Thurmond in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Where It All Starts
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 16, 2020
1. Where It All Starts Marker
This depot was the heart of Thurmond and the New River Gorge in the early 1900s. The railroad ruled transportation, and this station is where people began their business and social activities when they arrived. Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway built this depot in 1904, replacing the original 1891 structure that was destroyed by fire. Passenger and freight trains created a constant buzz of activity. At its peak, this station was one of the highest revenue producing depots on the C&O line, reaching nearly $5 million in receipts in 1910, and handling nearly 4.3 million tons of freight.
In 1984, C&O (now CSX Transportation) closed this depot, the same year the Thurmond Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service restored the depot and opened it as a summer visitor center in 1995. Today the town's quietness contrasts the hustle and bustle of the industrial activities that once took place here. Explore the depot and downtown area to learn more about what put—and now keeps—Thurmond on the map.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Over the River (a few steps from this marker); New River Gorge National River (within shouting distance of this marker); Thurmond, West Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); A Railroad Town (within shouting distance of this marker); 1869 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1873 (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named 1873 (about 300 feet away); Post Office is Established in Thurmond (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmond.
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 16, 2020
2. Where It All Starts Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 16, 2020
3. Where It All Stars Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 4, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
