Nature’s Masterpiece

 

Nature’s Masterpiece: Board of Trade Spotlights Pocahontas County as the ‘Birthplace of Rivers’

MARLINTON, WV – In a newly released dispatch from the Pocahontas County Board of Trade, local leaders are inviting the world to witness the rugged majesty of the "Mountain County of the Mountain State." Far from the soot and clangor of industrial centers, Pocahontas County is positioning itself as a premier destination for those seeking high-altitude adventure and a deep connection to American history.

The Rooftop of the East

Often referred to as the "Birthplace of Rivers," the county sits at a staggering elevation, ranging from 2,000 to 4,800 feet above sea level. This unique topography serves as the fountainhead for eight major rivers, including the Greenbrier, Cheat, and Gauley. Travelers are finding that the local climate—characterized by pleasant days and crisp, cool nights—provides a "delightful mountain climate" perfect for summer escapes.

Where History and Science Meet

The region is not merely a playground for hikers; it is a living museum. Historians point to the oak tree marked by Andrew and John Lewis in 1751—the corner of the first survey made by the English west of the Alleghenies—as a symbol of the county's pioneering spirit. Meanwhile, Marlinton continues to claim its title as the first permanent English settlement west of the mountains, dating back to 1749.

For the scientifically minded, the county offers:

• The Cranberry Glades: A rare remnant of post-glacial conditions.

• Ancient Coral Reefs: Fossil hunters are finding treasures near Buckeye and trilobites on Elk Mountain.

• Knapp’s Creek Anticline: A geological marvel located near Huntersville.

Modern Progress in the Wild

While the county remains largely an "unspoiled" landscape, modern conveniences are arriving. The recent extension of electric power lines is opening doors for small woodworking plants and light manufacturing. Additionally, the West Virginia Conservation Commission recently completed a trout hatchery near Edray, ensuring that the county’s world-famous streams remain stocked with millions of fish for years to come.

Guardians of the Forest

Safety and conservation remain top priorities. Strategic fire towers atop Michael Mountain, Paddy Knob, and Smokecamp serve as the "eyes and ears" of the forest fire control organization. Tourists are encouraged to climb Paddy Knob—reaching an elevation of 4,534 feet—for an exhilarating view of the vast Monongahela National Forest.

As the Board of Trade puts it, the "Pocahontas Pearls" are not found in the water, but in the mountains themselves. From the black spruce-covered uplands to the trout-filled streams, the county remains a testament to the enduring beauty of the Appalachian wilderness.

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Would you like me to use this information to create a travel itinerary for a visitor during the 1940s or 1950s?

A four-day travel itinerary for a visitor to Pocahontas County in the early 1950s highlights the region's high-altitude scenery, frontier history, and outdoor recreation.

Day 1: Gateway to the Mountains

• Arrival: Visitors typically arrive via the historic mountain pikes, such as the Seneca Trail (U.S. 219) or the Staunton and Parkersburg Pike (U.S. 250), which offer direct routes from Pittsburgh or White Sulphur Springs.

• Accommodations: The Marlinton-Sewell in the county seat is a premier choice for lodging, though excellent tourist homes and farm homes throughout the village also offer comfortable accommodations.

• Local History: Spend the afternoon exploring Marlinton, the site of the first permanent English settlement west of the mountains. Key landmarks include the site of the 1749 Marlin and Sewell "hollow tree" home and the oak tree marked by the Lewis brothers in 1751.

Day 2: High Altitudes and Forest Vistas

• Edray Trout Hatchery: Begin the day by visiting the state trout hatchery near Edray, where millions of eggs are hatched annually to stock the county’s famous bass and trout streams.

• Paddy Knob: For an exhilarating view, drive to the Paddy Knob fire tower. At an elevation of 4,534 feet, it serves as the "eyes and ears" of the forest fire control and provides a panoramic view of the Monongahela National Forest.

• Evening: Return toward Marlinton; you may pass local logging operations, which remain a cornerstone of the regional economy as timber is delivered to the area's active mills.

Day 3: Nature’s Wonders and Ancient History

• Cranberry Glades: Visit the Cranberry Glades to see rare post-glacial flora that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.

• Buckeye Fossils: Travel to the community of Buckeye to explore geological marvels, including ancient coral reefs and fossils embedded in the Greenbrier Big Lime.

• Watoga State Park: Spend the late afternoon at Watoga State Park, enjoying the artificial lake and the well-built foot trails through rhododendron and laurel. Cabins are available here for those who prefer to stay deep within the forest.

Day 4: Historic Battlefields and Departure

• Droop Mountain: Before departing, visit the Droop Mountain battlefield, one of the most significant historic military sites in the Allegheny range.

• Scientific Interest: If time permits, visit the Knapp’s Creek Anticline near Huntersville or search for trilobites on Elk Mountain.

• Departure: Visitors can depart via the scenic Western Maryland or Chesapeake and Ohio railroads, which traverse the county's rugged terrain.