National Register Listing

Brookside Historic District

George Washington Hwy. near Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV
Local significance of the district:
Entertainment/recreation; Agriculture; Architecture; Commerce; Art; Transportation; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of West Virginia.
The first federal minimum wage law in the United States was passed in West Virginia in 1912. The law set a minimum wage of $0.16 per hour for women and children working in certain industries.
West Virginia random facts
Preston County, West Virginia has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Seneca. European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, attracted to the area's fertile lands and abundant natural resources.

In 1818, Preston County was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly. It was named in honor of James Patton Preston, the governor of Virginia at the time. The county's economy initially relied on agriculture, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat, and tobacco. The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s brought an economic boost to the area, with increased trade and transportation opportunities.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Preston County experienced a mining boom. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting immigrants from Europe to work in the mines. Towns such as Kingwood, Tunnelton, and Terra Alta grew rapidly, and the county's population soared. The legacy of coal mining is still apparent today, with remnants of old mines and mining towns dotting the landscape.

Preston County has also played a significant role in American history. During the Civil War, the county remained divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The Battle of Rowlesburg in 1863 saw Confederate forces attempt to disrupt the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, but they were ultimately defeated. The county also served as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang after their infamous bank robbery in West Virginia.

Overall, Preston County's history is one of growth and change. From its Native American roots to its agricultural beginnings, coal mining boom, and role in the Civil War, the county has a rich heritage that continues to shape its character today.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Preston County, West Virginia.

  • 1774 - The area that would become Preston County is explored by European settlers.
  • 1780s - Permanent European settlements begin to be established in the county.
  • 1818 - Preston County is officially established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1840s - Preston County experiences a population boom due to the discovery of coal and the expansion of the railroad.
  • 1861-1865 - Preston County is divided during the Civil War, with residents supporting both the Union and Confederate causes.
  • 1872 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Kingwood.
  • 1921 - The Cheat River Dam is completed, providing hydroelectric power to the area.
  • 1979 - The Cheat River is named a National Wild and Scenic River, helping to protect the natural beauty of the area.
  • 1990s - Preston County experiences economic decline due to the decline of the coal industry.
  • Present - Preston County continues to be known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and skiing.