The High Allegheny Frontier: A Socio-Historical and Geographic Compendium of Pocahontas County, West Virginia
The territory of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, represents one of the most physically demanding and historically dense regions of the Appalachian highlands. Characterized by its extreme elevations and complex hydrography, the county encompasses approximately 941.6 square miles of land, positioning it as the third-largest county in the state. Its geographic identity is defined by the "Birthplace of Rivers" moniker, a testament to the eight major waterways that originate within its boundaries, feeding into the Ohio and Mississippi basins and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. This report provides an exhaustive analysis of the county’s trajectory from an indigenous hunting ground to a critical Civil War theater, an industrial timber hub, and finally a sanctuary for both wilderness conservation and high-precision radio astronomy.
Geographic Foundations and the "Birthplace of Rivers"
The geomorphology of Pocahontas County is distinguished by its mean altitude of 3,219 feet, making it the highest county in the eastern United States outside of Western North Carolina. The highest point, Thorny Flat on Cheat Mountain, reaches 4,848 feet. This verticality creates a unique hydrographic "crown" from which eight rivers emerge.
Primary River Systems and Ecological Significance
| River | Origin Mountain / Area | Destination / Final Basin | Primary Historical Note |
| Greenbrier | Northeast Pocahontas | New River / Ohio Basin | Longest free-flowing river in the East |
| Shavers Fork | Thorny Flat, Cheat Mt. | Cheat River / Monongahela | Highest large river in Eastern North America |
| Elk | Slaty Fork / Cheat Mt. | Kanawha / Ohio Basin | Renowned for cold-water trout habitats |
| Gauley | Yew Mt. / Sharp's Knob | Kanawha / Ohio Basin | Named by early French fur traders |
| Tygart Valley | Cheat Mt. / Snowshoe | Monongahela / Ohio Basin | Named for pioneer David Tygart |
| Cranberry | Kennison Mt. | Gauley / Ohio Basin | Site of the unique Cranberry Glades bogs |
| Williams | Northeast Mountains | Gauley / Ohio Basin | Critical for high-altitude forest recreation |
| Cherry | Kennison Mt. | Gauley / Ohio Basin | Named for local wild cherry tree abundance |
The presence of these headwaters within the Monongahela National Forest, which covers nearly one-third of the county, ensures that Pocahontas acts as a natural water-filtration system for the surrounding states. The "Mon," as it is colloquially known, features over 400 miles of trails and serves as a vital sanctuary for the black bear and native trout.
Indigenous Occupation and the Frontier Era
Before European encroachment, the region was governed by the Iroquois Confederacy, which claimed the territory as a primary hunting ground through the conquest of earlier tribal residents. Because the area was not a site of permanent sedentary indigenous settlements, it was viewed by colonists as a "middle ground" of competition. The 1758 Treaty initially restricted British settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, a decree that was largely ignored by frontiersmen seeking land autonomy.
The first documented European residents were Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell, who established a homestead in 1749 at the confluence of Marlin Run and Knapp’s Creek. A religious disagreement famously led Sewell to relocate to a nearby hollowed-out sycamore tree, while Marlin remained in their shared cabin. Their settlement predated formal administrative structures and marked the beginning of a violent and transformative era for the Appalachian frontier.
The Administrative Genesis
Pocahontas County was formally established by the Virginia General Assembly on December 21, 1821. The territory was primarily carved from Bath County, with secondary parcels taken from Pendleton and Randolph counties. The name choice—Pocahontas—reflected a romanticized Virginian identification with the Powhatan princess.
| Administrative Event | Date | Outcome |
| First County Seat Selected | 1821 | Huntersville established as central hub |
| 1830 Census Count | 1830 | Population recorded at 2,542 residents |
| Bridge Construction | 1854–1856 | Bridge built across the river at Marlins Bottom |
| County Seat Relocation Vote | 1891 | Marlinton chosen over Huntersville as new seat |
Early Religious and Social Fabric
The social structure of the early 19th century was heavily influenced by religious organization. The White Pole Meeting House, built before the Revolutionary War, is believed to be the county's first church, eventually becoming Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Hillsboro. Presbyterian congregations were also active in the Hillsboro area by the late 1780s.
