was completed in Marlinton in 1906, marking a significant step forward in local healthcare.
A Major Flood Strikes Marlinton: In February 1908, a significant flood inundated parts of Marlinton, including Ninth Street, highlighting the ever-present threat of high water in the mountainous region.
The Marlinton Opera House Opens: Constructed with reinforced concrete, a novel technique at the time, the Marlinton Opera House opened in 1910 and quickly became a cultural center for the community.
Durbin's Railroad Connection: The Coal & Iron Railway (later the Western Maryland Railway) connected with the C&O in Durbin, making the town a vital rail junction for the transportation of timber and other goods.
The Pocahontas Tanning Company: Established in the early 1900s, the Pocahontas Tanning Company in Frankford became a major employer, utilizing the bark from the abundant forests to tan leather.
Statewide Prohibition Begins: In 1914, West Virginia enacted statewide prohibition, impacting the social and economic fabric of Pocahontas County, a region with a history of saloons in its bustling towns.
The Denmar Sanitarium Opens: In 1917, the state of West Virginia established the State Colored Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Denmar. It was one of the few facilities in the state dedicated to the care of African American tuberculosis patients.
World War I Service: Many men from Pocahontas County served in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, contributing to the national war effort.
African American Education: The Brownsburg School, one of eight schools for African American children in the county, was operational throughout the early 1900s, providing elementary education in a segregated system.
The "Pocahontas Times": The county's long-standing newspaper, The Pocahontas Times, served as a vital source of information, chronicling the daily lives and major events of the era.
Company Towns Proliferate: Beyond Cass, other company towns such as Spruce and Winterburn sprang up to house the thousands of workers who flocked to the county for employment in the timber industry.
Shay Locomotives Conquer the Mountains: The powerful, geared Shay locomotives were the workhorses of the logging railroads, their unique design allowing them to navigate the steep grades and sharp curves of the Allegheny Mountains.
Virgin Forests Harvested: The early decades of the 1900s saw the extensive harvesting of the county's vast old-growth red spruce and hardwood forests, fundamentally altering the landscape.
The Monongahela National Forest is Established: In 1920, the federal government established the Monongahela National Forest, in part to manage and reforest the heavily logged lands of Pocahontas and surrounding counties.
An Attempt at a Black Separatist Community: The Watoga Land Association was formed in the early 1920s with the goal of creating a self-sufficient community for African Americans in the former lumber town of Watoga. The endeavor ultimately did not succeed.
A New Courthouse for the County: The present-day Pocahontas County Courthouse in Marlinton was constructed in 1923, a testament to the county's prosperity during the timber boom.
Seneca State Forest is Created: In 1924, the West Virginia Game and Fish Commission began acquiring land for what would become Seneca State Forest, the state's oldest.
The Decline of the Timber Boom: By the late 1920s, the most accessible virgin timber had been cut, leading to the gradual decline of the large-scale logging operations that had fueled the county's economy.
The Great Depression's Early Impact: Even before the stock market crash of 1929, the waning of the timber industry brought economic hardship to many families in Pocahontas County.
Pearl S. Buck's Early Life: Though she spent much of her life in China, Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck was born in Hillsboro in 1892, and her family's home remained a touchstone for her throughout her life.
The Rise of Agriculture: Alongside the timber industry, agriculture, particularly livestock and dairy farming, remained a vital part of the county's economy and way of life.
The Great Depression, the CCC, and Mid-Century Changes (1930-1959)
A Devastating Fire on Black Mountain: In 1930, a massive forest fire, likely sparked by train cinders, swept across the cutover landscape of Black Mountain, highlighting the environmental consequences of the logging era.
The Civilian Conservation Corps Arrives: The 1930s saw the establishment of several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in Pocahontas County. This New Deal program provided much-needed employment for young men during the Great Depression.
Reforestation Efforts by the CCC: A primary mission of the CCC was to reforest the denuded mountainsides. They planted millions of trees, helping to heal the scars of the timber boom.
Watoga State Park's Development: The CCC was instrumental in developing Watoga State Park, constructing cabins, trails, and a lake, transforming it into a premier recreational destination. It opened to the public in 1937.
Work at Droop Mountain Battlefield: The CCC also worked to develop Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, preserving the site of the last major Civil War battle in West Virginia.
Seneca State Forest Improvements: The CCC also made significant improvements to Seneca State Forest, including the construction of a fire tower and recreational facilities.
The "Pocahontas Memorial Hospital": After the original hospital was destroyed by fire, a new Pocahontas Memorial Hospital was opened in Marlinton in 1932.
The End of an Era for the "Pocahontas Times": For much of the early 20th century, The Pocahontas Times was handset. While a linotype machine was briefly tried in 1901, the paper continued with this traditional method into the 1980s, long after most other newspapers had modernized.
The National Youth Administration's Presence: Another New Deal program, the National Youth Administration, provided work and educational opportunities for young people in Pocahontas County.
World War II Contributions: Hundreds of men and women from Pocahontas County served in the armed forces during World War II. The county also contributed to the war effort through the production of resources.
