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The first electric railroad in the world was built in West Virginia in 1888. The line ran between Huntington and Guyandotte and was powered by electricity generated from a hydroelectric plant on the Ohio River.
About Pleasants County
Pleasants County Timeline
Pleasants County, WV, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The county was formed in 1851 from parts of Ritchie, Tyler, and Wood counties. It was named after James Pleasants Jr., who served as the Governor of Virginia from 1822 to 1825.
The early settlers of Pleasants County were primarily of English and German descent. They were attracted to the area for its fertile soil, abundant natural resources, and opportunities for farming and logging. The county's first town, St. Marys, was established in 1788 and remains the county seat to this day.
During the Civil War, Pleasants County found itself on the border between the Union and Confederate territories, and the area experienced several raids and skirmishes. However, the county largely escaped the devastation seen in other parts of West Virginia.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and natural gas led to an economic boom in Pleasants County. Numerous wells were drilled, and the county became known for its petroleum industry. This period of prosperity brought new infrastructure, including railroads, and attracted more settlers to the area.
Today, Pleasants County is a quiet community with a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and annual events like the Pleasants County Fair. It continues to cherish its historical roots while embracing modern progress.
The early settlers of Pleasants County were primarily of English and German descent. They were attracted to the area for its fertile soil, abundant natural resources, and opportunities for farming and logging. The county's first town, St. Marys, was established in 1788 and remains the county seat to this day.
During the Civil War, Pleasants County found itself on the border between the Union and Confederate territories, and the area experienced several raids and skirmishes. However, the county largely escaped the devastation seen in other parts of West Virginia.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and natural gas led to an economic boom in Pleasants County. Numerous wells were drilled, and the county became known for its petroleum industry. This period of prosperity brought new infrastructure, including railroads, and attracted more settlers to the area.
Today, Pleasants County is a quiet community with a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and annual events like the Pleasants County Fair. It continues to cherish its historical roots while embracing modern progress.
Pleasants County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pleasants County, West Virginia.
- 1800 - Pleasants County is established by the Virginia General Assembly. It is named in honor of James Pleasants Jr., a Governor of Virginia.
- 1810 - The first known settler, Henry Starcher, establishes a home near what is now St. Marys.
- 1838 - Pleasants County's first courthouse is completed in the county seat of St. Marys.
- 1861-1865 - Pleasants County residents serve in the American Civil War, with many joining the Union Army. The county remains relatively peaceful during the conflict.
- 1869 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches Pleasants County, leading to increased economic development and growth in the area.
- 1886 - The Ohio River Railway is completed, connecting Pleasants County to the regional rail network.
- 1905 - St. Marys Hydroelectric Plant begins operation, becoming one of the first hydroelectric plants in West Virginia.
- 1906 - The Pleasants Power Station, a coal-fired power plant, is established in Willow Island.
- 1978 - The Silver Bridge, connecting Point Pleasant and Gallipolis, collapses, resulting in the deaths of 46 people. Many Pleasants County residents use the bridge for commuting, and the tragedy has a significant impact on the community.
- 1998 - The Pleasants Power Station undergoes a major expansion, increasing its capacity to provide electricity to the region.
- 2014 - Shale gas drilling begins in Pleasants County, leading to increased economic activity in the area.