Pioneer families, such as the Jordans, McNeels, and Sharps, shaped the agrarian economy. John Jordan, a pioneer and ruling elder of the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, exemplifies the early settlers who balanced subsistence farming with religious and civic duty. These families often migrated further west to Missouri and Iowa, following the frontier line as it moved across the continent.
Notable Early Settlers and Family Names
| Surname | Origin / Settlement Area | Notable Contribution |
| Jordan | Ireland / Hillsboro | Pioneers in religious and civic organization |
| McNeel | Hillsboro / Little Levels | Prominent in early livestock and landholding |
| Calhoun | Pendleton Co. / Brush Run | Established early Brethren ministry |
| Yeager | Camp Bartow area | Early developers of the Greenbrier valley |
| Tygart | Tygart Valley | Named the Tygart River through early exploration |
The American Civil War in the High Alleghenies
The strategic importance of Pocahontas County during the American Civil War cannot be overstated, primarily due to the presence of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. Completed in 1850 and engineered by Claudius Crozet, this road was the only reliable artery through the mountains between the Shenandoah Valley and the Ohio River.
Control of the high mountain passes meant control over the movement of troops into Western Virginia. Consequently, the county was the site of several pivotal, albeit grueling, campaigns in 1861 and 1863.
Military Engagements and Fortifications
| Engagement | Date | Strategic Significance |
| Battle of Cheat Mountain | Sept 12–15, 1861 | Robert E. Lee's first field campaign; uncoordinated CSA attacks failed |
| Battle of Greenbrier River | Oct 3, 1861 | Also known as Bartow; Union withdrawal after fierce artillery duels |
| Battle of Camp Allegheny | Dec 13, 1861 | One of the highest battlefield sites (4,400 ft); Confederate victory |
| Battle of Droop Mountain | Nov 6, 1863 | Final major battle in the state; decisive Union victory |
The winter of 1861 was particularly brutal for the troops stationed at the high-elevation camps. At Camp Allegheny, Colonel Edward Johnson earned the nickname "Allegheny" for his defense of the pass, where he was reportedly seen leading his men while swinging a heavy wooden club. Despite the victory, the harsh conditions and logistical isolation led to the abandonment of the post in early 1862 in favor of Shenandoah Mountain.
The Industrial Revolution: Timber and the Shay Era
The post-Civil War period saw a dramatic shift from agrarian isolation to industrial extraction. Investors such as Senators Johnson N. Camden and Henry Gassaway Davis began purchasing vast tracts of timberland in the 1880s. The arrival of the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway in 1899 acted as the catalyst for a timber boom that would redefine the landscape.
The Town of Cass and the Logging Infrastructure
Founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, Cass was an quintessential "company town" designed to house workers for the largest double-band sawmill in the world. To transport red spruce and hemlock from the rugged slopes of Back Allegheny Mountain, engineers utilized specialized geared locomotives.
| Locomotive Type | Technical Mechanism | Operational Role |
| Shay | Vertical cylinders with geared drive shafts | Conquering steep (12%) mountain grades |
| Heisler | V-twin engine layout | Competitor to the Shay with greater speed |
| Climax | Geared drive to all wheels | Navigating sharp curves and uneven logging tracks |
At its peak, Cass was a bustling hub of more than 2,000 residents. However, by the 1920s, the primary old-growth forests were virtually exhausted. The Mower Lumber Company sustained the industry by cutting second-growth timber from 1942 until 1960, when operations abruptly ceased. The preservation of this infrastructure led to the creation of the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in 1961.
The New Deal: Conservation and Reforestation
The Great Depression brought federal intervention in the form of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Ten CCC camps were established in Pocahontas County, a higher concentration than almost anywhere else in the state. Enrollees, known as the "Tree Army," were tasked with repairing the environmental damage caused by decades of aggressive logging and subsequent forest fires.
CCC Camps and Projects in Pocahontas County
| Camp ID | Location | Notable Projects |
| Camp Watoga (S-52) | Beaver Creek | Watoga Lake, cabins, fire hazard reduction |
| Camp Seebert (SP-1) | Island Lick Run | Watoga State Park infrastructure, restaurant |
| Camp Price (P-68) | Droop Mountain | Observation tower, museum, battlefield trails |
| Camp Seneca (S-51) | Huntersville | Seneca State Forest development |
The craftsmanship of the CCC is still visible today in the stone fireplaces, log cabins, and hand-cut trails of Watoga and Droop Mountain. Their efforts transformed a "blighted" landscape back into a lush forest, providing the foundation for the county's modern tourism economy.
