Browse the people, places, industries, roads, rivers, conflicts, and community moments that shaped Preston County. Filter one way, or combine topic and place to reveal a narrower story.
Where the information comes fromBuilt from many records—and still growing.
Current research leads draw from the West Virginia Memory Timeline, West Virginia Archives and History; Oren F. Morton’s and S. T. Wiley’s Preston County histories; newspapers; public records; archival collections; and Kin & Coal fieldwork and research notes. Additional sources will be added as individual events are investigated and verified.
West Virginia Archives and History granted permission for this project to use the West Virginia Memory Timeline. The institution is credited, and readers are linked to the individual source records.
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319 entries
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1745
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
April 6, 1745
The King of England defined the lands owned by Lord Fairfax, including all of present-day West Virginia east of the Fairfax Stone
The King of England defined the lands owned by Lord Fairfax, including all of present-day West Virginia east of the Fairfax Stone, which was erected in present-day Preston County the following year.
Fairfax Stone
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
October 17, 1746
The Fairfax Stone was placed at the headwaters of the North Branch of the Potomac River
The Fairfax Stone was placed at the headwaters of the North Branch of the Potomac River in present-day Preston County to mark the boundary of the lands of Thomas Fairfax.
Fairfax Stone
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Mason and Dixon mark Preston County’s future northern boundary
Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon surveyed the line that now forms Preston County’s northern boundary with Pennsylvania. Originally part of a colonial boundary settlement, the Mason-Dixon Line later became widely associated with the division between North and South.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “Mason-Dixon Line”
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
August 14, 1772
The British Privy Council approved the petition of the Walpole Company
The British Privy Council approved the petition of the Walpole Company (also known as the Grand Ohio Company) to establish Vandalia, comprising all of present-day West Virginia west and south of the Fairfax Stone in present-day Preston County, as the fourteenth colony. Due to the implausibility of obtaining quitrents and the revolution movement following the Boston Tea Party, the Vandalia scheme never developed.
Fairfax Stone
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Revolutionary War begins at Lexington and Concord
Fighting between British regulars and colonial militia at Lexington and Concord opened the American Revolutionary War. Although the best-known early battles occurred far from western Virginia, the conflict shaped militia service and frontier defense in the region that included the land later formed into Preston County.
British North American colonies
Context source: National Park Service, Minute Man National Historical Park, “April 19, 1775”
Where found: National Park Service, Minute Man National Historical Park, “April 19, 1775”
1776
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
July 4, 1776
The colonies declare independence from Great Britain
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen colonies were free and independent states. The declaration changed the political identity claimed for the western Virginia frontier that included present-day Preston County, while the war itself continued for seven more years.
United States
Context source: National Archives, Declaration of Independence (1776)
Where found: National Archives, Declaration of Independence (1776)
1783
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
September 3, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ends the Revolutionary War
Great Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States in the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolutionary War. The peace provides the immediate national backdrop to George Washington's September 1784 visit to Bruceton Mills already recorded on this timeline.
United States and Great Britain
Context source: National Archives, Treaty of Paris (1783)
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1787
John Stough establishes an early settlement at future Aurora
Preston County Economic Development Authority history traces Aurora's first Euro-American settlement to the Reverend John Stough at the summit of Cheat Mountain in 1787. The community was later known as Salem and Mount Carmel before taking the name Aurora.
Aurora
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Aurora”
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentCaptured · not verified
July 25, 1792
First recorded petition seeks a separate county east of Laurel Hill
Morton reports that a petition dated July 25, 1792, asked Virginia to form a new county from the part of Monongalia County east of Laurel Hill; it carried 235 signatures.
Preston area / Laurel Hill
Research notes
Where found: Morton, A History of Preston County, vol. I, ch. X, p. 90 (printed page)
The Virginia General Assembly created Preston County from the eastern portion of Monongalia County. The county was named for James Patton Preston, then governor of Virginia, and Kingwood became the county seat.
Preston County / Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Preston County History Master Timeline; e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “Preston County”
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentCaptured · not verified
1818
Preston's first county court meets at William Price's tavern
After the county was created, Morton says the first court met at William Price's house in Kingwood, while John S. Roberts's store became the temporary Old Red Courthouse.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. X, p. 97 and ch. XXIV, p. 216 (printed pages)
Transportation & InfrastructureCaptured · not verified
1818
The National Road opens near northern Preston County
Morton says the National Road opened to the public in 1818 and passed about three miles north of Preston, stimulating traffic and trade around Grant and Brandonville.
Grant / Brandonville area
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIII, p. 204 (printed page)
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
January 12, 1826
Kingwood's town limits are extended
Morton cites an Act of Assembly dated January 12, 1826, extending Kingwood to include an addition laid out by William Price, William Sigler, and Charles Payne.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIV, p. 216 (printed page)
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1827
Jonathan Brandon lays out Brandonville
Local community history says Colonel Jonathan Brandon laid out the town in 1827 and gave Brandonville its name. This town-layout date predates the Virginia incorporation acts recorded for 1837 and 1858.
Brandonville
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Brandonville”
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentCaptured · not verified
1828
A strip of Randolph County is transferred to Preston
Morton reports that the first of two transfers from Randolph County to Preston occurred in 1828, adding territory that included part of the later Union and Aurora area.
Eastern Preston County / Randolph County boundary
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. X, p. 98 (printed page)
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1832
Kingwood has 29 households in Morton's reconstructed town survey
Morton's reconstruction of Kingwood in 1832 counts 29 households and describes a courthouse-centered village of tradespeople, merchants, tavern keepers, and county officers.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIV, pp. 217–220 (printed pages)
Lottery authorized to fund a road from the Pennsylvania state line to the Northwestern Turnpike
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing a lottery to fund the construction of a road from the Pennsylvania state line to intersect the Northwestern Turnpike at the Tygart's Valley River in Preston County, under the direction of the following commissioners: Harrison Hagans, Benjamin Shaw, John Rodeheaver, Buckner Fairfax, Thomas Magee, Jr., and William B. Zinn.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Evansville is established on James Evans's property
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act establishing the town of Evansville on the property of James Evans, adjoining the lands of John Wilkins and Hugh Evans in Preston County, governed by the following trustees: Hugh Evans, Henry Walters, John Wilkins, Benjamin Leach, and James Evans.
Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Altered the route of the Northwestern Turnpike Road so it would pass through the town of Evansville
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act altering the route of the Northwestern Turnpike Road so it would pass through the town of Evansville, Preston County.
Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Authorized the survey for a road from the Maryland state line near Smithfield, PA, to Brandonville
The Virginia General Assembly adopted a joint resolution authorizing the survey for a road from the Maryland state line near Smithfield, PA, to Brandonville in Preston County, to intersect the Northwestern Turnpike at or west of Evansville.
Brandonville / Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Road survey directed from the German Settlement to Leading Creek
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act directing the survey for a road from the Northwestern Turnpike at the German settlement in Preston County to a point on Leading Creek in Randolph County.
German Settlement
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Provided for the construction of a road from the Ohio River at the mouth of Fishing Creek in Tyler County, to Morgantown, to Brandonville
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act providing for the construction of a road from the Ohio River at the mouth of Fishing Creek in Tyler County, to Morgantown, to Brandonville in Preston County, to the Maryland state line, under the superintendence of the following directors: Presly Martin of Tyler County; Thomas P. Ray and Richard Watts of Monongalia County; and Harrison Hagan of Preston County.
Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Brandonville, Kingwood and Evansville Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Pennsylvania state line in Preston County, to Brandonville and Kingwood, to a point on the Northwestern Turnpike at or near Evansville. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: in Brandonville, under Harrison Hagan, John Scott, and Samuel Rodehaver; in Kingwood, under Elisha M. Hagan, Israel Baldwin, and Thomas McGee; and at Evansville, under Wick Johnson, John Wilkins, and William K. Smith.
Kingwood / Brandonville / Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Preston Mining and Manufacturing Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Mining and Manufacturing Company by H. R. Roby and unnamed stockholders. The company's purpose was to mine and manufacture iron and steel and other minerals in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Cheat River Mining, Lumber, Salt and Iron Company by Harrison Hagan, Elisha M. Hagan, and Buckner Fairfax. The company's purpose was to mine and manufacture iron, salt, and other minerals in Preston County.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Further work on the Fishing Creek–Morgantown–Brandonville road authorized
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act further providing for the completion of the road from the Ohio River at the mouth of Fishing Creek in Tyler County, to Morgantown, to Brandonville in Preston County, to the Pennsylvania state line.
Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Board of Public Works authorized to survey a road from a point near the German Settlement to Kingwood
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing the Board of Public Works to survey a road from a point at or near the German Settlement in Preston County, to Kingwood, to a point on the Morgantown and Beverly road east of Laurel Hill.
German Settlement / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Provided for the construction of a road from Brandonville, to Kingwood, to intersect the Northwestern…
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act providing for the construction of a road from Brandonville, to Kingwood, to intersect the Northwestern Turnpike near Evansville, all in Preston County, under the superintendence of the following directors: Harrison Hagan, Israel Baldwin, and Benjamin Jeffers.
Kingwood / Brandonville / Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Provided for the completion of the road from the mouth of Fishing Creek in Tyler County, to Morgantown, to…
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act providing for the completion of the road from the mouth of Fishing Creek in Tyler County, to Morgantown, to Brandonville in Preston County, to the Pennsylvania state line.
Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Railroad, Lumber, and Mineral Company by the following: Caspar W. Weaver, Zalmon Ludington, Harrison Hagans, Elisha M. Hagans, and Buckner Fairfax. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad around the falls of Cheat River, improve the navigation of the Cheat River below its falls, and mine and manufacture iron, other metals, and lumber, all in Preston County.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
January 2, 1841
Preston Academy at Kingwood incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Academy at Kingwood, Preston County, directed by the following trustees: Elisha M. Hagans, Izrael Baldwin, Thomas Brown, Solomon P. Herndon, William Sigler, John P. Byrne, John Magee, John R. Stone, William Elliott, Buckner Fairfax, William Brown, and William B. Zinn.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentCaptured · not verified
1841
Morton reports a triangular boundary transfer from Monongalia to Preston
Morton describes a triangular tract being transferred from Monongalia County to Preston in 1841. This appears to conflict with an existing inbox summary and needs act-level reconciliation.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. X, pp. 98–99 (printed pages)
Joint resolution directs a road survey from Morgantown through Kingwood to the Northwestern Turnpike
The Virginia General Assembly adopted a joint resolution directing the Board of Public Works to survey a road from Morgantown, to Kingwood in Preston County, to intersect the Northwestern Turnpike at or near the German Settlement in Preston County.
German Settlement / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Monongalia Iron Company by the following: Evan T. Ellicott, Andrew Ellicott, and Elias Ellicott. The company's purpose was to manufacture iron and other articles in Monongalia County and Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Preston Navigation and Manufacturing Company incorporated for the purpose of making Cheat River navigable
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Navigation and Manufacturing Company for the purpose of making Cheat River navigable for boats and rafts from Ice's Ferry to the Horseshoe Bottom, and to manufacture iron and lumber. Subscription books were opened in Preston County under the direction of the following commissioners: John Ambler, Gustavus Cresap, J. G. Ambler, James Averill, D. C. Ambler, and Buckner Fairfax.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Evansville Literary Society of Preston County incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Evansville Literary Society of Preston County by the following: A. Barbee, J. Howard, James Morrison, Moses J. Robinett, E. E. Menshall, D. S. Stuart, John J. Hamilton, Charles Byrne, and Julius C. Kemble.
Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Cheat River Tollbridge Company incorporated to construct a toll bridge across the Cheat River
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Cheat River Tollbridge Company to construct a toll bridge across the Cheat River where it crossed the Brandonville, Kingwood, and Evansville Road. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: in Brandonville, Preston County, under Harrison Hagans, James Hetherington, and Asahel C. Leach; and in Kingwood, Preston County, under Israel Baldwin, Thomas Brown, Elisha M. Hagans, John P. Burns, and Gustavus Cresap.
Cheat River / Kingwood / Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Cheat River Navigation Company to improve navigation on the Cheat River. Subscription books were opened at Ice's Ferry in Monongalia County and at Kingwood in Preston County, under the direction of the following commissioners: Evan T. Ellicott, John Rude, Seth Stafford, Jacob Baker, Elisha M. Hagans, Buckner Fairfax, Israel Baldwin, and John Ambler.
Cheat River / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Kingwood and West Union Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike Company to construct a turnpike road from at or near the town of West Union on the Northwestern Turnpike Road to Kingwood in Preston County, to a point on the Beverly Road west of Laurel Hill in the direction of Morgantown. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: at German Settlement, Preston County, under Jacob Stertsman, John Shaver, and William H. Grimes; in Kingwood, under Buckner Fairfax, E. M. Hagans, and Israel Baldwin; and in Morgantown, under Edgar C. Wilson, Alexander Hayes, and William Lazier.
German Settlement / Kingwood / West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
April 1, 1848
Authorized the sale of property in Preston County with proceeds directed to a school in West Union
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing the sale of property in Preston County with proceeds directed to a school in West Union, Preston County.
West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Established separate polling places in Preston County, in Wheeling, and at Laurel Point in Monongalia County
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act establishing separate polling places in Preston County, in Wheeling, and at Laurel Point in Monongalia County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The original Kingwood Tunnel is bored near Tunnelton
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad crews began boring the original Kingwood Tunnel near present-day Tunnelton late in 1849 and completed the 4,137-foot bore late in 1852. Excavation advanced from both portals and six additional headings reached through three shafts. It was the longest tunnel in the country when completed, though more work was needed before track could be laid.
Kingwood Tunnel / Tunnelton
Related historical photograph
Kingwood Tunnel photographs, Historic American Engineering Record
The gallery documents the tunnel but does not depict its 1849–1852 construction.
Extension of the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike authorized from Kingwood in Preston County to Morgantown
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing the extension of the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike from Kingwood in Preston County to Morgantown.
Kingwood / West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Spruce Run Manufacturing Company by the following: William F. Deakins, F. W. Deakins, John Ambler, and I. G. Ambler. The company's purpose was to manufacture cotton, wool, and other articles in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Leading Creek and Buffalo Creek Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Leading Creek and Buffalo Creek Turnpike Company to construct a road from a point on the Beverly and Fairmont Turnpike Road near Leading Creek Bridge, to Leading Creek Valley, to the mouth of Clover Run on Cheat River, to the Buffalo Creek Valley, to the Northwestern Turnpike Road and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near its crossing of Cheat River in Preston County. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: at William Ewing's, under William Ewing, William Harper, William Marsh, Francis Tolbert, and T. M. Purington; in Beverly, Randolph County, under David Blackman, Eli Butcher, William Faris, and Garrison Stalnaker; and in Kingwood, Preston County, under Elisha M. Hagans, Israel Baldwin, Thomas Brown, and Charles Hooton.
Cheat River / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The original Tray Run Viaduct is constructed near Rowlesburg
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad constructed the original Tray Run Viaduct on the Cheat River Grade near Rowlesburg in 1851–1852. Designed by Albert Fink, the 445-foot structure combined a massive stone base with a cast-iron trestle. Its pioneering design became an important step in the development of iron railroad bridges and later metal-frame construction.
Rowlesburg
Related historical photograph
View on Cheat River Grade at the Tray Run Iron and Stone Viaduct, 1857 illustration
Morgantown and Independence Railroad Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Morgantown and Independence Railroad Company to construct a railroad from the Pennsylvania state line at or near the mouth of Cheat River, to Morgantown, to intersect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at or east of Independence in Preston County. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: in Morgantown, under John Hanaway, William Lazier, Nicholas Pickenpaugh, and James Evans; and in Kingwood, under William G. Brown, John P. Byrne, Elisha M. Hagan, and John A. Dilly.
Cheat River / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The B&O line reaches Wheeling one year after Cheat River
Morton says the railroad reached Wheeling exactly one year after track reached Cheat River, completing the route through Preston County to the Ohio River.
Preston County / Wheeling
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIII, p. 208 (printed page)
Wiley says the settlement was called “88” in 1852, Simpson's Water Station in 1853, and Newburg in 1854, tracing how the railroad stop acquired its lasting name.
Newburg
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 493–494
Cranberry Summit and Brandonville Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Cranberry Summit and Brandonville Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Cranberry Summit on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to intersect the Maryland and Ohio Turnpike at Brandonville, all in Preston County. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: at Cranberry Summit, under William B. Crane, James Hays, E. M. Hagan, and James C. McGrew; at Jacob Guseman's store on Muddy Creek, under Jacob Guseman, Joseph Miller, and Jacob Crane; and at Brandonville, under Harrison Hagan, A. C. Leach, Jacob Fike, and Joseph Ritenhour.
Cranberry Summit / Brandonville / Muddy Creek
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Gnatty Creek and West Union Turnpike Company incorporated
the Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Gnatty Creek and West Union Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Clarksburg Road and Buckhannon Turnpike at or near the mouth of Gnatty Creek, to Philippi in Barbour County, crossing the Cheat River at the mouth of Clover Run in Randolph County, to West Union in Preston County. Subscription books were opened at William Ewin's in Randolph County under the direction of the following commissioners: William Ewin, Solomon Parsons, Jacob Sturm, John N. Hall, and John C. Ratcliff.