4-H Camp at Thornwood: The Pocahontas County 4-H program began using Camp Thornwood for its summer camps in 1944, a tradition that would continue for generations.
The Post-War Agricultural Landscape: The mid-century saw a shift in agricultural practices, with a move towards more modern techniques and a gradual decline in the number of small family farms.
The Founding of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory: In the 1950s, the quiet, secluded valley of Green Bank was chosen as the site for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), bringing a new era of scientific research to the county.
The National Radio Quiet Zone is Established: To protect the sensitive instruments at the NRAO from electronic interference, the National Radio Quiet Zone was established in 1958, encompassing a large portion of Pocahontas County.
Construction of the First Radio Telescopes: The late 1950s saw the construction of the first radio telescopes at Green Bank, including the Tatel 85-foot Telescope.
The Last Log Run in Cass: In 1960, the Mower Lumber Company, which had taken over operations from the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company, made its final log run to the mill in Cass, marking the definitive end of the town's life as a major lumber producer.
The Closure of the Cass Mill: The Cass sawmill, the heart of the town's economy for nearly six decades, officially closed its doors in 1960.
A New Purpose for the Cass Railroad: Recognizing the historical and scenic value of the logging railroad, a group of local citizens and railroad enthusiasts began efforts to preserve it as a tourist attraction.
The Green Bank Public Library: The Green Bank Public Library was established in 1960, initially housed at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, highlighting the observatory's role in the community.
The Consolidation of Schools Begins: The mid-20th century marked the beginning of a trend toward consolidating the county's numerous small, one- and two-room schools into larger, more centralized facilities.
Rural Electrification's Impact: The gradual expansion of electrical service to rural areas of the county throughout the mid-1900s brought profound changes to daily life.
The Decline of Company Towns: With the end of the large-scale logging operations, many of the company towns that had dotted the county's landscape were abandoned or saw their populations dwindle.
The Continued Importance of the Monongahela National Forest: The Monongahela National Forest became a key driver of the county's emerging tourism economy, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
The Pocahontas County Country Club: This nine-hole golf course south of Marlinton offered recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
The Growth of a Service Economy: As the industrial base of the county declined, a service-based economy began to emerge, centered around tourism, healthcare, and government.
A New Identity: Tourism, Science, and the Late 20th Century (1960-1999)
The Birth of the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: In 1961, the state of West Virginia purchased the Cass railroad line and established the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, preserving a vital piece of the state's industrial heritage.
The First Tourist Trains Run at Cass: The Cass Scenic Railroad began offering tourist excursions in 1963, carrying passengers up the same tracks that once hauled massive logs.
The National Youth Science Camp: The National Youth Science Camp, a prestigious summer program for high-achieving high school students, was established in Pocahontas County in 1963.
Military Boot Insoles for the Vietnam War: Howe's Leather Tannery in Frankford developed a chrome re-tanning process to create mold-resistant insoles for military boots used by soldiers in the Vietnam War.
The Closure of the Pocahontas Tanning Company: The tannery in Frankford, a major employer for decades, closed its doors in 1970, marking another significant shift in the county's industrial landscape.
The Opening of Snowshoe Mountain Resort: In 1974, Snowshoe Mountain Resort opened, transforming the county into a major destination for winter sports and year-round recreation.
The End of Rail Service to Marlinton: In 1978, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway abandoned its Greenbrier Division, ending passenger and freight service to Marlinton and other communities along the Greenbrier River.
The Creation of the Greenbrier River Trail: The abandoned C&O rail line was eventually converted into the 78-mile-long Greenbrier River Trail, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Cass Historic District is Recognized: In 1980, the town of Cass was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its significance as a well-preserved company town.
A Devastating Flood in 1985: A major flood in November 1985 caused widespread damage in Marlinton and other low-lying areas of the county, crippling the Pocahontas Memorial Hospital.
A New Pocahontas Memorial Hospital: Following the 1985 flood, a new, modern Pocahontas Memorial Hospital was constructed on higher ground, opening in 1995.
The Restoration of the Marlinton Opera House: In 1991, the Pocahontas County Historic Landmarks Commission purchased the deteriorating Marlinton Opera House with the goal of restoring it to its former glory. It reopened as a performance venue in 1998.
The Rise of Mountain Biking: The 1990s saw the emergence of mountain biking as a major recreational activity in the county, with the development of an extensive network of trails.
"Birthplace of Rivers": Pocahontas County began to market itself as the "Birthplace of Rivers," as it is the headwaters of eight rivers: the Cheat, Cranberry, Elk, Gauley, Greenbrier, Shavers Fork of the Cheat, Tygart Valley, and Williams.
Construction of the Green Bank Telescope: In the late 20th century, construction began on the massive Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), which would become the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope upon its completion in 2000.
Pocahontas County High School is Formed: The latter part of the century saw the consolidation of the county's smaller high schools into the new Pocahontas County High School.
A Thriving Arts and Crafts Community: The county's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage fostered a vibrant community of artisans and craftspeople.