Scientific Frontiers: Green Bank and the Quiet Zone
In 1955, the Deer Creek Valley near Green Bank was selected as the site for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). The geography of the Allegheny Mountains provided a natural "shield" against radio interference, making it an ideal location for the study of deep-space radio waves.
This led to the establishment of the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area where radio transmissions are strictly regulated. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, is the centerpiece of this facility. The observatory has been the site of groundbreaking discoveries, including the first unambiguous detection of a radio recombination line in 1965.
Socio-Economic Evolution and Demographics
Pocahontas County has transitioned from an extractive timber and livestock economy to one centered on tourism and research. While farming remains important—the county is a leader in cattle and sheep production—tourism now serves as a major industry, bolstered by the expansion of the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in 1974.
| Demographic Metric (2020/2024) | Statistic |
| Total Population | 7,869 |
| Median Age | 49.6 years |
| Percentage 65 or Older | 26.9% |
| Median Household Income | $37,225 |
| Public School Enrollment | 910 |
The high median age reflects a nationwide trend in rural Appalachian counties, where younger populations often migrate to urban centers for diverse employment opportunities. However, the designation of Watoga, Droop Mountain, and Calvin Price as International Dark Sky Parks in 2021 indicates a successful pivot toward high-value, sustainable "astro-tourism".
The Pocahontas County Historical Assessment: 100-Question Comprehensive Test
The following assessment instrument is designed to evaluate professional and scholarly mastery of the history, geography, and cultural legacy of Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Section 1: Foundation and Administration
In what year was the Virginia General Assembly act passed that formally created Pocahontas County? A) 1749 B) 1821 C) 1863 D) 1891 Answer: B. The county was created on December 21, 1821.
Pocahontas County was primarily formed from the territory of which Virginia county? A) Randolph B) Greenbrier C) Bath D) Pendleton Answer: C. Bath County provided the majority of the land.
Who are considered the first European settlers in the region, established in 1749? A) Andrew Lewis and Thomas Walker B) Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell C) David Tygart and Paul Shaver D) John McGraw and Edwin Mower Answer: B. They settled at the site of present-day Marlinton.
Which geographic feature is Stephen Sewell famously associated with following a dispute with Jacob Marlin? A) A limestone cave B) A hollow sycamore tree C) A stone cliff near Seebert D) A raft on the Greenbrier River Answer: B. Sewell lived in the tree while Marlin stayed in the cabin.
What was the first town designated as the county seat in 1821? A) Marlinton B) Cass C) Huntersville D) Hillsboro Answer: C. Huntersville served as the initial hub.
The name "Pocahontas" was selected in honor of which figure? A) A local explorer's wife B) The daughter of Chief Powhatan C) A Civil War spy D) A prominent donor to the Virginia Assembly Answer: B. The county was named for the Powhatan princess.
In 1891, the county seat was moved to Marlinton. Who was the major land investor who promoted this change? A) Henry Gassaway Davis B) John T. McGraw C) Johnson N. Camden D) Edwin Mower Answer: B. McGraw purchased the Marlinton land and lobbied for the move.
What was the population of Pocahontas County according to the 1830 census? A) 910 B) 2,542 C) 5,107 D) 7,869 Answer: B. The census recorded 2,542 residents nine years after formation.
Which Native American group held the region as a hunting ground prior to European arrival? A) Cherokee B) Iroquois Confederacy C) Shawnee D) Delaware Answer: B. The Iroquois had won the land from other tribes.
A treaty in 1758 initially prohibited British subjects from settling west of which boundary? A) The Blue Ridge Mountains B) The Allegheny Mountains C) The Ohio River D) The Greenbrier River Answer: B. Settling west of the Alleghenies was banned to appease Native tribes.
Section 2: Geographic Mastery
Pocahontas County is known as the "Birthplace of Rivers." How many major rivers originate there? A) Five B) Six C) Eight D) Ten Answer: C. Eight rivers have headwaters in the county.