Cheat River / West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act establishing a branch of the Bank of Virginia, the Farmers Bank of Virginia, the Bank of the Valley, the Exchange Bank of Virginia, the Northwestern Bank of Virginia, or the Merchants and Mechanics Bank of Wheeling in Kingwood, Preston County.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Election authorized on moving the Preston County seat from Kingwood to the Cheat River suspension bridge
the Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing an election to determine whether the Preston County seat should remain in Kingwood or be moved to the east end of the wire suspension bridge across Cheat River.
Cheat River / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Wiley reports that an Easter Sunday track spread about half a mile west of Rowlesburg sent two passenger cars roughly sixty feet down an embankment, killing nine people and wounding four. Robert Murray was among the dead.
Rowlesburg
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 514–515
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act incorporating the town of Bruceton, Preston County, governed by the following commissioners: A. J. Bell, N. R. Harding, and Charles Kanter.
Bruceton Mills
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Pleasant Valley and Tunnelton Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Pleasant Valley and Tunnelton Turnpike Company to construct a road from at or near Ice's Ferry across Cheat River on the Maryland and Fishing Creek Turnpike, to the Pleasant Valley meeting house in Preston County between the property of James Reed and David C. Miles, by Zinn's Mills, to the Tunnelton Station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: Samuel Graham, Mahlin Hartley, Thomas Watson, David C. Miles, James Reed, Peter M. Heartley, Lemuel B. Menear, Robert Freeburne, Aquilla A. Fortney, David M. Riley, Buckner Fortney, Godfrey G. Murdock, John Weaver, Henry Le Bosquet, Caleb Coun, James C. McGrew, John Bowers, William N. Jarret, and William B. Weaver.
Cheat River / Tunnelton
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Fellowsville Mining and Manufacturing Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Fellowsville Mining and Manufacturing Company by the following: Sylvanus Heermans, Joseph Fellows, and Zeno Albro. The company's purpose was to mine and manufacture mineral, vegetable, and animal substances in Preston County, Barbour County, Randolph County, and Taylor County.
Fellowsville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Doddridge and Preston Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Doddridge and Preston Turnpike Company to construct a road from the Salem and Harrisville Turnpike in Doddridge County, to West Milford in Harrison County, to Evansville in Preston County. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following commissioners: at the house of Amaziah Bee in Doddridge County, under Amaziah Bee, Franklin Maxwell, Jeptha F. Randolph, Allison Barnet, and Ephraim Bee; in West Milford, under E. W. Patton, James Boring, A. S. Holden, A. M. Austin, and Morgan Ross, and in Evansville, under Moses J. Robinett, Julius C. Kemble, Hiram B. Hanshaw, John B. Young, and Samuel Evans.
Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1853
The railroad community that becomes Terra Alta takes shape
Local community history dates Terra Alta's founding to 1853 as a settlement grew at the high point of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Known during its early history as Cranberry or Cranberry Summit, the community was incorporated as Portland in 1860.
Cranberry Summit / Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Terra Alta”
Wiley attributes an early West Virginia coal shipment to Newburg
Wiley says Lawrence Henry shipped a car of coal from Newburg after the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad arrived and calls it the first car of coal shipped from West Virginia. The statewide “first” claim needs independent confirmation.
Newburg
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 499–500
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Coal and Iron Company by the following: Frederick Pentz, Samuel L. Mitchell, William Kensen, John C. Ernenpietsch, and John W. Whitlock. The company's purpose was to mine coal and other minerals, and to manufacture and transport iron in Hampshire County, Hardy County, and Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Rowlesburg Lumber and Iron Company by the following: Owen D. Downey, Thomas C. Williams, John A. Lloyd, Charles Finley, and Charles M. Bishop. The company's purpose was to mine coal and other minerals and to manufacture iron, lumber, and other products in Preston County.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentCaptured · not verified
1856–1857
Kingwood constructs a larger courthouse after a county-seat crisis
Morton describes a 1856 effort to move the county seat to Albright or Burchinal Town; James C. McGrew then organized construction of a new Kingwood courthouse, with building underway the following spring.
Kingwood / Albright / Burchinal Town
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIV, p. 222 (printed page)
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1856
Masontown is laid out and platted
County and town histories date Masontown's layout and platting to 1856. The community was named for William Mason, a pioneer merchant identified by the town as its founder and first postmaster.
Masontown
Research notes
Where found: Oren F. Morton, A History of Preston County; Town of Masontown, “About Us”
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Virginia Coal and Iron Company by the following: John M. Pancake, Joseph C. Pancake, E. M. Armstrong, and William A. Vance. The company's purpose was to mine coal and manufacture and transport iron, coal, lumber, and other mineral and vegetable articles in Hampshire County, Hardy County, Tucker County, and Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Laurel Iron and Coal Company by the following: Meredith Clymer, John W. Seymour, and Rudolph C. Winterhoff. The company's purpose was to mine and transport coal, and manufacture and transport iron in Monongalia County and Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Where found: WV Memory Timeline records for March 13, 1837, and February 24, 1858
Industry & ManufacturingVerified to source
February 27, 1858
Authorized the Rowlesburg Lumber and Iron Company to purchase property in Preston County
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing the Rowlesburg Lumber and Iron Company, with its main office in Preston County, to purchase and own 30,000 acres of property in Preston County, Tucker County, and Randolph County.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Horseshoe and Pheasant Run Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Horseshoe and Pheasant Run Turnpike Company to construct a road from Chisholm's mills in Preston County, to the head of the Horseshoe Run in Tucker County, to Samuel Rudolph's, to George Parsons', up Cheat River to the mouth of Pheasant Run, to the head of Pheasant Run, to the Beverly and Buffalo Turnpike at John S. Hart's. Subscription books were opened in St. George, Tucker County, under Rufus Maxwell, George Parsons, William R. Parsons, Job Parsons, and James Long.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Airey Lodge No. 131 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Rowlesburg, Preston County by the following: A. L. Hooton, William Hall, Thomas Owens, and Russell Finnell.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Woodlawn Coal and Iron Company by the following: W. Tyler Duvall, John M. Holmes, Gustavus Cresap, J. Pindall Cresap, and Robert E. Cowan. The company's purpose was to mine coal and manufacture iron in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Masontown and Independence Turnpike Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Masontown and Independence Turnpike Company to construct a road from Masontown, to Springdale, to the Pennsylvania, Morgantown, and Beverly Turnpike Road in the direction of Independence about two miles west of Three Fork, all in Preston County. Subscription books were opened in Independence, Preston County, under the direction of the following commissioners: John Howard, Samuel Rodgers, Jacob Weaver, George D. Zinn, and Philip Manear.
Masontown
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
March 24, 1858
Sons of Temperance in Rowlesburg incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly incorporated a Sons of Temperance organization in Rowlesburg, showing that organized local temperance work had reached Preston County decades before either West Virginia or the nation enacted prohibition. The incorporators were William Hull, Albert L. Hooten, Charles M. Bishop, William Graham, and John H. Borice.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston Bank of Virginia in Kingwood, Preston County by the following: James C. McGrew, William G. Brown, Gustavus Cresap, Abner Ravenscraft, John A. Dille, Harrison Hagans, Henry Smith, Henry Startzman, William H. Grimes, and John J. Brown.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1858
James C. McGrew begins developing Tunnelton
Local community history says James C. McGrew acquired the land and established a store and large tannery in 1858, helping form the settlement known as Tunnelton. The community took its name from its location at the eastern end of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Kingwood Tunnel.
Tunnelton
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Tunnelton”
The June Frost of 1859 Devastates Preston County Crops
Wiley says a heavy frost fell Saturday night and was visible Sunday morning, destroying wheat. Farmers replanted large fields in buckwheat, corn, and potatoes. Wiley's errata changes “June 3” to “June 4,” supporting the night of June 4–5.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, p. 61 and errata
Illuminating oil made from cannel coal near Fellowsville
Wiley reports that several barrels of illuminating oil were manufactured from cannel coal near Fellowsville. The operation stopped during the Civil War and was later abandoned after cheaper petroleum became available; the works subsequently burned.
