Blue Jay near Beaver in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Grand Canyon of the East
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 20, 2025
1. Grand Canyon of the East Marker
Stand at any overlook in the New River Gorge, and you'll see steep canyon walls and sandstone cliffs. How was this gorge formed? The short answer is by erosion, as the river cut through the uplifting Appalachian Plateau.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. It was the main headwaters of an ancient watercourse called the Teays River, which flowed west to an immense inland sea that covered the central part of North American millions of years ago. As the Appalachian Mountains began to uplift and rise, the river sliced downward through them and maintained its ancient course.
How long did it take to form the New River Gorge? Estimates vary widely, from 3 million to 320 million years Whatever the case, it is clear that water has bee, and always will be, a definitive force on this ever-changing landscape.
"I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins". Langston Hughes, American Poet.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 49.82′ N, 81° 3.786′ W. Marker is near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. 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: Those Who Came Before (within shouting distance of this marker); A Born Again Ecosystem (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Days (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Gold (within shouting distance of this marker); What's In A Name? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ingram House Foundation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Grand View (about 500 feet away); Grandview Monitor (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaver.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 20, 2025
2. Grand Canyon of the East Marker
The Grand Canyon of the East Marker is located on the right of this photo.
Photographed by Tom Bosse
3. New River Gorge as seen from Grandview Overlook.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
