THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service is preparing to begin demolition work on more than a dozen historic structures in and around Thurmond.
Equipment is expected to begin moving into the historic railroad town November 15, with demolition and restoration work continuing through March 2027.
Work is being conducted during the winter months to accommodate protected bats.
The demolition plan has been a hot topic on social media within the past week, with most discussions and posts voicing opposition to the plan.
Much of the public frustration centers on claims from former residents that the National Park Service purchased their homes decades ago with promises to preserve and restore them, rather than demolish them.
Questions have also emerged over the agency’s previously announced plans to offer leasing opportunities for certain structures.
The National Park Service has stated in the past that the agency would release Requests for Proposals (RFPs), but the NPS had not done so as of November 9, just one week before equipment is scheduled to arrive.
The Town of Thurmond has also filed a legal challenge seeking to stop the demolitions, although no court decision has been made as of Monday.
The demolition proposal originated in December 2023 during President Joe Biden’s administration and received final approval in July 2025 during President Donald Trump’s administration.
While some social media posts have suggested the entire town is being demolished, that is not the case. Thurmond’s historic Commercial Row, railroad depot, and several other structures will remain standing.
However, preservation advocates argue that many of the buildings scheduled for removal retain historical significance and could still be saved.
An online petition opposing the demolitions continues to gain support as attention surrounding the project grows.
The petition can be found here.
More information on the demolition plan may be found here.