Fellowsville / Sandy Creek
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 518–519
Preston Bank of Virginia renamed the Bank of Preston
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act amending the incorporation of the Preston Bank of Virginia at Kingwood, Preston County, so as to change its name to the Bank of Preston. Subscription books were opened in Kingwood under the direction of the following commissioners: James C. McGrew, William G. Brown, Henry Startzman, Gustavus Cresap, John A. Dille, Eugene G. Brandon, Harrison Hagans, John H. Hoffman, William B. Crane, David Stemple, Jr., Isaac Startzman, Julius C. Kemble, Hezekiah Pell, John Feather, Thomas Brown, and Charles M. Bishop.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Great Falls Iron and Manufacturing Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Great Falls Iron and Manufacturing Company by the following: Harrison Hagans, William Hagans, and George M. Hagans. The company's purpose was to mine and manufacture iron and other minerals in Preston County and Taylor County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Preston and Augusta Railroad Company to construct a railroad from near Portland in Preston County on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to connect with the Virginia Central Railroad at or near Staunton in Augusta County. Source: Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Old Dominion Mining and Manufacturing Company incorporated
The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Old Dominion Mining and Manufacturing Company by George A. Hamill and Israel Robinson. The company's purpose was to mine coal and iron ore and manufacture iron, coal, oil, candles in Preston County. Subscription books were opened at an unidentified location under the direction of the following commissioners: George A. Hamill, Israel Robinson, Magnus T. Snodgrass, Francis H. Grupy, and William B. Hill. Source: Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Kingwood convention calls for separation and loyalty to the Union
A county convention at Kingwood adopted resolutions favoring separation from seceding Virginia, affirming loyalty to the Union, and choosing delegates for the May 13 Wheeling meeting.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XV, p. 147 (printed page)
Captain Kirk's volunteers receive a flag at Pleasant Valley church
Morton records a flag presentation to Captain Kirk's volunteers at Pleasant Valley church between Masontown and Reedsville before the company was mustered at Baltimore.
Pleasant Valley / Masontown / Reedsville
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XV, p. 148 (printed page)
The Reorganized Government of Virginia elected additional officials: Secretary of the Commonwealth L
The Reorganized Government of Virginia elected additional officials: Secretary of the Commonwealth L. A. Hagans of Preston County; Auditor of Public Accounts Samuel Crane of Randolph County; Treasurer Campbell Tarr of Brooke County; United State Senators John S. Carlile and Waitman T. Willey; and House of Representatives members William G. Brown, Jacob B. Blair, and Kellian V. Whaley.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Commissioners appointed by the West Virginia Constitutional Convention arrived in Washington, D
Commissioners appointed by the West Virginia Constitutional Convention arrived in Washington, D. C. with a petition requesting the creation of the state of West Virginia. The commissioners were John Hall of Mason County, James Paxton of Ohio County, Elbert H. Caldwell of Marshall County, Peter G. Van Winkle of Wood County, and Ephraim B. Hall of Marion County, accompanied by Harrison Hagans of Preston County, Granville Parker of Cabell County, and Daniel Polsley of Mason County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Franklin Furnace tram or railroad link to the B&O authorized
The Reorganized Government of Virginia General Assembly passed an act authorizing Charles H. Kimball, Trustee, to construct a tram or railroad from Franklin Furnace to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Rowlesburg successfully defended during the Jones-Imboden Raid
Confederate forces under Brig. Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones attacked Rowlesburg in an effort to destroy the strategically important Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridges and viaducts. About 250 Union troops under Maj. John H. Showalter, joined by local townsmen called from church, repelled the attack and preserved the rail line known as "Lincoln's Lifeline."
Jones-Imboden raiders damage the B&O at Newburg and Independence
Morton says Confederate troops passed Fellowsville and Evansville, tore up track, burned bridges near Newburg and Independence, and camped at Gladesville.
Raiders damage the Albright bridge and enter Kingwood
In Morton's day-by-day sequence, Confederate troops cut cables on the Albright suspension bridge, entered Kingwood, and continued through Reedsville toward Morgantown.
Albright / Kingwood / Reedsville
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XV, p. 151 (printed page)
West Virginia entered the Union, placing Preston County within the new state rather than Virginia. Preston was among the Virginia counties incorporated into West Virginia at statehood.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: Preston County History Master Timeline; National Archives, “West Virginia Statehood”
The West Virginia Legislature authorized the heirs of the late David Albright to establish a ferry
The West Virginia Legislature authorized the heirs of the late David Albright to establish a ferry across the Cheat River near Albright, Preston County.
Cheat River / Albright
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
First United States House of Representatives members from West Virginia
Unionist Jacob Beeson Blair of Wood County, Unionist William Gay Brown of Preston County, and Unionist Kellian V. Whaley of Cabell County became the first United States House of Representatives members from West Virginia.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
West Virginia Central Railway Company incorporated
The West Virginia Central Railway Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: James H. Brown; Frederick Walker; John Slack, Sr.; Sydney M. Campbell; John R. McCutchen; Ellis Hyre; William Waggy; John Bowyer; William H. Shaw; Stephen Comstock; John Gilmore; J. P. B. R. Smith; Matthew Geary; Henry G. Chapman; G. Parker; Thomas J. Farnsworth; David S. Haselden; O. B. Loudin; Cyrus Kittle; Isaac Baker; Waldo P. Goff; Luther Haymond; L. E. Davidson; Harmon Sinsel; Jesse Teter; Peter Zinn; Spencer Dayton; William B. Crane; James W. Brown; Reuben Morris; Smith Crane; James H. Manown; Joseph Brown; William G. Brown; William B. Zinn; Elisha M. Hagans; Marcellus B. Hagans; Harrison Hagans; William Hagans; William Frey; Henry C. Hagans; Joseph H. Gibson; I. M. Harshbarger; Thomas Scott; Isaac McGrew; John Harrader; Harrison Spurgin; W. Cuppett; Jesse Spurgin; Samuel Fike; Joseph N. Miller; Samuel E. Crane; Simon Cameron; Thomas A. Scott; Francis H. Pierpont; Lucian A. Hagans; M. A. Sanner; H. L. Holbrook; John Hanna; Moses A. Ross; J. D. Roddy; W. J. Baer; and J. Weller. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad from the Pennsylvania state line in Preston County through Brandonville, through Taylor County, through Buckhannon in Upshur County, to Charleston, to Point Pleasant, Mason County.
Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The West Virginia Gas Coal company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: James Kane, John Standish, Thomas G. McCulloh, Nelson Beall, and Frank A. Mason, all of Frostburg, MD. The company's purpose was to mine coal, iron, and other extractive minerals and to manufacture lumber at Rowlesburg, Preston County.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Franklin Iron and Coal Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: George Hardman as attorney for Nancy Hardman of Preston County; R. Richason Walker of Brooklyn, NY; John W. Jenkins, William Prescott Smith of Baltimore; and Samuel P. Hildreth of Wheeling. The company's main office was at Franklin Iron Works in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Tunnelton Coal Company of Preston County, West Virginia incorporated
The Tunnelton Coal Company of Preston County, West Virginia was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: John S. Barry, Allen A. Chapman, Hiram Woods, Jr., Abraham B. Patterson, John F. Ehlen of Baltimore; and Charles H. Hamill of Alleghany County, MD. The company's main office was in Baltimore.
Tunnelton
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Business, Banking & CommerceCaptured · not verified
November 14, 1865
The Bank of Kingwood begins business
Morton calls the Bank of Kingwood Preston's pioneer bank and says it was organized in 1865 with $100,000 paid-up capital, William G. Brown as president, and James C. McGrew as cashier. Wiley gives the opening date as November 14, 1865.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIV, p. 221; Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 466–467
Kingwood Gas Coal and Iron Company, Preston County, incorporated
The Kingwood Gas Coal and Iron Company, Preston County, was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: William S. Rayner, James L. Sutton of Baltimore; Peter W. Sheafer, William Kendrick, Peter D. Luther of Pottsville, PA; Edward Jessop, Henry Kauffelt, Arthur B. Farquhar of York, PA; Cornelius Slack and James B. Thomas of Mount Savage, MD. The company's main office was in Baltimore.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Preston County Journal was published in Kingwood. Wiley dates its first issue to May 19, 1866, names Levi Mauser as founder, and describes it as the county's first Republican and sixth newspaper.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Where found: WV Memory Timeline search: Preston; Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 467–468
Coal / Coke / MiningCaptured · not verified
June 1866
Austen coal mines open
Wiley dates the opening of the Austen coal mines to June 1866. He says they operated until December 1876, reopened in April 1877, and had seventy-three coke ovens by the time of his writing.
