Thurmond is the least-populous municipality in West Virginia. Overtime Thurmond fell victim to the economic effects from the Great Depression. At one time, a freight shed extended out over the riverbank behind the station, and an engine turn-around once sat between the rear station and the railroad bridge. Thurmonds Commercial District during its prime. Count the number of coal mines in the area on Map 2. The Hotel Thurmond was built next to the tracks in 1891. Afterward, a clothing store and other retail stores operated out of the building, and residents lived there until 1959. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The same year, the depot was fully rehabilitated and began to be used as a visitors center and an Amtrak station. #12 of 29 Restaurants in Fayetteville. more. Afterward, the property was abandoned. There had been many fires over the years so the old wooden hotels and other buildings had burned. Golden Pond 7. Kaymoor A visit to this restored mining and townsite is memorable hike. Ridge on the second floor. The road to and from Thurmond, West Virginia is narrow and winding. West Virginia, like many other states, has old towns that haven't survived for one reason or another. You can see the old post office, banks, commercial buildings and if you walk to the end of the line, you can see some houses as well as the coaling station. You can park and see the few buildings of a once active coal mining town. Basically, there are a few buildings with a couple of exhibits in windows. Gino's Pizza And Spagetti House. Stop at the still operational Amtrack Station first. What are three abandoned places in West Virginia? Railroad workers in Thurmond, West Virginia. Train depot has lots of information and the volunteer was so knowledgeable. The road-rail bridge over the New River was quite unique. With the completion of the Thurmond Railroad Bridge, the mining industry could open new mines and ship coal more easily. And abandoned town? Then came the Great Depression and the end of the banks. How many of these mines connect with Thurmond by a railway along a minor waterway? West Virginia Encyclopedia Also fun is walking out on the one lane bridge to take pictuers. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Today, Thurmond is host for the Thurmond Triathlon and boasts beautiful trails for hiking and mountain biking with ample access to the New River for boating and fishing. The building burned on August 21, 1993. The train depot is now home to the national park visitor center. Thurmond was established in 1900 as a major stop along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad line. You can park and see the few buildings of a once active coal mining town. Thurmond saw a small revival during World War II when coal was in high demand, but it was not enough. People came here because of its healing spring waters. To the east of the hotel, there were worker houses and a row of Black shanties on the hill above the station. - Free to walk around. Helpful staff. Then after visiting the visitor center in the restored depot, stroll through the town. I was intrigued, it was advertised as the smallest town in the entire state, with population of 5. The National Park had this listed on their New River Gorge map as a spot to check out. National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV, Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, WV - Lower New Full Day, New River Gorge, WV Adventure Waterpark - Full Day. The Mankin-Cox Building is the oldest in the commercial district. The town has a handful of the original buildings still preserved, so much so that you can easily imagine what it was like some 100 years ago. 1. Thurmond is an old mining town that is now a ghost town. A train comes through Thurmond, West Virginia, by Kathy Alexander. What hotels are near Thurmond Ghost Town? It is easy to imagine how loud, dirty and busy Thurmond must have been at its height in the days of steam locomotives. CSX still uses and maintains the railroad and this is a flag stop for Amtrak for all rail fans. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV, Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, WV - Lower New Full Day, New River Gorge, WV Adventure Waterpark - Full Day. Flying from Houston. First settled in 1844 by W.D. Perhaps the tiny (almost) ghost town of Thurmond does a little of both for most people. Tip: Thurmond is definitely out of the way, but take the time to stop at some of the pull off areas along the back road before you get there. Join me for an exploration of the lost town of Thurmond, West Virgin. CSX still uses and maintains the railroad and this is a flag stop for Amtrak for all rail fans. Do not miss this step back in time. Nice walk. Turn right at sign for Glen Jean/Thurmond. Most Thurmond property is owned by the National Park today. Not worth the trip. What did you experience there? Spruce, WV. McKell wanted to open up the coal lands around Loup Creek instead of in the New River Gorge. Thank you! Thurmond Ghost Town: Address, Phone Number, Thurmond Ghost Town Reviews: 4.5/5, There is a gift shop and a small museum in the, Beautiful scenery all around the town and a beautiful part of. The burning of the Dunglen brought a swift demise to one of the wildest places in West Virginia history. Each year we add something new and this year we decided to explore Thurmond. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Thurmond, West Virginia To learn more about Thurmond, a ghost town in West Virginia, take a look below. We rate ghost towns in Mississippi based on their status. Great time! Train tracks run through the center of town which are still active. Fantastic! Fifteen passenger trains came through each day and the depot served as many as 95,000 passengers per year. When you visit, make sure you go out on the bridge to see the town from a different view as well as to see the river beneath you. West Virginia is riddled with ghost towns that will either give you the creeps or fill you with intrigue. Thurmond Ghost Town. " Jun 2021 There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. Within no time, saloons and gambling houses sprang up in his village. " Jun 2021 There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. It's also neat just to walk around the few old business' left standing. There are a number of hiking trails to explore, most notably the six mile Brooklyn Southside Junction trail which takes you through a number of other smaller abandoned mining towns such as Rush Run and Red Ash. Can you tour the interiors of the abounded buildings to be able to photograph? Interestingly, Amtrak still offers limited service to the station but all ticking must be done online as there are no ticketing facilities. Abandoned Places In Alabama 1. Formerly a railroad detective and an agent for the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency, Ash became Thurmonds Chief of Police in about 1902. It is in a gorgeous setting on the side of a mountain and beside the river. The C&O engine house and shop were also constructed in 1905. The hotel was an immediate success and became famous for its wealthy and rowdy guests. The Captain had surveyed the land and in return he was offered 73 acres of the land along the New River for $20. What an interesting place to visit. In 1992, the National Park Service developed a $35 million plan to establish Thurmond as a tourist site. The National Park had this listed on their New River Gorge map as a spot to check out. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. There is a gift shop and a small museum in the, Beautiful scenery all around the town and a beautiful part of. Harrison Ash saloon across the river from Thurmond, West Virginia. Gary Post Office 41.599859, -87.335476 As the name suggests this massive building was originally built in 1936 to serve as the local post office. In 1917 the Bullock Realty Company built a four-story structure that initially housed a jewelry store, clothing store, the Western Union Telegraph Company, and apartments. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Scuffletown 8. The visitor center is lacking many exhibits. Abandoned Places In Indiana 1. The banks had many coal barons as clients making the banks the richest in the state. We then walked through the completely empty town and saw the now closed post office and one remaking brick building. The building as all standing as of they are just waiting to reopen! It is in a gorgeous setting on the side of a mountain and beside the river. With the completion of the Thurmond Railroad Bridge, the mining industry could open new mines and ship coal more easily. On November 7, 1893, the first coal was shipped from the Collins Colliery Company in Glen Jean. Long drive on a narrow road with multiple RR crossings, just to find the depot visitors center closed. To reach either, take a right before going over the bridge into Thurmond. A few residents still live in Thurmond (only 4 according to the internet). 102. Then after visiting the visitor center in the restored depot, stroll through the town. The building also housed several businesses and shops, including the post office and the National Bank of Thurmond, owned by William D. Thurmond. National park lies just outside the aba 100% of travelers recommend this experience. " Ghost town " Apr 2021 Beautiful scenery all around the town and a beautiful part of New River Gorge National park lies just outside the aba. Be sure to also check our growing list of abandoned places in West Virginia.. In 1905 an Armour Meatpacking Plant was established in Thurmond. Picnic nextto the town hall. " Jun 2021 There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. Below are over 21 of our favorite abandoned locations throughout the state. There was even a freight train waiting for additional engines to couple to before it continued its way through the mountains. The few buildings still remaining include a post office, a bank . What's one of the creepiest places in West Virginia that'll send shivers up your spine? Next door to the pharmacist, Thomas McKell opened the New River Banking & Trust Company on August 11, 1904. Today, Thurmond has just about four residents. 