What is the highest peak in Pocahontas County? A) Bald Knob B) Droop Mountain C) Thorny Flat D) Sharp's Knob Answer: C. Thorny Flat on Cheat Mountain is the highest point at 4,848 feet.
Which of these rivers is the longest free-flowing river in the eastern United States? A) The Elk B) The Gauley C) The Greenbrier D) The Tygart Valley Answer: C. The Greenbrier River remains unobstructed by dams.
Where do the East Fork and West Fork of the Greenbrier River merge? A) Marlinton B) Cass C) Durbin D) Seebert Answer: C. They join near Durbin to form the largest river in the county.
Which river originates at an elevation that makes it the largest river above 3,000 feet in eastern North America? A) Shavers Fork of the Cheat B) The Gauley C) The Williams D) The Cranberry Answer: A. Shavers Fork flows for 30 miles above 3,000 feet.
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is known for what unique ecosystem? A) High-altitude desert B) Boreal-type bogs C) Tropical rainforest D) Temperate grassland Answer: B. The glades contain 750 acres of specialized bog habitats.
What is the approximate mean altitude of Pocahontas County? A) 1,200 feet B) 2,438 feet C) 3,219 feet D) 4,842 feet Answer: C. The average elevation is one of the highest in the East.
Which river was named for an early settler who was an Indian fighter and Revolutionary soldier? A) The Gauley B) Shavers Fork (Paul Shaver) C) The Tygart (David Tygart) D) Both B and C Answer: D. Both rivers are named for prominent early figures.
The Yew Mountain range is the origin site for which river? A) The Gauley B) The Elk C) The Greenbrier D) The Cherry Answer: A. The Gauley originates on the western slopes of the Yew range.
Which river's name is derived from a thorny vine found growing along its banks? A) The Greenbrier B) The Cherry C) The Cranberry D) The Williams Answer: A. Settlers named it for the greenbrier vines.
Section 3: Military and Civil War History
Which Confederate General directed his first offensive against Union entrenchments at Cheat Mountain? A) Stonewall Jackson B) Robert E. Lee C) J.E.B. Stuart D) Jubal Early Answer: B. Robert E. Lee's first field campaign took place in the county.
The Battle of Camp Allegheny (Dec 13, 1861) was fought to control which strategic artery? A) The C&O Railroad B) The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike C) The Greenbrier River bridge D) The Northwestern Turnpike Answer: B. Control of the turnpike was vital for movement through the mountains.
What was the elevation of the Camp Allegheny battlefield? A) 2,100 feet B) 3,100 feet C) 4,400 feet D) 5,000 feet Answer: C. It was one of the highest battlefields of the Civil War.
Which battle is recognized as the last major Civil War engagement in West Virginia? A) Cheat Mountain B) Rich Mountain C) Droop Mountain D) Kessler's Cross Lanes Answer: C. Droop Mountain (Nov 6, 1863) cemented Union control of the state.
"Allegheny" Johnson was the nickname given to which commander after the defense of the Allegheny summit? A) Robert Milroy B) Edward Johnson C) William Averell D) John Echols Answer: B. Johnson earned the name for his tenacity at Camp Allegheny.
The Battle of Greenbrier River is also historically referred to by the name of which town? A) Marlinton B) Bartow C) Hillsboro D) Durbin Answer: B. It is frequently called the Battle of Bartow.
How did the Battle of Droop Mountain contribute to the future of the region? A) It became West Virginia's first state park B) It was the site of the first state capitol C) It resulted in the destruction of the C&O railroad D) It ended the timber industry Answer: A. It was dedicated as the state's first state park in 1928.
Which landmark was the first stagecoach stop west of the Allegheny Mountains? A) The Huntersville Jail B) Traveller's Repose C) The Marlinton Opera House D) The Cass Company Store Answer: B. It sat next to a Greenbrier River bridge on the turnpike.
Colonel Albert Rust led a failed attack during which engagement, believing he faced an overwhelming force? A) Droop Mountain B) Cheat Mountain C) Greenbrier River D) Camp Allegheny Answer: B. His uncoordinated attack at Cheat Mountain led to a Confederate retreat.
