THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One local delegate has introduced a resolution in the House of Delegates that supports the preservation of historic structures in the railroad town of Thurmond.
Thurmond was once a booming railroad town in the New River Gorge, home to over 400 residents at one point. The town was a major center along the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway for the service and fueling of steam engines.
Thurmond recorded more freight revenue than any location along the C&O, even more than Cincinnati and Richmond combined.
The town was founded by Confederate Captain W.D. Thurmond in the late 1800s. He was given this narrow tract of land along New River as payment for a survey job he conducted.
After Riverview was rejected by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the town was officially named and incorporated after its founder in 1903.
Thurmond quickly became a rail and commercial hub.
The early 1900s through the 1930s was the town’s heyday. Multiple passenger trains stopped in the town bringing visitors from all across the United States. The town was home to multiple stores, a theatre, a hotel, social clubs, and so much more.
With the advent of more convenient travel via automobiles and the transition to diesel locomotives, the railroad declined.
Because of that, Thurmond lost its influence and residents gradually began to move out as business and opportunity left.
Now, the town is home to only four residents. Thurmond is still a municipality, the smallest in West Virginia, and all residents serve on the town council.
What isn’t owned by residents is now owned by the National Park Service (NPS) and is part of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Most structures in Thurmond were purchased by the NPS in the 1990s to preserve them to show visitors what once were.
Fast forward to 2024, the NPS is proposing the demolition of nearly fifteen “deteriorating and excess structures” within Thurmond; 35 structures total within park boundaries.
According to the NPS, the purpose of the proposal is to alleviate deferred maintenance needs, eliminate excess yearly maintenance and law enforcement costs, and enable the NPS to allocate resources more efficiently toward maintaining facilities that park visitors can enjoy.
Delegate Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette) represents Thurmond in the House and has introduced the resolution supporting the preservation of the remaining structures.
The resolution has a long list of bipartisan sponsors. Following its introduction, the resolution was referred to the House Rules Committee where it awaits consideration.
A public meeting was held in January to allow the public to submit their comments on the proposed plan.
The full resolution may be viewed here.