Austen
Related historical photograph
Tipple and Ovens at Austen Coal of Coke Company, Austen, W. Va., circa 1908
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act incorporating Newburg. Wiley's county-history chapter agrees with February 12, 1868, while his later district chapter gives May 4, 1868—possibly an organization or election date, or an error.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Where found: WV Memory Timeline search: Preston; Wiley, History of Preston County, ch. IX and p. 493
RailroadsVerified to source
June 9, 1868
Railroad linking Franklin Iron Works to the B&O near Raccoon Creek authorized
The governor approved an act authorizing George Hardman and D. Randolph Martin to locate and construct a railroad from the Franklin Iron Works in Preston County to a point on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near the mouth of Raccoon Creek in the same county.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Republican James C. McGrew of Preston County defeated Democrat William G. Brown by a margin of 9,147 to 6,517 in the Second District
Republican William E. Stevenson was elected governor, defeating Democratic-Conservative Johnson N. Camden by only 5,098 votes, despite the fact former Confederates were not allowed to vote. Camden carried the city of Parkersburg, the hometown of both candidates, by a wide margin. In Congressional elections on the same day, Republican J. H. Duval of Brooke County defeated Democrat H. S. Walker by a margin of 11,569 to 10,729 in the First District; Republican James C. McGrew of Preston County defeated Democrat William G. Brown by a margin of 9,147 to 6,517 in the Second District; and Republican John S. Witcher of Cabell County defeated Democrat Charles P. T. Moore by a margin of 6,215 to 4,806 in the Third District.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The West Virginia Insurance Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: D. D. T. Farnsworth of Buckhannon, Upshur County; W. E. Stevenson of Wood County; I. H. Duval of Brooke County; Thomas Boggess, J. M. McWhorter of Roane County; H. C. McWhorter of Kanawha County; D. H. K. Dix of Putnam County; W. B. Crane, Francis Heermans of Preston County; Jonathan Rowley, P. B. Dobbins, John H. Charnock of Ohio County; W. R. White of Marion County; George Koonce, David Billmyer of Jefferson County; and Thayer Melvin of Hancock County. The company's main office was in Wheeling.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Randolph, Tucker and Preston Turnpike Company incorporated
The Randolph, Tucker and Preston Turnpike Company was incorporated in West Virginia to construct a road from New Interest in Randolph County to Holly Meadows in Tucker County, to West Union or Chisholm's Mills in Preston County. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following: in Randolph County, under David Blackman, Archibald Wilmoth, and Elam Hart; in Tucker County, under Jacob H. Long, David B. Hart, Jesse Parsons, William Evans, and William Ewin; in Preston County, under A. D. Weills, Summers McCrum, and Isaac Startzman.
West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Republican Isaac Harden Duvall of Brooke County, Republican James C
Republican Isaac Harden Duvall of Brooke County, Republican James C. McGrew of Preston County, and Republican John S. Witcher of Cabell County replaced all three incumbents as United States House of Representatives members from West Virginia. Former Governor Republican Arthur I. Boreman succeeded Peter G. Van Winkle as United States Senator.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Preston County courthouse in Kingwood was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours. Nearly all county records accumulated since the county's formation were lost.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Preston County History Master Timeline; Preston County Clerk; Gregg v. State, 3 W. Va. 705 (1869)
Preston County Building and Loan Association incorporated
The Preston County Building and Loan Association was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Solomon L. Allen, Alfred Boogher, J. M. Allen, Dr. W. F. Vankirk, John A. Lovenstine, Rev. W. R. Sibbet, and John W. Deck, all of Newburg, PA. The company's main office was in Newburg.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Cheat River Lumbering and Manufacturing Company incorporated
The Cheat River Lumbering and Manufacturing Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Albert Lee, Adam H. Bowman, William W. Shoch, Moses Casseday, James A. Gregg, Lewis May, Alexander R. Stewart, Winfield W. Gribble, and Jesse J. Fries, all of Rowlesburg, Preston County. The company's operations and main office were at Rowlesburg.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The First Mutual Store of Newburg was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: William Hubbard, John H. Henry, Eli T. Nine, Benjamin F. Talbott, and J. M. Allen, all of Newburg, Preston County. The company's purpose was to establish a store from which to sell dry goods and groceries.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Preston County replaces its burned courthouse in Kingwood
After the March 1869 courthouse fire, McCafferty, Smalley & Menear constructed a new two-story brick courthouse in Kingwood for $11,000. Completed in 1870, it served the county until it was torn down in 1933 for construction of the present courthouse.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
Courthouse and Soldiers Monument at Kingwood, Preston County, W. Va., ca. 1908
Where found: Judge Lawrance S. Miller Jr., History of the Preston County Courthouse; National Register nomination, Kingwood Historic District, Section 8, p. 33
The Cheat River Boom and Lumber Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Henry G. Davis, Charles M. Bishop, T. B. Davis, Charles Hooton, and W. R. Davis. The company's purpose was establish a lumber business on the Cheat River near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridge, Preston County.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Preston County Herald begins publication in Kingwood
The Preston County Herald began publication in Kingwood in 1870. It was renamed the West Virginia Argus in 1877 and operated from the Bishop Building until 1945.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
West Virginia Argus Members, Kingwood, Preston County, W. Va., 1890
The photograph dates to 1890, after the newspaper adopted the West Virginia Argus name in 1877.
Where found: Library of Congress, West Virginia Argus (LCCN sn86092245); National Register nomination, Kingwood Historic District, Section 8, pp. 29–30
Iron Valley and Pennsylvania Line Railroad incorporated
The Iron Valley and Pennsylvania Line Railroad was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Andrew Stuart, Sebastian Rush, Levi Fike of Pennsylvania; D. R. Martin, W. W. Wharton of New York; John Heradar, George Manst, Thomas Scott, Charles Cantner, H. C. Hagans, Joseph Feather, John D. Rigg, David Morgan, Joseph H. Gibson, James W. Brown, William Albright, Charles E. Brown, Francis Hermans, William G. Brown, James C. McGrew, Smith Crane, James H. Carroll, William B. Zinn, Joseph Guseman, Reason A. Pell, George Hardman, Robert W. Monroe, George Orr, S. L. Allen, J. R. Smoot, and Joseph Jackson of West Virginia. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad from the Pennsylvania state line near Big Sandy Creek to Brandonville, Bruceton Mills, Muddy Creek Furance, Valley of Green's Run near Kingwood, Martin's Iron Works, to intersect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad east of the mouth of Raccoon Creek, all in Preston County.
Bruceton Mills / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Iron Valley Railroad extension through Morgantown to the Pennsylvania line authorized
The governor approved an act authorizing the extension of the Iron Valley Railroad from Franklin Iron Works or Iron Dale in Preston County, to Morgantown to the Pennsylvania state line, Monongalia County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
State act provides for replacing Preston's lost county records
After the courthouse fire destroyed public records, the West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing a process to supply and re-establish Preston County's lost records.
Preston County / Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 204–207
The Parkersburg Coal Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Edmond P. Chancellor, John W. Curtis, William N. Chancellor, Marcus C. C. Church, Lewis N. Logan, M. M. Clements, Charles H. Shattuck, Mathew Campbell of Parkersburg; Chapman J. Stuart of West Union, Doddridge County; Andrew S. Core of Ellenboro, Ritchie County; Ferdinand Y. Horner of Williamsburg, WV; George Hardman of Independence, Preston County; William Marbury of Volcano, Wood County; and Benjamin Wilson of Wilsonburg, Harrison County.
West Union
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Preliminary survey for the Iron Valley and Pennsylvania Line Railroad authorized
The governor approved an act authorizing a preliminary survey of the Iron Valley and Pennsylvania Line Railroad from Preston County to connect the Pittsburgh, Washington and Baltimore Railroad with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Newburg Loan Association was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: James R. Smoot, Thomas M. Clayton, John E. Stuck, John A. Perrill, George W. Barnes, and John A. Vanzdant, all of Newburg, Preston County.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Health, Environment & DisastersCaptured · not verified
1875 or 1876 — conflicting dates in Wiley
Smallpox outbreak at Clifton Mills
Wiley's main chapter dates the outbreak to 1875 and reports more than forty cases; his appendix dates it to 1876 and reports forty cases with three deaths. The conflict should remain visible until resolved.
Clifton Mills
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 375–376 and 525
Transportation & InfrastructureCaptured · not verified
April 1877 — exact day to verify
Windstorm destroys the Albrightsville bridge
Wiley reports that a windstorm destroyed the Cheat River bridge at Albrightsville, but prints “Monday, April 18, 1877.” April 18, 1877 was a Wednesday, so the exact day requires verification.
Albrightsville / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 228–230
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsCaptured · not verified
September 25, 1877
Preston Institute and Library Association organized
Wiley records the organization of the Preston Institute and Library Association at Fellowsville, a useful lead for local education, reading culture, and civic institution building.