What was the result of the Battle of Camp Allegheny? A) A decisive Union victory B) A decisive Confederate victory C) Inconclusive / Confederate tactical win D) A Union retreat following a surprise artillery barrage Answer: C. The Confederates repelled the attack, though the battle is sometimes listed as inconclusive.
Section 4: Industry, Timber, and Railroads
Which company founded the town of Cass in 1901? A) Mower Lumber Company B) West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company C) C&O Railway D) MeadWestvaco Answer: B. WVP&P founded Cass as a company town.
What technical innovation allowed Shay locomotives to climb 12% mountain grades? A) Steam-powered magnets B) Geared drive shafts and vertical cylinders C) A specialized cog-and-rack system D) Lightweight carbon frames Answer: B. The geared design provided immense torque for steep climbs.
Who was the vice president of the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company for whom the town of Cass was named? A) Joseph Kerr Cass B) Edwin Mower C) Johnson N. Camden D) Henry Gassaway Davis Answer: A. Joseph K. Cass was a co-founder and executive.
In 1942, which company took over the logging operations at Cass? A) Luke Family Paper B) Mower Lumber Company C) Don Mower Lumber D) WestRock Answer: B. Mower Lumber acquired the mill to cut second-growth timber.
The sawmill at Cass was world-famous for what specific design? A) It was the first to use electricity B) It was a "double-band" sawmill C) It was entirely underground D) It was built primarily of stone Answer: B. Its double-band design made it one of the most productive in the world.
When did the logging and railroad operations at Cass abruptly cease? A) 1920 B) 1942 C) 1960 D) 1974 Answer: C. Operations ended on July 1, 1960.
What is the name of the oldest operational Shay locomotive in the world, currently at Cass? A) Shay #1 B) Shay #2 C) Shay #5 D) Shay #6 Answer: C. Shay #5 has been running on its original rail since 1905.
Which geared locomotive design was the primary competitor to the Shay? A) The Rod Engine B) The Heisler C) The Diesel Shifter D) The Baldwin Rod Answer: B. Both Heislers and Climaxes were used as competition to Shays.
Howe’s Leather Tannery was famous for producing which product? A) Fine leather jackets B) Shoe sole leather C) Saddles for the Cavalry D) Leather-bound books Answer: B. It was once one of the world's largest producers of shoe sole leather.
The Greenbrier River Trail was originally the track bed of which railway? A) B&O Railroad B) C&O Railway C) Western Maryland D) Penn Central Answer: B. The C&O line was converted into the trail in 1980.
Section 5: The New Deal and Conservation
How many Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps were located in Pocahontas County during the Depression? A) Three B) Five C) Ten D) Twelve Answer: C. The county hosted ten distinct CCC camps.
Camp Price was responsible for the original development of which state park? A) Watoga B) Droop Mountain Battlefield C) Beartown D) Cass Scenic Railroad Answer: B. Enrollees at Camp Price developed the battlefield park.
Which tree species, killed by blight, was used by the CCC to build the observation tower at Droop Mountain? A) Red Spruce B) Hemlock C) Chestnut D) Oak Answer: C. Dead chestnut trees were salvaged for construction.
Watoga State Park was named for a nearby town. What does the park’s name represent in terms of its size in WV? A) The highest state park B) The largest state park C) The oldest state park D) The smallest state forest Answer: B. Watoga is West Virginia's largest state park.
Which CCC camp was located at the mouth of Island Lick Run on the Greenbrier River? A) Camp Watoga B) Camp Seebert C) Camp Seneca D) Camp Price Answer: B. Camp Seebert (SP-1) was occupied in 1934.
What significant water feature was constructed by the CCC at Watoga State Park? A) An 11-acre lake B) A 50-mile canal C) The first hydro-electric dam in WV D) A series of 500-foot fountains Answer: A. The CCC built the 11-acre Watoga Lake.
The Anne Bailey Lookout Tower is a popular destination in which state park? A) Droop Mountain B) Watoga C) Seneca D) Beartown Answer: B. It is located within Watoga State Park.
In what year did the Monongahela National Forest acquire its first land in Pocahontas County? A) 1920 B) 1923 C) 1933 D) 1945 Answer: B. While created in 1920, land acquisition in the county began in 1923.
Seneca State Forest, the state’s oldest forest, was developed by which CCC camp? A) Camp Seneca (S-51) B) Camp Price C) Camp Loring D) Camp Copperhead Answer: A. S-51 was established in 1933.