5 stars 1 Hotels Amenities Free Wifi 85 Breakfast included63 Pool 55 Free parking 87 Show all Distance from 25+ mi Thurmond Ghost Town Traveler rating & up 52 Hotels. By this time, businesses were waning as the Great Depression overtook the country. While driving on narrow, not very good roads to Thurmond, I wasn't sure what to expect. The Mankin-Cox Building was also built in 1904 at the southern limits of the commercial district. A New York construction firm employed 25 men to build the structure at the cost of $85,000. The old depot in Thurmond, West Virginia by Jet Lowe, 1988. I enjoyed the historical bridges, but one should beware of the hairpin dirt roads. Paradise 4. The bank oversaw $4.8 million a year in the late 1920s, primarily from the railroad. When they got out of the car to help him, he was gone. If so, please feel free to share your experience with us in the comments below. Fifteen passenger trains came through each day and the depot served as many as 95,000 passengers per year. Attractions Fit + Nearby Attractions. Belchertown State School 42.27711, -72.41463 History: Established in 1922, the Belchertown State School for the Feeble-Minded was known for its inhumane treatment of patients, lack of funding, and, Read More 18 Abandoned Places In Massachusetts [MAP]Continue, If youre searching for ghost towns in Mississippi, weve got you covered! We thought that if we were visiting the area at a different time of year, we would have enjoyed our time more if a NPS person was there for tour, etc. The tanks eventually served five water columns, the engine house, and the fire hose house. The hotel defined the villages character as Dunglen became a famous resort with drinking, gambling, and numerous stories of sex and violence. Wildwater Unlimited, a commercial rafting firm operating along the New River, relocated to town in the 1960s. 18 reviews. The plant operated until 1932. When you visit, make sure you go out on the bridge to see the town from a different view as well as to see the river beneath you. In 1900, McKell built the Dunglen Hotel on the south bank of the New River. no all are owned by the NPS or private land owners. In this article well explore how Thurmond became a ghost town, and see exactly whats left to explore today. DunGlen day-use will be0.3 miles on your left. Thurmond Tourism Thurmond Hotels Flights to Thurmond Thurmond Attractions Thurmond Photos Thurmond Map Thurmond Guide. By 1950, the area was considered a ghost town. The 73 acre plot of land was awarded to him for completing a surveying job for the military. Shortly after Thurmond acquired the land, a rail line was constructed through the valley, but it . Royal, WV At the end of the road, one crosses a bridge over the New River, which services vehicles (one lane), trains and pedestrians, with parking on the other side at the old train depot that has been converted into an NPS visitor center with exhibits, a small bookstore and restrooms. Dr. J.W. The National Bank of Thurmond, which had been housed in the Lafayette Hotel, acquired the building for $24,000 and immediately began renovations. At its peak, the facility employed 175 mechanists, pipefitters, boilermakers, electricians, and blacksmiths to service and maintain two engines at one time. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If your not, don't go out of your way. We highly recommend a trip to Thurmond if one has the time. Good way to explore Railway and Coal history. Which major airport is closest to this area? With all this land, Captain Thurmond proudly named the small area after himself, hence the town of Thurmond was born. If you like waterfalls, stop 4.2 miles from the old Glen Jean bank to see the waterfall on the right. Which major airport is closest to this area? The National Park had this listed on their New River Gorge map as a spot to check out. It became a great hideout for outlaws on the run with no roads in or out. The banks had many coal barons as clients making the banks the richest in the state. This is not the greatest thing you'll ever do, but it is certainly entertaining and worth a few hours of your time. Beckley WV is closer-flights connect there from Charlotte. Read our. As Mr Cutlers, Read More The Haunting History Of The Moonville TunnelContinue, Hunting for abandoned places in Alabama? They even broke the world record for the worlds longest lasting poker game, which lasted 14 years inside the Dun Glen Hotel. Visitor Centres. growing list of abandoned places in West Virginia. It was eventually abandoned and is considered one of West Virginia's creepiest places. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Greyskull Manor in Clarksburg Travel Route 25, a two-lane road that follows Dunlop Creek. Nuttallburg, WV This is not the greatest thing you'll ever do, but it is certainly entertaining and worth a few hours of your time. Thurmond hosted the Guiness Book of World Record's longest poker game, is one of Travel & Leisure's coolest ghost towns in America, is where the movie Matewan was filmed, and is a put-in for the upper New River whitewater rafting community. By 1910, Thurmond produced $4.8 million of freight revenue for the C & 0, almost 20% of its revenue. My husband and I have been visiting West Virginia in the fall for several years to see the brilliant colors and the natural wonders. The banks had many coal barons as clients making the banks the richest in the state. On the way back out we discovered a beautiful waterfall at one of the pullouts. The last major industry left in Thurmond was the railroad, and even it ceased to be a factor in 1949 when the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway changed from steam to diesel locomotives, and there was no longer a need to stop at Thurmond for water and coal. The depot required extensive work, including foundation work, construction, retaining walls, and a sewage plant at the cost of $2.5 million. Thurmond was established in 1900 as a major stop along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad line. And abandoned town? No, you can't tour inside. Just weeks later, McKell died on September 7, 1904, at the age of 59. CSX still uses and maintains the railroad and this is a flag stop for Amtrak for all rail fans. In its early years, one lively character in Thurmond was Harrison Ash, who was said to have seven notches in his gun. Many of these abandoned towns have stories and legends about tragic events or mysterious occurrences that lead some to believe they are haunted. Although no guests were injured, two men suffered minor burns. New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau Currently, this abandoned amusement park is privately owned. During its peak in 1910 the C & O Railway Company processed more coal and timber by weight than the larger Cincinnati and Richmond companies combined. Standard operated out of the building until 1918. Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths, Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight in Algarve, Outer Banks Film Location eBike Tour in Charleston, Helsinki Airport Layover Sightseeing Tour, ZipFlyer Nepal - The World's Steepest Zip-line, Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone guide, Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer. Latest travel itineraries for Thurmond Ghost Town in August (updated in 2023), Thurmond Ghost Town reviews, Thurmond Ghost Town address and opening hours, popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Thurmond Ghost Town - Trip.com https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/plateau/thurmond-ghost-town-56031645 Help Hotels Flights Trains Cars The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. There was a depot and buildings from the past. It is in a gorgeous setting on the side of a mountain and beside the river. Are there any deserted building with property for slea? All that is left today are the foundations. You can walk by a half dozen buildings along the track and peer in the windows but that is it. You can park and see the few buildings of a once active coal mining town. Several decades ago, Sweet Springs was a popular vacation destination. A former railroad community, Thurmond was a prosperous town with numerous businesses. Whether you consider these ghost towns or simply neglected and abandoned towns, the feeling is the same. Ace Adventure Water Park Admission Ticket, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston WV by Zombie Scavengers, Full day E- Bike Rental to explore Pipestem and Bluestone WV, Collins Park Disc Golf Course & Obstacle Course. The hotel boasted seven bathrooms, steam heat, and 400 electric lights. Captain Thurmond was a straight-laced southern gentleman and prohibited liquor in the community. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In the following years, the population would continue to fall. Abandoned Places In Massachusetts 1. The depot averaged 15 passenger trains daily in the early 1900s. The Thurber ghost town is located in Erath County, Texas, 75 miles west of Fort Worth. Fifteen passenger trains came through each day and the depot served as many as 95,000 passengers per year. They feel like ghost towns, whether they are believed to actually be haunted or not. During the end of March, nothing was opened. This success and traffic played a major role in the growth of Thurmond. Thurmond hosted the Guiness Book of World Record's longest poker game, is one of Travel & Leisure's coolest ghost towns in America, is where the movie Matewan was filmed, and is a put-in for the upper New River whitewater rafting community. Was lucky to arrive during NPS guided tour! The Mckell family blatantly ignored his request and would host wild parties into the night. Nearly 95,000 passengers utilized the depot yearly, and over 150 people worked for the railroad as laborers, brakemen, and dispatchers, with 18 train crews operating out of Thurmond. Have you ever explored the almost-abandoned Thurmond, West Virginia ghost town? The areas of Thurmond that we explored didnt charge anything-its self guided. Long drive on a narrow road with multiple RR crossings, just to find the depot visitors center closed. In the beginning, the Engine House employed about 50 to 70 men. Amtrak still stops here. The construction of the New River Gorge bridge in 1977 significantly improved access to the once .
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