Burnsville Bridge
Historical marker location:
Burnsville, West Virginia
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Bridge Street and Municipal Drive.)
Marker installed: 1995
(1893)
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The first rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
About Braxton County
Braxton County Timeline
Braxton County, located in the state of West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history. The county was established on January 15, 1836, and named after Carter Braxton, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.
Braxton County played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many of its residents volunteered to fight for the Union or the Confederacy, and the county experienced a series of heart-wrenching battles and skirmishes. The most notable of these was the Battle of Bulltown, fought on October 13, 1863. Despite being outnumbered, Union forces successfully defended the town and drove out the Confederates.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Braxton County underwent a period of growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves attracted many settlers to the area, leading to the establishment of several small communities. This resource-rich boom brought new industries, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to the county, fueling its progress and prosperity.
Today, Braxton County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several state parks, including the Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Sutton Lake Wildlife Management Area, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Braxton County's historical significance and natural attractions continue to make it a fascinating destination for those interested in West Virginia's heritage and outdoor adventures.
Braxton County played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many of its residents volunteered to fight for the Union or the Confederacy, and the county experienced a series of heart-wrenching battles and skirmishes. The most notable of these was the Battle of Bulltown, fought on October 13, 1863. Despite being outnumbered, Union forces successfully defended the town and drove out the Confederates.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Braxton County underwent a period of growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves attracted many settlers to the area, leading to the establishment of several small communities. This resource-rich boom brought new industries, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to the county, fueling its progress and prosperity.
Today, Braxton County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several state parks, including the Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Sutton Lake Wildlife Management Area, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Braxton County's historical significance and natural attractions continue to make it a fascinating destination for those interested in West Virginia's heritage and outdoor adventures.
Braxton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Braxton County, West Virginia.
- 1724: Braxton County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mingo and Shawnee.
- 1762: European settlers, primarily of German, English, and Scottish descent, began to arrive in the area.
- 1836: Braxton County was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly, named after Carter Braxton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- 1850s: The discovery of salt deposits in the county led to the growth of the salt industry, with numerous salt furnaces and wells being established.
- 1863: During the American Civil War, Braxton County was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to several skirmishes and guerilla warfare in the area.
- 1871: The county seat was established in Sutton, which continues to serve as the county seat to this day.
- Early 1900s: The timber industry became a significant economic driver in Braxton County, with logging operations and sawmills flourishing.
- 1939-1941: The Sutton Dam, now known as the Burnsville Dam, was constructed on the Little Kanawha River, creating Burnsville Lake for flood control and recreational purposes.
- 1950s: Braxton County gained national attention in 1952 with the famous "Flatwoods Monster" incident, where a group of locals claimed to have encountered a UFO and a strange creature.
- Present: Braxton County continues to be home to a wide range of industries and attractions, including tourism, agriculture, and natural gas production.