Which CCC program enrollee recalled finding Civil War bullets embedded in the trees they harvested? A) A member of Camp Seebert B) A member of Camp Price C) A member of Camp Watoga D) A member of Camp Seneca Answer: B. Enrollees clearing the Droop Mountain battlefield found these relics.
Section 6: Science, Culture, and Modernity
In 1955, which site was selected for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)? A) Hillsboro B) Green Bank C) Marlinton D) Durbin Answer: B. Green Bank was chosen for its natural mountain shielding.
The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) holds what world record? A) Tallest man-made structure B) Largest fully steerable radio telescope C) Oldest telescope in continuous use D) First telescope to see Pluto Answer: B. It is the largest steerable radio dish on Earth.
Pocahontas County is part of the "National Radio Quiet Zone." What does this mean for residents? A) No one is allowed to play loud music B) Radio and wireless transmissions are strictly regulated C) All gasoline engines are banned D) Only solar power is permitted Answer: B. Restrictions protect the sensitive telescope equipment.
Pearl S. Buck, the Nobel Prize-winning author, was born in which Pocahontas County town? A) Cass B) Marlinton C) Hillsboro D) Huntersville Answer: C. She was born in Hillsboro in 1892.
In 2021, Watoga and Droop Mountain were designated as what type of special park? A) National Monuments B) International Dark Sky Parks C) UNESCO Bio-reserves D) Wildlife Rehabilitation Zones Answer: B. They are recognized for their exceptionally clear night skies.
What is the name of the author of "Historical Sketches of Pocahontas County," published in 1901? A) Pearl S. Buck B) William Thomas Price C) Louise McNeill D) Claudius Crozet Answer: B. Price was the primary early historian of the county.
Which musical figure from Pocahontas County was famously recorded by folksong collector Samuel Bayard? A) Edden Hammons B) John Jordan C) Allen Calhoun D) Paul Shaver Answer: A. The great fiddler Edden Hammons was a key traditional musician.
The "Devil's Backbone" is a geological oddity characterized as what? A) A deep limestone sinkhole B) A sandstone arch C) A frozen waterfall D) A jagged quartz ridge Answer: B. Early settlers attributed supernatural origins to this sandstone arch.
Which resort was envisioned in 1973 by Dr. Thomas H. “Doc” Brigham? A) The Greenbrier B) Snowshoe Mountain Resort C) The Homestead D) Canaan Valley Answer: B. Brigham founded the resort after an aerial survey.
The Seebert Lane Colored School is historically significant for what reason? A) It was the first school to use computers B) It tells the story of segregated education for African American children C) It was the site of a Civil War skirmish D) It was built by Thomas Jefferson Answer: B. It is an important site for understanding regional social history.
Section 7: Genealogy and Pioneer Life
The pioneer John Jordan belonged to which religious denomination? A) Methodist B) Presbyterian C) Brethren D) Episcopal Answer: B. He was an elder in the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church.
Many early Pocahontas County families migrated to which Midwestern state? A) Kansas B) Missouri (Saline and Davis Counties) C) Nebraska D) Oklahoma Answer: B. Extensive genealogical records show families moving to Missouri.
The White Pole Meeting House continues today as which church? A) Marlinton Presbyterian B) Wesley Chapel United Methodist C) Hillsboro Baptist D) Green Bank Brethren Answer: B. It is located in Hillsboro.
Which family name is associated with the founding of the first Brethren church on Back Mountain? A) Jordan B) Calhoun (Allen Calhoun) C) McNeel D) Tygart Answer: B. Allen Calhoun was the first Brethren minister in the area.
The surname "Tygart" is most famously associated with which geographic feature? A) Tygart's Valley and the Tygart River B) Droop Mountain C) Cheat Mountain D) The Cranberry Glades Answer: A. David Tygart was an early explorer of that valley.
Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell's cabin was located near the meeting of which two waterways? A) Greenbrier River and Elk River B) Marlin Run and Knapp's Creek C) Shavers Fork and Cherry River D) Williams River and Gauley River Answer: B. This is the present-day site of Marlinton.