Fellowsville
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 516–517
The West Virginia Legislature passed acts establishing a county court for Preston County and a county court…
The West Virginia Legislature passed acts establishing a county court for Preston County and a county court and board of commissioners for Pendleton County. They were approved by the governor on March 7.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Body of an unidentified peddler discovered near Cranberry
Barnabas Dewitt found a badly decomposed body about forty yards from the Kingwood–Cranberry pike. Wiley describes a note signed “John Fictious,” skull injuries, and suspicious circumstances, but does not establish the man's identity or a murder as fact.
Near Cranberry / Kingwood–Cranberry road
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 418–419
Hendrick's Patent Expansion Wheel Company incorporated
The Hendrick's Patent Expansion Wheel Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: A. C. Drawbaugh, A. C. Hendricks, C. L. Barnhart of Duffields, Jefferson County; Dr. S. M. Scott of Preston County; and A. R. Scott of Champaign City, IL. The company's purpose was to manufacture and sell the patent expansion wheel, patented by A. C. Hendricks, at Duffields, Jefferson County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Alleghany Land, Lumber and Boom Company incorporated
The Alleghany Land, Lumber and Boom Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Samuel P. Brown, Charles C. Huntley, Nathaniel Wilson, Chapin Brown of Washington, D. C.; and Adam H. Bowman of Rowlesburg, Preston County. The company's purpose was to operate a lumber business on the Cheat River and its tributaries in Preston County, Tucker County, and Randolph County; with booms, saw mills, lumber yards, etc., at or near Rowlesburg in Preston County, at or near the Cheat Bridge five miles above Rowlesburg, and at or near the falls on the Black Fork of the Cheat River about twelve miles above the mouth of the fork in Tucker County. The company's main office was in Washington, D. C.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Rowlesburg Boom and Water Power Company incorporated
The Rowlesburg Boom and Water Power Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: John H. Rice, John Lynch, Jr., Joseph Lockey, J. H. Herron of Washington, D. C.; and Paul Stevens of Camden, ME. The company's purpose was to establish a lumber business and mills on the Cheat River at or near Rowlesburg, Preston County, with its main office at Rowlesburg.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Wiley reports that the Rowlesburg mill formerly associated with the Rowlesburg Lumber & Iron Company, and later with Lynch, Winslow & Company, was destroyed by fire.
Rowlesburg
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 512–515
Alice Rector killed in a railroad collision at Thornton
Wiley records the death of Alice Rector in a railroad collision at Thornton, a lead for reconstructing local railroad safety and the people affected by wrecks.
Thornton
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 433–434
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act changing the name of the town of Portland to Cranberry, Preston County. It was approved by the governor on January 19.
Cranberry / Terra Alta
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsCaptured · not verified
January 15, 1882
Kingwood Literary and Library Association organized
Wiley records the organization of the Kingwood Literary and Library Association, names its first officers, and says its collection began with about forty volumes.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Wiley, History of Preston County, pp. 467–468
Act passed authorizing the formation of corporations for the purpose of constructing booms or dams
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act authorizing the formation of corporations for the purpose of constructing booms or dams in the following counties: Mineral County, Pocahontas County, Gilmer County, Greenbrier County, Summers County, Raleigh County, Fayette County, Nicholas County, Webster County, Lewis County, Wetzel County, Jackson County, Wyoming County, Tucker County, Preston County, McDowell County, Randolph County, Mercer County, and Logan County. It was approved by the governor on February 15.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Kingwood and Cranberry Telegraph Company incorporated
The Kingwood and Cranberry Telegraph Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: William G. Brown, Jr., Robert W. Monroe, Smith Crane, J. Ami Martin, William M. O. Dawson, John M. Crane, Neil J. Fortney of Kingwood, Preston County; S. Fuller Crane of Parkersburg; John P. Jones, S. Frank Riley, William H. Glover, Marshall W. Crane, Charles W. Jackson, John W. Hardesty, Ezra D. Benson, and A. Staley Shaw of Cranberry,
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Buffalo Creek Boom and Dam Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: John P. Jones, Scott T. Jones, William T. White, Burbridge Fraley of Cranberry, Preston County; and William Bell of Rowlesburg, Preston County. The company's purpose was to operate a lumber business at or near the mouth of Buffalo Creek at Cheat River in Preston County, with its main office at Cranberry.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Grafton and Greenbrier Telegraph Company incorporated
The Grafton and Greenbrier Telegraph Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Augustus G. Davis, James B. Yeakle of Baltimore; John T. McGraw, John W. Mason, and John S. S. Herr of Grafton, Taylor County. The company's purpose was to install telegraph and telephone lines from a point on the Pennsylvania state line in Monongalia County, through Marion County or Preston County, to Grafton in Taylor County, through Barbour County, through Randolph County, through Pocahontas County, to a point on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in Greenbrier County. The company's main office was in Grafton.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Canaan Boom and Lumber Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: M. E. Howe, Adam H. Bowman, E. B. Stone of Rowlesburg, Preston County; William L. Boughner of Fairmont, Marion County; and Adam C. Minear of St. George, Tucker County. The company's purpose was to operate booms or dams and lumber business on the Black Fork or Blackwater River of the Cheat River in Canaan, Tucker County, at or near the mouth of Beaver prong of Black Fork at or near the Five Birches, with its main office at Rowlesburg, Preston County.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Haddix, Shafter's Fork and Black Fork Boom and Lumber Company incorporated
The Haddix, Shafter's Fork and Black Fork Boom and Lumber Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: M. E. Howe, E. B. Stone of Rowlesburg, Preston County; J. D. Howe of Howesville, WV; George Hayes of Philadelphia; and C. Stockham, Jr., of Camden, NJ. The company's purpose was to construct booms or dams across the Shafer's Fork of Cheat River in Tucker County with one mile of the mouth of Haddix Creek, and across the Black Fork of Cheat River within two miles of the confluence of the Little Black Fork and Dry Fork. The company's main office was at St. George, Tucker County.
Cheat River / Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Hulings Lumber Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Marcus Hulings, William J. Hulings, Noah F. Clark, John E. Butler, George W. Darr of Oil City, PA; and William B. Maxwell of St. George, Tucker County. The company's purpose was to operate lumber mills in Monongalia County, Preston County, Tucker County, and Randolph County, with booms or dams across Cheat River within two miles below the mouth of Shafer's Fork in Tucker County and at other points on Cheat River and its tributaries. The company's main office was at Oil City, PA, with a branch at St. George, Tucker County.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
June 26, 1885
Union Cemetery Association of Grant District incorporated
The Union Cemetery Association of Grant District was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Jeremiah Guthrie, David K. Harshbarger, David Frankhouse, Jonas Frankhouser, and Lindley H. Frankhouser, all of Brandonville, Preston County. The association's purpose was to establish a cemetery in the vicinity of Brandonville.
Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Stockholders of the Buffalo Creek Boom and Dam Company elect to dissolve their company
In a meeting at their main office at Terra Alta, Preston County, stockholders of the Buffalo Creek Boom and Dam Company elected to dissolve their company. The president was Scott T. Jones.
Terra Alta
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Pittsburgh and Preston County Railroad Company incorporated
The Pittsburgh and Preston County Railroad Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Charles Kantner, William S. Armstrong, George H. Armstrong, Sanford K. Scott, Joseph W. Michael, Samuel T. Darby, Andrew Spindler, William H. Miller, and John H. Feather, all of Preston County. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad from the Pennsylvania state line near the residence of Jonas Haust in Grant District down Big Sandy Creek through Clifton Mills, Brandonville, and Bruceton through Grant District, Pleasant District, and Portland District to intersect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at a point east of Cheat River and west of the Maryland state line, all in Preston County. The company's main office was at Bruceton.
Clifton Mills / Cheat River / Bruceton Mills
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Bank of Kingwood was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Smith Crane, John M. Crane, Frances Herrmans, Charles McBishop, William G. Brown, James H. Carroll, James W. Parks, Julia E. Byrne, M. Ella Morris, Marcellus H. Murdock, John s. Murdock, Samuel Snider, Louisa Stone, James C. McGrew of Kingwood, Preston County; James H. Manown of Weston, Lewis County; Martin L. Shaffer of Tunnelton, Preston County; and Samuel McGrew of Brandonville, Preston County.