The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Foundation: The birthplace of Pearl S. Buck in Hillsboro was preserved and opened as a museum, attracting visitors interested in the life and work of the celebrated author.
The Enduring Legacy of the CCC: The cabins, trails, and other facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s continued to be used and appreciated by visitors to the county's state parks and forests.
The Continued Importance of Hunting and Fishing: The county's vast forests and clean rivers remained a popular destination for hunters and anglers throughout the 20th century.
The Challenge of Outmigration: Like many rural areas, Pocahontas County faced the challenge of a declining population as younger residents often left to seek opportunities elsewhere.
A Shift to a Tourism-Based Economy: By the end of the 20th century, the economy of Pocahontas County had largely shifted from one based on resource extraction to one centered on tourism, recreation, and scientific research.
The Greenbrier River Trail State Park: The popular Greenbrier River Trail was officially designated as a state park, further solidifying its importance as a recreational asset.
Preservation of Historic Buildings: A growing movement to preserve the county's historic architecture gained momentum in the latter part of the century, with successes like the restoration of the Marlinton Opera House and the preservation of the company houses in Cass.
A Strong Sense of Community: Despite economic challenges and a changing world, the close-knit communities and strong sense of local identity remained a hallmark of Pocahontas County at the close of the 20th century.
Early Telephone Service: While the exact date for widespread service is unclear, telephone exchanges began appearing in nearby parts of West Virginia in the late 1800s and early 1900s, gradually connecting Pocahontas County to the wider world.
Automobile Travel's Beginnings: The early 1900s saw the first automobiles navigating the rudimentary roads of Pocahontas County, a significant challenge in the mountainous terrain.
County Fairs and Festivals: Throughout the 20th century, annual county fairs and local festivals were central to the social life of Pocahontas County, celebrating agricultural traditions and community spirit.
One-Room Schoolhouses: For much of the first half of the 1900s, education in the county's rural areas was provided by a network of one-room schoolhouses, each serving a small, localized community.
The Influence of Churches: Churches played a vital role in the social and cultural life of the county, serving as centers for community gatherings, social support, and spiritual guidance.
The Introduction of Radio: The arrival of radio broadcasts in the 1920s and 1930s provided a new source of news, entertainment, and connection to the outside world for the residents of this relatively isolated county.
The Pocahontas County Historical Society: The Pocahontas County Historical Society, dedicated to preserving the county's rich history, was an important institution throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
The Korean War: Men from Pocahontas County served in the armed forces during the Korean War in the early 1950s.
The Cold War's Impact: The establishment of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank during the Cold War was partly driven by the desire for American scientific and technological advancement.
The Vietnam War Era: The 1960s and early 1970s saw another generation of young men from Pocahontas County serving in the military during the Vietnam War.
The Environmental Movement's Rise: The latter half of the 20th century saw a growing awareness of environmental issues, which had a significant impact on the management of the Monongahela National Forest and other natural resources in the county.
The Growth of Second Homes and Retirement Living: In the later decades of the 1900s, the county's natural beauty began to attract people seeking second homes or a peaceful place to retire.
The Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op: The establishment of this co-op provided a venue for local artists and craftspeople to sell their work, fostering the creative economy of the county.
The Development of the Highland Scenic Highway: This scenic roadway, which traverses parts of Pocahontas County, was developed in the latter half of the 20th century, offering breathtaking views of the Allegheny Highlands.
The Continued Importance of the "Pocahontas Times": As the century drew to a close, The Pocahontas Times remained an independent and locally-owned newspaper, a rarity in an era of media consolidation.
The Introduction of Cable Television: The arrival of cable television in the latter part of the 20th century expanded the entertainment and information options for residents.
The Enduring Legacy of Mountain Music: Traditional Appalachian music remained a vibrant part of the cultural life of Pocahontas County throughout the 1900s, with local musicians preserving and passing on generations-old tunes.
The Pocahontas County Free Library System: The establishment of a county-wide library system, with branches in several communities, provided vital educational resources.
The Bicentennial Celebration of 1976: Pocahontas County, like communities across the nation, celebrated the 200th anniversary of the United States with local events and historical commemorations.
The Transition to a Modern School System: The move from small, local schools to a consolidated county-wide school system was a major and sometimes controversial change in the latter half of the 20th century.
The Role of the U.S. Forest Service: The U.S. Forest Service was a major landowner and employer in the county throughout the 20th century, managing the vast resources of the Monongahela National Forest.
The Rise of the Service Industry: The growth of tourism led to an increase in jobs in the service industry, including hotels, restaurants, and retail.
The Digital Age's Dawn: By the late 1990s, the first signs of the digital age were beginning to appear in Pocahontas County, with the introduction of the internet and personal computers.
A County of Contrasts: At the end of the 20th century, Pocahontas County was a place of striking contrasts, where the legacy of a rugged, industrial past coexisted with a future oriented towards science, technology, and the appreciation of nature.
A Resilient and Adaptable People: Through the boom and bust of the timber industry, the hardships of depression and war, and the transition to a new economy, the people of Pocahontas County demonstrated a remarkable resilience and adaptability, forging a unique identity in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
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