Which pioneer family is associated with the "Little Levels" and early livestock industry leadership? A) The Hammons B) The McNeels C) The Calhouns D) The Yeagers Answer: B. The McNeels were prominent early landholders in the Little Levels.
The 1883 established newspaper was first located in which town? A) Huntersville B) Marlinton C) Durbin D) Cass Answer: B. The Pocahontas Times is historically centered in Marlinton.
Which immigrant group primarily worked on the railroad construction through the mountains in 1899? A) Italian and Irish laborers B) Chinese miners C) Scandinavian woodsmen D) German tanners Answer: A. European immigrants performed the majority of the hazardous labor.
"Big Joe Logston" is a figure of local folklore associated with what? A) His exceptional height and physical strength B) His discovery of the radio quiet zone C) His role as a Civil War spy D) His invention of the band sawmill Answer: A. Logston was a legendary strongman of the pioneer era.
Section 8: Towns and Landmarks
Which town was named for Joseph Kerr Cass? A) Durbin B) Hillsboro C) Cass D) Frank Answer: C. It was founded as a timber company town.
What historical building in Marlinton was listed on the National Register in 2000 and hosted various shows? A) The Courthouse B) The Opera House C) The IOOF Lodge D) The Print Shop Answer: B. The Marlinton Opera House is a key cultural landmark.
The town of Frank was primarily known for which industry? A) Timber B) Leather tanning (Howe’s Leather) C) Radio astronomy D) Mining Answer: B. Frank was the site of the massive tannery.
What makes the "Gaudineer Scenic Area" a National Natural Landmark? A) It has the highest waterfall in WV B) It contains 50 acres of virgin red spruce forest C) It is the site of a meteor crater D) It has the oldest cemetery in the state Answer: B. The area features 300-year-old untouched spruce.
The Pocahontas County Courthouse is located on which avenue in Marlinton? A) Front Street B) Third Avenue C) Tenth Avenue D) Main Street Answer: C. It is located at 900 10th Ave.
In the town of Cass, which street was the "lowest level" following the curve of the railroad? A) Main Street B) Front Street C) Spruce Street D) High Street Answer: B. Front Street was at the lowest level of the slope.
What was the original name of the township now called Huntersville District? A) Lincoln B) Grant C) Meade D) Union Answer: B. The Grant District was renamed in 1873.
What historic site in Marlinton was once the place where the local newspaper was printed? A) The IOOF Building B) The Pocahontas Times Print Shop C) The Hunter House D) The Opera House Answer: B. The print shop is on 2nd Avenue and is a historic site.
Which landmark is described as having "Medina sandstone" walls that were considered escape-proof? A) The Marlinton Jail B) The Huntersville Jail C) The Cass Company Store D) The Pearl Buck House Answer: B. The 1878 Huntersville Jail was built with white Medina sandstone.
The town of Durbin is the junction for which major mountain rivers? A) The Elk and the Gauley B) The East and West Forks of the Greenbrier C) The Cherry and the Williams D) The Tygart and the Cheat Answer: B. These forks merge at Durbin to form the main Greenbrier River.
Section 9: Advanced History and Synthesis
Why was the Deer Creek Valley specifically chosen for the NRAO? A) It was the cheapest land available B) It was the birthplace of the Secretary of Defense C) Its mountains provide natural shielding from radio noise D) It was centrally located between DC and Cincinnati Answer: C. The geography creates a "radio quiet" environment.
The "National Radio Quiet Zone" covers approximately how many square miles? A) 942 B) 5,000 C) 13,000 D) 50,000 Answer: C. It is a massive area spanning parts of WV and VA.
Which author received the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? A) Pearl S. Buck B) Louise McNeill C) Mary Draper Ingles D) Belle Boyd Answer: A. Pearl S. Buck achieved both honors.
What was the major economic impact of the 1985 and 1996 floods in the county? A) They led to the total abandonment of Marlinton B) They were the largest floods of the century, causing major damage C) They led to the discovery of new gold deposits D) They ended the timber industry once and for all Answer: B. The floods were significant factors in recent county history.
What is "German siding" as seen on the houses in Cass? A) A type of stone veneer B) A narrow beveled wood siding introduced in the early 1900s C) Metal siding used to prevent fires D) Brick patterns imported from Europe Answer: B. This specific siding is characteristic of the Cass company houses.
