Davis Coal and Coke Company Administrative Building

a.k.a. Western Maryland Railway Engineering Building; Old Western Maryland Railroad Office

570 Douglas Rd., Thomas, WV
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

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.

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Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.
Tucker County, West Virginia, is located in the northeastern part of the state and was established in 1856. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seneca, Shawnee, and Delaware tribes. These tribes used the region's resources for hunting, fishing, and farming.

In the 18th century, European settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the rich natural resources and fertile land. The first permanent settler in what is now Tucker County was Henry Fansler in 1774. Over the years, more settlers arrived and established small communities, primarily focused on agriculture and logging.

The county's economy began to shift in the late 19th century with the arrival of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway, which opened the area up for coal mining and timber industries. These industries brought an influx of people to the region and led to the development of more towns and communities.

Throughout the 20th century, Tucker County continued to rely on its natural resources for its economy, with mining, logging, and later tourism becoming the main sources of income. Today, Tucker County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town charm. The county is home to parts of the Monongahela National Forest, Blackwater Falls State Park, and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tucker County, West Virginia.

  • 1800 - Tucker County, WV was formed from a part of Randolph County.
  • 1831 - The first land survey was conducted in the area.
  • 1851 - St. George Tucker County Seat was established.
  • 1871 - The United Methodist Church was built in Thomas.
  • 1881 - The first telephone lines were installed in Tucker County.
  • 1892 - The West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railway was completed, connecting Tucker County to the national railroad network.
  • 1921 - The Tucker County Airport was established.
  • 1935 - Canaan Valley State Park was established as the first state park in West Virginia.
  • 1959 - Timberline Four Seasons Resort opened, offering skiing and other winter sports.
  • 1980 - The Dolly Sods Wilderness Area was designated as part of the Monongahela National Forest.