New River Gorge Scenic Drives
New River Gorge National River
You may find it hard to believe that the New River Gorge was once teeming with activity. Coal mining dominated the economy and social structure of the state of West Virginia between 1875 and 1950. During this time over forty coal mining towns were established, grew, and ultimately declined in the gorge. As you travel through the park, you will see remnants of this coal mining and railroad heritage in historic railroad depots, bridges, building foundations, and towns. Today, the natural environment of New River Gorge National River is recovering and slowly overgrowing the remains of the mining companies, homes, and towns that once lined the gorge. The New River Gorge Loop Tour Map, reproduced here, is found in the Scenic Drives brochure, which is available at park visitor centers. As you travel the highways and side roads, you will get a glimpse of the rich coal heritage of the park and region.
(Inscription below the map on the lower left) Fayette Station Road-Small exhibits, located at pull-offs along Fayette Station Road, interpret the history of the immediate area, including coal mining, the railroads, and the twin towns of
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If you drive the Fayette Station Road Auto Tour, allow at least one hour if you plan to stop at all of the exhibits along the route.
What is the Coal Heritage Trail? It is a 146-mile long journey through southern West Virginia coalfields, between Bluefield and Fayetteville. The route takes motorists past many physical remnants of the coal boom that furthered the industrialization of America. The corridor was designated a National Scenic Byway in 1998, one of the many routes across America that showcase this land.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 38° 4.202′ N, 81° 4.564′ W. Marker is in Lansing, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is on Visitor Center Road. The marker is located on the grounds of Canyon Rim Visitor Center, New River Gorge National River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lansing WV 25862, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Deceptive Forest (a few steps from this marker); New River (a few steps from this marker); Smoke, Coke, Coal, and Kaymoor (a few steps
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on January 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 20, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