Who was the principal engineer who designed the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike? A) George Washington B) Claudius Crozet C) Robert E. Lee D) Thomas Tygart Answer: B. Crozet was a master engineer who designed many VA turnpikes.
The "Pocahontas Rescues" was the name of a company in which military unit? A) The 31st Virginia Infantry B) The 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry C) The 12th Georgia D) The Union Home Guard Answer: B. It was Company D of the 9th Battalion.
Which state forest in the county was named for the botanist who surveyed it? A) Seneca State Forest B) Calvin Price State Forest C) Greenbrier State Forest D) Watoga State Forest Answer: B. It was named for Calvin Price, a prominent local figure.
What is the significance of the year 1928 in the context of the county’s state parks? A) The first park was established (Droop Mountain) B) The timber industry set its record for board feet C) The Green Bank observatory was first proposed D) The railroad was first automated Answer: A. Droop Mountain Battlefield became the first state park that year.
The first telescope at Green Bank, completed in 1959, was followed by the detection of what in 1965? A) The planet Pluto B) A radio recombination line C) The first black hole D) Alien life signals Answer: B. This was a groundbreaking discovery in radio astronomy.
Section 10: Cultural Legacy and Folklore
What annual tradition celebrates the county’s high concentration of maple trees? A) The Strawberry Festival B) Mountain State Maple Days C) The Woodchopper's Contest D) The River Run Answer: B. The county's maple syrup tradition is celebrated annually.
The "Pocahontas County Quilt Trail" was established in what year? A) 1861 B) 1933 C) 1974 D) 2013 Answer: D. It features 19 patterns on local barns.
Which historic venue is part of the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail and seats 250? A) The Marlinton Opera House B) The Huntersville Town Hall C) The Cass Community Center D) The Hillsboro Library Answer: A. The Opera House was restored in 1999.
The "Birthplace of Rivers" National Monument is a proposal focused on which part of the forest? A) The northern C&O tracks B) The southern Monongahela National Forest C) The center of Marlinton D) The Cass mill site Answer: B. It focuses on the area containing many headwaters.
What is the "IMBA Ride Center" designation held by the county? A) A gold-level equestrian center B) A silver-level mountain biking center C) A national motorcycle hub D) A professional skiing circuit Answer: B. The Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center is silver-level.
"Devil Anse" Hatfield is associated with a feud that began in 1865. Where did he serve as a Confederate veteran? A) The 31st Virginia B) The Logan Wildcats C) The 12th Georgia D) The Pocahontas Cavalry Answer: B. Hatfield was a founding member of the Logan Wildcats.
Which folklore figure is said to have won a race against a steam-powered drill? A) Big Joe Logston B) John Henry C) Johnny Appleseed D) Paul Bunyan Answer: B. John Henry is a legendary figure of the railroad era.
The "Evil Eye" legend in West Virginia folklore is often traced back to which immigrant group? A) Irish B) Italian C) German & D) Dutch Answer: B. The "malocchio" or evil eye is an Italian folk belief.
Which Pocahontas County town features a mural with words by Poet Laureate Louise McNeill? A) Cass B) Green Bank C) Marlinton D) Seebert Answer: C. The mural in Marlinton depicts local scenes and McNeill's poetry.
The "Doyle House" in Cass is a particularly active site for what kind of reported activity? A) Paranormal / Ghost sightings B) Underground mining C) Religious revivals D) Scientific research Answer: A. Guests have reported seeing a woman and children at this historic home.
Executive Conclusion
The historical and geographic profile of Pocahontas County reveals a region of remarkable resilience and adaptability. From the earliest days of Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell to the cutting-edge research conducted at the Green Bank Observatory, the county has remained a critical frontier for human endeavor. Its role as the "Birthplace of Rivers" places it at the center of the eastern United States' ecological health, while its industrial heritage at Cass provides a window into the technological leaps of the 20th century. Despite a declining permanent population and the challenges of a transition from an extractive to a tourism-based economy, Pocahontas County continues to serve as a vital repository of Appalachian history, scientific progress, and natural splendor. The integration of its Civil War battlefields, CCC-built parks, and the unique National Radio Quiet Zone creates a cultural landscape that is as complex as it is enduring.
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