Ritchie County Veterans Memorial

Ritchie County, located in the state of West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who used the land for hunting and fishing.

In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily from Scotland and Ireland. The first permanent settlement was established in 1780 and was named Harrisville, in honor of Captain Moses Harris, a prominent local figure. As more settlers arrived, the county grew steadily and became officially recognized as Ritchie County in 1843, named after Thomas Ritchie, a prominent newspaper editor.

During the Civil War, Ritchie County found itself torn by the conflict, with residents splitting their loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids, with both sides attempting to gain control of strategic locations. Despite the divisions, Ritchie County managed to survive the war relatively intact.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the oil and gas industry boomed in Ritchie County. The discovery of oil in the early 1860s led to a wave of exploration and drilling, bringing prosperity and economic growth to the county. However, the industry faced challenges such as boom and bust cycles and environmental concerns. Today, Ritchie County continues to rely on its natural resources, as well as tourism, agriculture, and other industries, highlighting its fascinating history and ongoing evolution.