THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Tucked into the New River Gorge, the tiny town of Thurmond has long been described as a ghost town. But with four residents still holding on, its story continues — and now, it’s being told through a new documentary.
Almost Ghost Town, created by filmmaker and Putnam County native Jillian Carney Howell, aims to capture both the history and present-day reality of Thurmond.
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Once a bustling railroad hub at the start of the 20th century, the town saw its population dwindle as coal declined and the National Park Service (NPS) took ownership of much of the land in the late 1980s.
Today, about 80 percent of Thurmond’s structures are federally owned, with many buildings standing vacant.
The NPS recently announced plans to demolish 21 buildings in the community, sparking renewed debate over preservation versus safety.
Howell’s film will highlight not only the town’s rise and fall but also the voices of its remaining residents as they consider what Thurmond’s uncertain future might look like.
The project is currently in production and is being financed in part through a Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign, which has set a $30,000 fundraising goal.
They are just a few hundred dollars away from that goal and must meet the goal by 12:45 PM EST today, September 8.
Supporters can contribute directly or purchase limited-edition merchandise produced in partnership with Mountain Mindful and artist Mason Beuhring.
Howell, who works in Los Angeles with Walt Disney Animation Studios but remains connected to her West Virginia roots, has assembled an all-Appalachian production team.
Original music by composer Steven Schumann will mix traditional bluegrass with orchestral sounds to underscore the film.
Howell hopes to raise broader questions about how small towns are remembered and who has the authority to tell their stories.
For more information on the project and ways to support it, visit seedandspark.com/fund/thurmonddoc.