Kingwood / Tunnelton / Brandonville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Newburgh Orrell Coal and Coke Company incorporated
The Newburgh Orrell Coal and Coke Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: C. Morton Stewart of Stevenson, MD; Otho H. Williams, Richard M. McSherry, Charles O'Donnell Lee, John Stewart, James L. McLane, Alfred Jenkins, Josiah Lee Johnson, Charles Mackal of Baltimore; and James A. Gary of Howard County, MD. The company's purpose was to mine, manufacture, and sell coal, iron ore, fire clay, and limestone, with its main office at Newburgh, Preston County.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
May 3, 1887
West Virginia–Maryland boundary from the Fairfax Stone to Pennsylvania confirmed
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act confirming and establishing the boundary between West Virginia and Maryland from the Fairfax Stone to the Pennsylvania state line in Preston County. It was approved by the governor on May 6.
Fairfax Stone
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Newburg Live Stock Insurance Association incorporated
The Newburg Live Stock Insurance Association was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: J. R. Smoot, U. N. Orr, T. F. Lanham, John A. Clark, and H. B. Scranage, all of Newburg, Preston County. The association's main office was at Newburg.
Newburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The West End Coke Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Arnold J. Bonafield, William H. Watkins of Tunnelton, Preston County; John N. Baker of Evansville, WV; Melker M. Jeffreys and John W. Mason of Grafton, Taylor County. The company's purpose was to mine, manufacture, and sell coal and fire clay, with its main office at Tunnelton, Preston County.
Tunnelton / Evansville
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Preston Telegraph Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: J. M. Chidester, William S. Armstrong, E. J. Bowermaster, T. W. King, J. S. Needrow, U. S. Bryte, John H. Keather, Joseph Feather, S. F. Conner, Jesse E. McGibbons, Annie E. Armstrong, Kate Armstrong, Lizzie E. Chidester of Bruceton Mills, Preston County; H. C. Hagans, R. B. Wadell of Brandonville, Preston County; J. A. Lenhart of Valley Point, Preston County; and L. M. Albright of Kingwood, Preston County. The company's purpose was to install magnetic telegraph of telephone lines from Kingwood to Albrightsville, Valley Point, Bruceton Mills, and Brandonville, all in Preston County, with its main office at Kingwood.
Bruceton Mills / Valley Point
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
After prolonged heavy rain, the Cheat River surged through Rowlesburg. Contemporary reports said 17 houses, a sawmill, a planing mill, and an iron Baltimore & Ohio railroad bridge were washed away; five families lost everything, and damage at Rowlesburg was estimated at $125,000. Federal records place the flood peak at Rowlesburg on July 10, with an estimated discharge of 71,000 cubic feet per second.
Rowlesburg / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Data West Virginia; The Kanabec County Times, July 19, 1888; Spirit of Jefferson, July 20, 1888
West Virginia voters reject an early prohibition amendment
After years of temperance organizing, an attempt to place statewide prohibition in the West Virginia Constitution failed at the polls. The defeat shows that the state's eventual prohibition law emerged from a long and contested campaign rather than appearing suddenly in the twentieth century.
West Virginia
Context source: e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “Prohibition”
Where found: e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “Prohibition”
1889
Industry & ManufacturingVerified to source
February 20, 1889
Act authorizing the incorporation of companies to establish lumber businesses with booms and dams on rivers
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act authorizing the incorporation of companies to establish lumber businesses with booms and dams on rivers or creeks in the following counties: Gilmer County; Greenbrier County; Summers County; Raleigh County; Fayette County; Mineral County; Pocahontas County; Pleasants County; Nicholas County; Webster County; Lewis County; Wetzel County; Jackson County; Wyoming County; Tucker County; Preston County; McDowell County; Randolph County; Barbour County; Mercer County; Logan County; Calhoun County; Braxton County; Cabell Counby; Boone County; Upshur County; Monroe County; Wood County; Ritchie County; and Kanawha County, except the Elk River and its tributaries in the county. Both houses passed the act over the veto of the governor.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
West Virginia and Pennsylvania Railway Company incorporated
The West Virginia and Pennsylvania Railway Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: George W. L. Marshall of Philadelphia; William M. O. Dawson, Niel J. Fortney, B. M. Squires, and P. J. Crogan, all of Preston County. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad from at or near Rowlesburg, along the east side of Cheat River by the mouth of Muddy Creek, to Bruce, Brandonville, and Clifton Mills, up Big Sandy Creek to the Pennsylvania state line at or near Jones Mausts, all in Preston County. The company's main office was at Kingwood, Preston County.
Clifton Mills / Cheat River / Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Horse Shoe Lumber and Boom Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: S. Hinkle of Weston, Lewis County; J. A. Hostetter, D. N. Shaffer of Rowlesburg, Preston County; J. M. Macomber of Macomber Post Office, Preston County; and S. Eberly of Mechanicsburg, PA. The company's purpose was to operate booms and dams on Horse Shoe Run about three miles from St. George, Tucker County, with its main office at Rowlesburg.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
February 7, 1890
Arbitrators requested to settle the West Virginia–Maryland boundary dispute
The West Virginia Legislature adopted a joint resolution requesting the governors of West Virginia and Maryland to appoint arbitrators to determine the dispute boundary between the two states in Preston County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Agriculture, Foodways & Rural LifeVerified to source
April 10, 1890
Terra Alta Creamery Company incorporated
The Terra Alta Creamery Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: George A. Mayer, D. E. Foreman, A. J. Elliott, W. T. White, John M. Freeland, John D. Rigg, Parley DeBerry, John C. Mayer, Joseph M. Matheny, C. C. Crane, Offutt and Lakin, E. J. Miller, E. D. Benson, and D. W. Hardesty, all of Terra Alta, Preston County. The company's purpose was to manufacture butter and other milk products, with its main office in Terra Alta.
Terra Alta
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The H. G. Davis Coal Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: H. G. Davis, Harry G. Buxton, Robert F. Bopst of Piedmont, Mineral County; T. B. Davis of Keyser, Mineral County; R. M. G. Brown of Kingwood, Preston County; and F. S. Landstreet of Davis, Tucker County. The company's purpose was to mine, manufacture, and sell coal, and to construct necessary railways, with its main office in Piedmont.
Kingwood
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Deweing Boom and Improvement Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: W. S. Dewing, Charles A. Dewing, James H. Dewing, Jane A. Dewing, and James H. Mills, all of Kalamazoo, MI. The company's purpose was to operate booms and dams on the Cheat River and the Shavers Fork of Cheat River in Randolph County, Tucker County, and Preston County, and to improve the two rivers, with its main office in Beverly, Randolph County.
Cheat River
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Harmon, Parsons and Rowlesburgh Railroad Company incorporated
The Harmon, Parsons and Rowlesburgh Railroad Company was incorporated in West Virginia by the following: Charles H. Barritt, James Goodfellow, Julius B. Price, Jr., William H. Smith of Philadelphia County; and Charles G. Mayhew of Wayne, PA. The company's purpose was to construct a railroad from at or near Harmon in Randolph County to a point at or near Rowlesburg in Preston County, with its main office in Parsons, Tucker County.
Rowlesburg
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The town's official history says the community was incorporated by circuit court as Terra Alta in 1890. The municipal milestone followed its earlier identities as Cranberry Summit, Portland, and Cranberry.
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified to source
March 13, 1891
Governor authorized to defend West Virginia in the Maryland boundary case before the U.S. Supreme Court
The West Virginia Legislature adopted a joint resolution authorizing the governor to defend and protect the interests of the state in the lawsuit brought by the state of Maryland to the United States Supreme Court concerning the true boundary between Preston County in West Virginia and Garrett County in Maryland from the Fairfax Stone northward to the Pennsylvania state line.
Fairfax Stone
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Business owners and community leaders secured a charter for the Terra Alta Bank on October 21, 1891, establishing Preston County's second bank and the first to serve the eastern part of the county. Directors were elected on November 13, and the bank opened in temporary quarters in May 1892.
Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Terra Alta Bank (1997), section 8, p. 2; Charles A. Thomas, Preston County (1998), p. 57
The Terra Alta Bank opens its permanent brick building
The permanent Terra Alta Bank building opened in October 1893 after construction began the previous year. The three-story Italianate commercial building at East Washington and Latrobe streets was constructed by Gakes Brothers and Sharp and became one of downtown Terra Alta's largest structures.
Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Terra Alta Bank (1997), section 8, p. 2; Charles A. Thomas, Preston County (1998), p. 57
Eighty coal miners at the Preston County mines of the Austin Coke and Works went on strike
Eighty coal miners at the Preston County mines of the Austin Coke and Works went on strike, demanding an increase in wages. They returned to work at the former rate on August 17.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Eighty striking miners at Austin Coke and Works return at their former wages
Eighty coal miners at the Preston County mines of the Austin Coke and Works returned to work at the former wages. They had been on strike since, August 10, demanding higher wages.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Frank L. Street opened Street's Store in Masontown in 1898 after local farmers encouraged and helped him get started. The fourth-generation family business began as a feed store and later expanded into lumber and general merchandise.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
February 20, 1899
Established the independent school district of Terra Alta, Preston County
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing the independent school district of Terra Alta, Preston County. It was approved by the governor on February 24.
