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Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Coordinates: 38°19′N 80°01′W / 38.32°N 80.01°W / 38.32; -80.01
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Pocahontas County
County
Pocahontas County Courthouse in Marlinton
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Green Bank Observatory
Seneca State Forest
Snowshoe Mountain
Official seal of Pocahontas County
Seal
Location of Pocahontas County in West Virginia
Location of Pocahontas County in West Virginia
West Virginia's location within the U.S.
West Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°19′N 80°01′W / 38.32°N 80.01°W / 38.32; -80.01
Country United States
State West Virginia
FoundedDecember 21, 1821
Named forPocahontas
SeatMarlinton
and largest town
Government
 • County Commission PresidentWalt Helmick [1]
 • County CommissionJamie Walker
John Rebinski
Area
 • Total
2,440 km2 (942 sq mi)
 • Land2,400 km2 (940 sq mi)
 • Water4 km2 (1.5 sq mi)  0.2%
 • Rank3rd
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
7,869
 • Estimate 
(2021)
7,841 Decrease
 • Rank47th
 • Density3.2/km2 (8.4/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Area code(s)304, 681
Congressional district1st
Senate district11th
House of Delegates district46th, 66th
Websitehttps://pocahontascountycommission.com/

Pocahontas County is a county located in the eastern part of the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,869.[2] Its county seat is Marlinton.[3] The county was established in 1821. It is named after the daughter of the Powhatan chief of the Native Americans in the United States who came from Jamestown, Virginia. She married an English settler, and their children became ancestors of many of the First Families of Virginia.[4]

Pocahontas County is the home to the Green Bank Observatory and is part of the National Radio Quiet Zone.

History

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When Andrew Lewis, early American pioneer, surveyor, and soldier from Virginia, came to survey one of the land grants for the Greenbrier Company in 1751, he found Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell living where Marlinton later developed. They had come from Frederick, Maryland, in 1749 and are considered to be the first European settlers in this region of Virginia. They built their original cabin where Marlin Run met Knapp's Creek. Lewis had found Sewell living in a large hollow sycamore tree near the cabin. This area is now between Eighth and Ninth avenues and Eighth and Ninth streets of Marlinton.

This area was reserved by the nations of the Iroquois Confederacy as a hunting ground, by right of their conquest of tribes that had been in the area. These American Indians resisted European settlement in the lands they had taken. A treaty of 1758 by Great Britain confirmed the land west of the Allegheny Mountains to the Indians and forbade his Majesty's subjects from settling or hunting here.

But the British settlers continued to move into the Indian hunting grounds, making them a target for many raids and massacres. After the Revolution, the Indians migrated west, and the settlers' land claims were made regular.

During the Civil War Pocahontas County voted to secede from the United States by a vote of 360 to 13 and supported the state government in Richmond.[5] The county contained 907 men of military age (15–50 years old) and provided nearly 700 men to the Confederate army and levied $15,000 for armaments.[6] Farming and harvesting crops soon became difficult due to enlistments, and many of the county's 252 slaves fled during Union troop movements through the county. Some Unionist refugees who had fled to Upshur County enlisted in the 10th West Virginia Infantry Regiment. The battles of Cheat Mountain and Camp Allegheny took place in the county in 1861, and in 1863 the battle of Droop Mountain occurred, resulting in a Union victory.

A government loyal to the United States was established in Wheeling called the Restored Government of Virginia. Under its guidance a bill was introduced to the United States Congress to create a new state from 48 counties of western Virginia to be called West Virginia. While many of these counties were generally loyal to the U.S., many were not but were taken for territorial reasons. The new state was officially recognized on June 20, 1863.

