Why is Thurmond West Virginia abandoned?

Why is Thurmond West Virginia abandoned?

A combination of factors emptied Thurmond. In the 1930s, the Great Depression killed one bank and caused the other to move. Thurmond’s rail yard was built to handle steam locomotives, and that facility withered as trains switched to diesel. Key buildings, including the hotels, were destroyed in fires and never rebuilt.

Can you live in Thurmond West Virginia?

Thurmond is a formerly-thriving company town in Fayette County just north of Beckley, West Virginia. In its heyday, it was one of the most prosperous and active towns in the region. Today, only five residents remain. Thurmond’s five residents are Mayor Melanie Dragan, a 73-year-old Thurmond native.

Is Thurmond WV abandoned?

Nowadays, though, it’s nearly a ghost town. Much of it it is owned by the National Park Service as part of the New River Gorge National River. In the 2010 census, Thurmond had five residents.

Are there any abandoned towns in West Virginia?

The Abandoned Small Town Of Kaymoor In West Virginia Is Eerily Beautiful. Kaymoor, also called Kay Moor, West Virginia was a coal camp that operated from 1899 to 1962. The town was actually built in two sections, Kaymoor Top and Kaymoor Bottom.

Who owns Thurmond?

the National Park Service
The population was five at the 2010 census. During the heyday of coal mining in the New River Gorge, Thurmond was a prosperous town with a number of businesses and facilities for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Most of Thurmond is owned by the National Park Service for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Can diamonds be found in West Virginia?

Diamonds don’t exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928.

Where is National Bank of Thurmond?

West Virginia

Thurmond, West Virginia
Location CR 25/2 at New River, Thurmond, West Virginia
Built 1884
Architect Thurmond, W. D.
NRHP reference No. 84003520

Is Silent Hill West Virginia real?

Silent Hill, West Virginia is based on the real town Centralia, Pennsylvania, while the game’s version in Maine is unrelated to Centralia.

How many ghost towns are in West Virginia?

If you look at any online list of West Virginia ghost towns, you’ll see that most (more than 60) are located along a dozen-mile stretch of the New River Gorge.

What does Thurmond mean?

Thor’s protection
English Baby Names Meaning: In English Baby Names the meaning of the name Thurmond is: Thor’s protection.

What county is Thurmond WV?

Fayette County
Thurmond/Counties

What was Thurmond WV once known for?

Thurmond, West Virginia, in the New River Gorge, was once a thriving train town. In coal mining’s heyday, it had many prosperous businesses and facilities for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad.

Is there a ghost town in West Virginia?

The Story Behind This West Virginia Ghost Town Will Fascinate You. Thurmond, located in Fayette County, went from a prosperous small town to a near-ghost town with just five inhabitants.

Where was the ghost town of Thurmond located?

Thurmond, located in Fayette County, went from a prosperous small town to a near-ghost town with just five inhabitants. The town’s story and its remarkably well-preserved buildings will make you want to take a stroll through it…just don’t look for a street or sidewalks to stroll down.

How did Thurmond West Virginia become a railroad stop?

Thurmond remained a small and modest outpost until 1892 when a man by the name of Thomas G Mckell struck a deal with the Ohio Railroad company to turn Thurmond into a railway stop along the way. Seeing his own town grow quickly, Thurmond declared a ban on all alcohol in his town, but this largely went unnoticed and ignored.