Historical Markers in
Pocahontas County, West Virginia

10 Lb. Parrott Rifle 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry 20th Virginia Cavalry 22nd Virginia Infantry 23rd Battalion Virginia Infantry 2nd West Virginia Mounted Infantry 3rd West Virginia Mounted Infantry 8th West Virginia Mounted Infantry A Spectacular Crash! Anna Wallace Battle Of Mill Point Big Lime Birthplace of Pearl S. Buck Black Mountain Fire Blue and Gray / Travelers' Repose Camp Allegheny Camp Allegheny Camp Allegheny 1861-1862 Camp Bartow Camp Bartow Camp Northwest Chapman’s, Jackson’s, and Lurty’s Virginia Batteries Cheat Mountain Cranberry Glades Droop Mountain Edray Ewen-Purcell Horn Antenna Frank and Anna Hunter House Greenbrier Covered Bridge Hillsboro Home for a Separatist Community Huntersville Huntersville Jail / Presbyterian Church John D. Baxter Lee's Headquarters Lieut. Henry Bender Major Robert Augustus Bailey Marlinton Marlinton: Heritage Maxon Sand Mill Point More Than Meets The Eye Natural History and Heritage Rider Gap Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike The Battle At Droop Mountain The Battle At Droop Mountain The Battle of Droop Mountain The First Campaign The Great Raid Travellers Repose Tuscarora (Clinton) Sand Union Camp War In West Virginia Welcome to Pocahontas County West Virginia / Virginia West Virginia / Virginia White Oak William L. "Mudwall" Jackson Yankee Army Camp
The world's largest sycamore tree is located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The tree is over 300 years old and stands 177 feet tall with a circumference of 28 feet.
West Virginia random facts
Pocahontas County, located in West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, were the first inhabitants of the area. The county gets its name from Pocahontas, the famous Powhatan princess who is said to have saved the life of English settler John Smith in the early 17th century.

European settlers began to arrive in Pocahontas County in the 18th century. The area was heavily forested and offered a wealth of resources, attracting pioneers and fur trappers. The first permanent settlement was established in 1750 by William Dyer, and more settlers followed, establishing towns and communities throughout the county.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Pocahontas County. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s played a crucial role in connecting the area to other parts of the state and nation. This improved transportation brought new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of towns such as Marlinton and Durbin.

Today, Pocahontas County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is home to parts of the Monongahela National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The region is also known for its strong sense of community and preservation of its history, with numerous heritage sites and museums showcasing the county's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

  • 1770: Pocahontas County is formed, named after the Native American princess.
  • 1775: First settlers arrive in the area, establishing small farms and logging operations.
  • 1881: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway reaches the county, boosting its economy and connecting it to larger markets.
  • 1899: Snowshoe Mountain Resort opens, becoming a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
  • 1921: Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is established to commemorate the Civil War Battle of Droop Mountain, which took place in Pocahontas County.
  • 1939: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is founded in Green Bank, becoming a center for radio astronomy research.
  • 1983: The Greenbrier River Trail is opened as a recreational trail, attracting hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
  • 2000: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is established, preserving and operating a historic logging railroad.
  • 2012: The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad begins operating scenic train excursions through the county.