Pocahontas County was added to the new state of West Virginia without the input of the citizens. The new state government in Wheeling reorganized the county militia as a Unionist force. After the war most of the voters in the county were disfranchised due to their support of Richmond and the Confederacy, and full voting rights were not restored until 1871.[7]

The new state government divided the counties into civil townships, with the intention of encouraging local government. This proved impractical in the heavily rural state, and in 1872 the townships were converted into magisterial districts.[8] Pocahontas County was initially divided into four townships, each of which was given a patriotic name: Grant, Lincoln, Meade, and Union. They became magisterial districts in 1872, and all four were renamed the following year: Grant District, originally named for Union General Ulysses S. Grant, became Huntersville District; Lincoln, named after the President, became Edray; Meade, named for General George Meade, became Greenbank, and Union District became Academy. In the 1890s, Academy District was renamed again, becoming Little Levels.[9]

The railroads came late to Pocahontas County, as building rails over the mountains was a difficult and expensive project. It was not until 1899 that construction began but after that, the task moved with startling speed. The 1900 census of the county indicates that many European immigrants came to the region as workers on building the railroads through this area.

Commercial timbering quickly began upon completion of the railroads, including a large mill owned by the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company (now MeadWestvaco) at Cass. By the end of 1920, dozens of small railroading towns dotted the landscape along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway line.[10]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 942 square miles (2,440 km2), of which 940 square miles (2,400 km2) is land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) (0.2%) is water.[11] It is the third-largest county in West Virginia by area, and with a mean altitude of 3,219 feet or 981 metres it is the sixth-highest county east of the Mississippi River and the highest county in this region outside Western North Carolina.[12]

The highest point is Thorny Flat on Cheat Mountain in the northwestern part of the county, elevation 4,848 feet (1,478 m).[13]

Birthplace of rivers

[edit]

The county is the site of the headwaters for eight rivers: Cherry River, Cranberry River, Elk River, Gauley River, Greenbrier River, Tygart Valley River, Williams River, and Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. The Monongahela National Forest protects much of the river headwaters, thereby helping to ensure improved downstream water quality.

Major highways

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National protected areas

[edit]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18302,542—
18402,92214.9%
18503,59823.1%
18603,95810.0%
18704,0692.8%
18805,56136.7%
18906,81422.5%
19008,57025.8%
191014,74072.0%
192015,0021.8%
193014,555−3.0%
194013,906−4.5%
195012,480−10.3%
196010,136−18.8%
19708,870−12.5%
19809,91911.8%
19909,008−9.2%
20009,1311.4%
20108,719−4.5%
20207,869−9.7%
2021 (est.)7,841[14]−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[15]
1790–1960[16] 1900–1990[17]
1990–2000[18] 2010–2019[2]

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,131 people, 3,835 households, and 527 families living in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile (3.9 people/km2). There were 7,594 housing units at an average density of 8 units per square mile (3.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.38% White, 0.78% Black or African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,835 households, out of which 25.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.10% were non-families. 29.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.90% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 27.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 106.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,401, and the median income for a family was $32,511. Males had a median income of $26,173 versus $16,780 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,384. About 12.70% of families and 17.10% of individuals were below the poverty line, including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 14.60% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States census, there were 8,719 people, 3,758 households, and 2,373 families living in the county.[19] The population density was 9.3 inhabitants per square mile (3.6/km2). There were 8,847 housing units at an average density of 9.4 units per square mile (3.6 units/km2).[20] The racial makeup of the county was 97.8% white, 0.7% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.8% of the population.[19] In terms of ancestry, 23.0% were German, 20.1% were Irish, 12.7% were English, 9.9% were American, 5.2% were Scottish, and 5.1% were Dutch.[21]

Of the 3,758 households, 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.9% were non-families, and 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.75. The median age was 47.1 years.[19]

The median income for a household in the county was $32,161 and the median income for a family was $40,906. Males had a median income of $32,411 versus $25,321 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,763. About 11.8% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.[22]

2020 census

[edit]

As of the 2020 census, there were 7,869 people and 2,912 households residing in the county. There were 6,795 housing units in Pocahontas. The racial makeup of the county was 95.3% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% from other races, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.4% of the population.

