Mountain Lakes
Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, Lewis, Nicholas, Upshur and
Webster
This is part 6 of 9 in the exploring all West Virginia's 55 counties series. You can find links to the rest at the bottom of this blog as well as a few YouTube videos.
Braxton County
Braxton County was established in 1836 and was named after Carter Braxton, a Virginia Statesman and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county seat is Sutton.
The Mountain Laurel Country Store is attached and not only serves as a place to buy unique Appalachia finds made by local artists but it also has a small café to grab a bite to eat. Take a few minutes to enjoy the old building which used to be the old 1900 W.H. Lee Wholesale & Retail Hardware and Furniture Company. It still has the original American chestnut wood flooring as well as the tin ceilings.
Clay County
Clay County was established in 1858 and was named after Henry Clay a US senator from Kentucky as well as US secretary of the State in the 19th Century. The county seat is Clay.
This is the birth place of the Gold Delicious Apple which was first found on the family farm of J.M. Mullins. It was locally known as “Mullins’ Yellow Seedling” before the Stark Brothers Nurseries bought the tree and propagation rights in 1914 for $5,000. On February 20, 1995, it was named the official state fruit and the Annual Golden Delicious Festival is held here each year since 1972.
Gilmer County
Gilmer County was established in 1845 and was named after Thomas Walker Gilmer a Virginia Governor, US Congress and Secretary of the Navy. The county seat is Glenville. Gilmer is the home of Glenville State University and only has one permanent traffic light in the town. They are also host to the West Virginia State Folk Festival held every June.
Holt House which is the
headquarters of the Gilmer County WV Historical Society was closed when I
visited. However, I did enjoy reading
the historical signs around the house which talked about the Confederate group,
Gilmer Rifles, that started here with only 45 hunting rifles and no uniforms. As well as finding a pretty old bridge.
Lewis County
Lewis County was established in 1816 and was named after Col. Charles Lewis who was a Virginian killed in the Battle of Point Pleasant. Today the county seat is Weston. In June 1921, Lewis made history by becoming the home of Jackson’s Mill, the first 4-H camp in the United States.
I visited the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and made a full blog about it. You can read about details and see lots of pictures there if you want to learn more.
Nicholas County
Nicholas County was established in 1818 and was named after Wilson Cary Nicholas who was a Virginia Governor. The county seat is Summersville. This is the home of Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, a 156-acre park home to the Patterson House Museum and features three views of the Gauley River, hiking rails and picnic facilities. It is also known as one of the oldest state parks in the United States. Every Labor Day weekend, you can enjoy a Civil War Re-enactment.
Summersville Lake is a reservoir formed by a rock-fill dam on the Gauley River and the largest lake in West Virginia. It began construction in early 1960s by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in order to control flooding in the area. Every year during September/October you can enjoy some of the best white-water rafting when the dam is opened and the lake is drained for the winter. Summer time it is filled with campers, boaters and swimmers for a fun filled day at the lake.
Upshur County
Upshur County was established in 1851 and was named after Abel parker Upshur who was a Virginia statesman, Secretary of State and Secretary of Navy. The county seat is Buckhannon.
WestVirginia State Wildlife Center is a zoo with native and introduced
species. It sits on 338 acres with 29
different species of WV mammals, birds and reptiles. There is a paved 1.25 mile looping trail that
takes you around all of the exhibits. In 1923 French Creek Game Farm was opened
over concerns with WV wildlife. It gave
them a place to bred and reintroduce back into the wild. However this failed when the animals couldn’t
survive. In 1986 it was renamed. In 1978, French Creek Freddie became the WV
Official Groundhog Day weather-predicter after the wildlife center’s
superintendent jokingly responded to a reporter’s question. Freddie predictions
has been about 55% accurate. The Center
offers wooden picnic area with grills and shelter as well as a souvenir and
refreshment store. It is open April 1 to October 31 with price ranging from
$2-$4.
Webster County
Webster County was
established in 1860 and was named after Daniel Webster who was a lawyer and
statesman. Today the county seat is
Webster Springs.
During the late 1800’s, salt sulphur springs drew many visitors as the water was thought to be beneficial for liver, stomach, kidneys and bladder issues because of its high impregnated with hydrogen sulfide gas. One well remains today in front of the court house. It was drilled in 1937 and is 120 feet deep. At the 1938 Rhododendron Festival, it was dedicated as a Veteran’s Memorial by the US Secretary of War.
I just happened
to be in town at the same time as the Wood Chopping Festival which is held here
every Memorial Day Weekend. This
festival features world-class wood chopping competitions to win the
Southeastern US World Champion Woodchopper title. They also have the Wv State
Championship Fireman’s Rodeo, turkey calling contests, car and motorcycle shows
as well has plenty of vendors and live music. There is a cost so be prepared if
you plan on going.
If you want to learn about the other 8 areas of West Virginia, you can find a link here. I have also created a few YouTube videos that goes with this series.
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