Thurmond in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Changing Town
New River Gorge National River
| — | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | — |
Photographed by Craig Doda, February 16, 2020
1. Changing Town Marker
As access to places outside the gorge improved, Thurmond's importance declined. Area coal mines also declined in productivity. The most significant changes, however, came by 1949 when the nation's railroad industry had switched from steam to diesel-powered engines. As a major center for C&O Railway's steam locomotive operations, Thurmond was the final place on this line to service steam trains. Eventually, these train facilities were no longer needed.
Over the years, town businesses closed or moved away, as did many residents. But as coal production in the gorge continued to decline, a new outdoor recreation industry grew. The first whitewater boating company, Wildwater, opened here in 1968. Other whitewater rafting businesses later followed. In 1978, the National Park Service established New River Gorge National River. This park preserves not only the nature, scenery, and recreational opportunities of the gorge, but also interprets historic communities like Thurmond for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 37° 57.567′ N, 81° 4.833′ W. Marker is in Thurmond, West Virginia, in Fayette County. It is on Thurmond Road (County Road 25/2) 0.2 miles north of Beury Mountain Road (County Road 25/2), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thurmond WV 25936, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the New River Gorge and in Greater Charleston Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Town Built on Top of Itself (within shouting distance of this marker); Fueling Up Trains (within shouting distance of this marker); July 2013
Photographed by Craig Doda, February 16, 2020
2. Changing Town Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Thurmond’s Decline (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Heart of Town (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Railroad Was the Town (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 20, 2025
3. Thurmond, West Virginia
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3. submitted on February 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