Of the 2,912 households, 47.1% were married couples living together, 24.5% had a male householder with no spouse present, 22.4% had a female householder with no spouse present. The average household and family size was 3.48. The median age in the county was 49.6 years with 17.5% of the population under 18. The median income for a household was $37,225 and the poverty rate was 17.5%.[23]

Politics

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United States presidential election results for Pocahontas County, West Virginia[24]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 2,889 74.06% 927 23.76% 85 2.18%
2020 2,895 72.21% 1,047 26.12% 67 1.67%
2016 2,496 67.92% 928 25.25% 251 6.83%
2012 2,182 60.76% 1,303 36.29% 106 2.95%
2008 2,011 55.22% 1,548 42.50% 83 2.28%
2004 2,295 58.58% 1,573 40.15% 50 1.28%
2000 1,970 56.82% 1,392 40.15% 105 3.03%
1996 1,242 35.68% 1,796 51.59% 443 12.73%
1992 1,401 37.05% 1,741 46.05% 639 16.90%
1988 1,876 48.70% 1,958 50.83% 18 0.47%
1984 2,479 56.52% 1,903 43.39% 4 0.09%
1980 2,011 46.18% 2,170 49.83% 174 4.00%
1976 1,740 42.75% 2,330 57.25% 0 0.00%
1972 2,391 59.39% 1,635 40.61% 0 0.00%
1968 2,040 46.01% 1,948 43.93% 446 10.06%
1964 1,716 34.09% 3,317 65.91% 0 0.00%
1960 2,469 46.66% 2,822 53.34% 0 0.00%
1956 2,937 53.69% 2,533 46.31% 0 0.00%
1952 2,841 50.88% 2,743 49.12% 0 0.00%
1948 2,373 46.24% 2,754 53.66% 5 0.10%
1944 2,340 44.68% 2,897 55.32% 0 0.00%
1940 2,886 44.47% 3,604 55.53% 0 0.00%
1936 2,850 40.84% 4,118 59.01% 10 0.14%
1932 2,623 42.34% 3,531 57.00% 41 0.66%
1928 3,141 55.55% 2,487 43.99% 26 0.46%
1924 2,782 49.14% 2,777 49.05% 102 1.80%
1920 2,836 52.32% 2,540 46.85% 45 0.83%
1916 1,550 44.90% 1,849 53.56% 53 1.54%
1912 589 18.42% 1,428 44.67% 1,180 36.91%

Economy

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Tourism

[edit]
Countryside off Route 28 near Dunmore, WV

As of 2008, there were approximately 30,000 out-of-towners who own property in Pocahontas County. The tourism industry has continued to be one of the county's largest economic industries. The main attraction is Snowshoe Mountain that is popular with tourists in the summer and winter.[25]

Communities

[edit]

Towns

[edit]

Magisterial districts

[edit]
  • Edray
  • Greenbank
  • Huntersville
  • Little Levels

Census-designated places

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]
[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Pocahontas County Commission". Pocahontas County.
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 23, 2001. Retrieved February 4, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link), West Virginia Culture
  5. ^ Curry, Richard O., A House Divided, A Study of Statehood Politics and the Copperhead Movement in West Virginia. Univ. of Pittsburgh Press, 1964, pg. 142
  6. ^ Dickinson, Jack L., Tattered Uniforms and Bright Bayonets, West Virginia's Confederate Coldiers, Marshall Univ. Library Associates, Huntington, WV, 1995, pgs. 403, 408
  7. ^ Klinger, Jacob (2022). "Loyalty in Pocahontas County, West Virginia". West Virginia History: A Journal of Regional Studies. 16 (2): 65–83. doi:10.1353/wvh.2022.0007. S2CID 256106420 – via Project MUSE.
  8. ^ Otis K. Rice & Stephen W. Brown, West Virginia: A History, 2nd ed., University Press of Kentucky, Lexington (1993), p. 240.
  9. ^ United States Census Bureau, U.S. Decennial Census, Tables of Minor Civil Divisions in West Virginia, 1870–2010.
  10. ^ "Pocahontas County - County History". www.pocahontascountywv.com. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  11. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  12. ^ "Mean County Elevation Lists". cohp.org. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  13. ^ "West Virginia High Points". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  14. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  15. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  16. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  17. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  18. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  19. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  20. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  21. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  22. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  23. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  24. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  25. ^ WRITER, Damian Phillips STAFF (July 15, 2023). "Not just a winter resort: Snowshoe thrives in summer, too". WV News. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  26. ^ "Amnesty: Episode 20". maximumfun.org. January 10, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  27. ^ "Tyler Childers -- Universal Sound lyrics". Genius.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
[edit]
Wikisource has the text of an 1879 American Cyclopædia article about Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
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