The town is well equipped with store and shops, and for its population, of unusual size and attractiveness. In them can be found all that humanity could desire in the way of merchandise." — T. Nutter, Thomas, WV: History, . . . — — Map (db m153087) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32) at 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north on Appalachian Highway.
The Thomas National Register Historic District is considered significant under Criterion A for its association with the settlement and development of Thomas and of Tucker County.
Though remote, the area has been of interest to explorers . . . — — Map (db m153055) HM
The People of Thomas
The history books of Thomas are full of fascinating stories of the people who built these buildings and lived their lives here. Hundreds of people from around the world came to Thomas to seek their fortunes, . . . — — Map (db m153066) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32) north of 3rd Street, in the median.
Thomas's National Register Significance
The Thomas Commercial Historic District was listed as a National Register Historic District in 1997. In order to qualify for the National Register of Historic Place, a property must be at least 50 . . . — — Map (db m153057) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32), on the right when traveling south.
The Railroad
The West Virginia Central and Pittsburg (WVC&P) (Former Railyard, Tour No. 36) was founded by Henry Gassaway Davis, one of the most important figures in West Virginia history.
Davis began his career as a . . . — — Map (db m153060) HM
Residential Architecture in Thomas
Modern society places value on home ownership, especially a house with land. However, families that moved from Europe or large cities such as New York in the early 20th century were not necessarily . . . — — Map (db m153071) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32), in the median.
Social Life and Entertainment
Thomas residents enjoyed a variety of entertainment and social activities.
The town had many musicians, including Patsy Sangangelo, a gifted trumpet player and owner of a shoe repair shop (Tour No. 40). . . . — — Map (db m153063) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32), on the right when traveling south.
Immigration and Ethnic Diversity
After the railroad and coal industries began operation, Thomas made a rapid transformation from isolated mountain town to small cosmopolitan city. The Davis Coal and Coke Company recruited workers from . . . — — Map (db m153062) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32), in the median.
Coal and Its Impact on Thomas
The history of the coal industry is inextricable from the development of the Thomas Commercial Historic District. If the Davis brothers had not invested in coal mining and transportation in the area, the town . . . — — Map (db m153089) HM
On Appalachian Highway (West Virginia Route 32), in the median.
Every city grows and evolves over the years. Compared the various photos with what you see in Thomas today to see what is different and what has stayed the same.
The Imperial Hotel, formerly located between the Schilansky . . . — — Map (db m153084) HM