Terra Alta
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
One hundred and seventy-five coal miners at the Tunnelton Mine in Preston County went on strike, demanding an increase in wages. They returned to work at their former wages with a two-week pay period on May 4.
Tunnelton
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
175 Tunnelton miners return to work at their former wages
One hundred and seventy-five coal miners at the Tunnelton Mine in Preston County returned to work at their former wages with a two-week pay period. They had been on strike since April 22, demanding a wage increase.
Tunnelton
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Track laying begins on the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad
James J. Brown reports that track laying for the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad began in fall 1899. By the end of 1900, twelve miles of standard-gauge, single-track railroad had been completed from Morgantown to Cascade.
Morgantown / Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 3
1901
Labor & Working LifeVerified to source
December 8, 1901
Forty coal miners in Preston County went on strike for 12 days over the method of mining
Forty coal miners in Preston County went on strike for 12 days over the method of mining.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad reaches Masontown
Brown reports that the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad reached Masontown in 1902, extending the growing line into this Preston County community.
Masontown
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 4
1903
RailroadsCaptured · not verified
September 1903
The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad reaches Bretz
Brown dates the arrival of the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad at Bretz to September 1903, carrying the line farther along the Deckers Creek Valley.
Bretz
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 4
1904
Labor & Working LifeVerified to source
January 22, 1904
One hundred coal miners in Preston County went on strike for 24 days over frequency of payment
One hundred coal miners in Preston County went on strike for 24 days over frequency of payment.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The Town of Masontown's official history dates its incorporation by circuit court to 1905. The legal milestone came nearly half a century after the community was laid out and platted in 1856.
The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad reaches Kingwood
Brown reports that the railroad from Bretz to Kingwood was completed by March 1906. The M&K was then making two daily trips between Morgantown and Kingwood.
Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 4
Coal / Coke / MiningVerified to source
1906
Construction begins on the Bretz beehive coke ovens
After acquiring the town of Bretz and its adjacent coal mine from the West Virginia Coal Company in 1906, the Elkins Coal & Coke Company began constructing a bank of 400 beehive coke ovens.
Bretz
Research notes
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District (1978), section 8, p. 3; West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, National Historic Landmarks
Local community history dates Reedsville's incorporation to 1906. The town was named for James Reed, who owned much of the land on which the community developed.
Reedsville
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Reedsville”
The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad reaches Rowlesburg
Brown reports that the M&K extension to Rowlesburg was completed in July 1907, bringing the railroad to a total of 47.9 miles of standard-gauge track, in addition to its yard and siding tracks.
Rowlesburg
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 4
Coal / Coke / MiningVerified to source
1907
Bretz coke ovens enter full production
The Elkins Coal & Coke Company's Bretz plant entered full production in 1907. The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad connected the operation with its principal customer, the Maryland Steel Company plant and shipyard at Sparrows Point near Baltimore.
Bretz
Related historical photograph
1974 view of the Bretz coke ovens in operation
This 1974 photograph illustrates the ovens in operation; it does not depict the beginning of full production in 1907.
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District (1978), section 8, p. 3; e-WV, “Bretz Coke Ovens”
West Virginia acquired approximately 195 acres along the Cheat River in Portland District for use as a permanent military training ground. The installation was named Camp Dawson in honor of Preston County native William M. O. Dawson, who served as governor from 1905 to 1909. It became the West Virginia National Guard’s primary training site.
Camp Dawson / Kingwood / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia Argus, July 1, 1909, p. 2; e-WV, “Camp Dawson”
Culture, Media & CommunicationsCaptured · not verified
June 9, 1909
Oak Park opens beside the M&K Railroad in Masontown
Oak Park opened to the public in Masontown on June 9, 1909. Brown describes its entrance as facing the railroad tracks and says the amusement park generated excursion traffic for the M&K, including trains arriving from as far away as Pittsburgh.
Masontown
Related historical photograph
Oak Park beside the M&K Railroad (date unknown)
This undated photograph illustrates Oak Park beside the railroad tracks; it is not identified as a photograph of the park’s 1909 opening day.
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 4
1910
RailroadsCaptured · not verified
August 26, 1910
Work begins on the new Kingwood railroad tunnel
Morton dates the start of work on the new double-track Kingwood Tunnel to August 26, 1910; the project cost about $1.5 million.
Kingwood Tunnel / Tunnelton
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIII, p. 213 (printed page)
Morton reports that a hard-fought 1910 campaign and popular vote to relocate the county seat to Terra Alta ended with Kingwood retaining it by a narrow margin.
Kingwood / Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: Morton, vol. I, ch. XXIV, p. 222 (printed page)
WV Legislature passed an act to establish a state tuberculosis sanitarium
The West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing a state tuberculosis sanitarium. It was approved by the governor on February 18. The sanitarium was built at Hopemont (Preston County).
Hopemont
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
William G. Brown Jr. of Preston County joins West Virginia’s U.S. House delegation
Democrats John W. Davis of Harrison County, William G. Brown, Jr., of Preston County, Adam B. Littlepage of Kanawha County, and John M. Hamilton of Calhoun County joined Republican James A. Hughes as United States House of Representatives members from West Virginia. Democrat William E. Chilton of Kanawha County succeeded Republican Nathan B. Scott as United States Senator from West Virginia.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
West Virginia voters approve statewide prohibition
West Virginia voters ratified a constitutional amendment prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor. The successful vote followed decades of temperance organizing and set statewide prohibition to begin on July 1, 1914.
West Virginia
Context source: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, amendment history
Where found: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, amendment history
Transportation & InfrastructureVerified to source
1912
Bull Run (Jenkinsburg) Bridge is built over the Cheat River
The Canton Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, constructed the steel bridge near the small logging community of Jenkinsburg. Carrying County Route 14/4 across the Cheat River, it is a 10-panel, pin-connected Pennsylvania through-truss with a 220-foot main span and an overall length of about 224 feet.
Jenkinsburg / Bull Run / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia Land Trust, Jenkinsburg Recreation & Natural Area; HistoricBridges.org; Bridges & Tunnels
The Yost Law establishes West Virginia's prohibition system
The West Virginia Legislature enacted the Yost Law to enforce the newly approved state prohibition amendment. The law created a Department of Prohibition and built the legal machinery that would affect liquor shipments, raids, arrests, and court cases across the state.
West Virginia
Context source: West Virginia University Libraries, New Research on Prohibition in West Virginia
Where found: West Virginia University Libraries, New Research on Prohibition in West Virginia
1914
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
July 1, 1914
Statewide prohibition begins in West Virginia
West Virginia's constitutional prohibition amendment took effect, making the state dry nearly six years before national Prohibition. This state law provides the immediate legal background for Preston County liquor prosecutions, illicit distilling, shipments, raids, and newspaper reports from 1914 onward.
West Virginia
Context source: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, Article VI, Section 46 editor's note
Where found: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, Article VI, Section 46 editor's note
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
July 28, 1914
World War I begins in Europe
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, beginning a conflict that spread across Europe and beyond. Although the United States remained neutral until 1917, news of the war already formed part of the world Preston County residents encountered in newspapers, correspondence, markets, and migration.
World
Context source: U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1914 Supplement
Where found: U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1914 Supplement
Communities & Town DevelopmentCaptured · not verified
1914
Albright is incorporated and takes its present name
Local community history dates Albright's incorporation to 1914 and says the town was named for prominent landowner David Albright. The municipal date marks the modern town, while settlement in the surrounding Cheat River area reaches back to the Revolutionary era and nearby Butler's Fort.
Albright
Research notes
Where found: Preston County Economic Development Authority, “Albright”
Preston County produced over a million tons of coal
McDowell, Fayette, Marion, Logan, Kanawha, Harrison, and Raleigh counties each produced over 5 million tons of coal, and Mercer, Mingo, Preston, Tucker, Barbour, and Taylor counties eached produced over a million tons.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
U.S. Representative William G. Brown Jr. of Preston County dies
United States Representative William G. Brown, Jr., of Preston County died. He was succeded in Congress by Republican George M. Bowers of Berkeley County.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
The United States declared war on Germany. Military registration, enlistment, bond drives, wartime production, and casualty notices soon brought the conflict into the daily lives and family records of Preston County residents.
United States
Context source: National Archives, World War I Records of American Involvement
Where found: National Archives, World War I Records of American Involvement
1918
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
Fall 1918
The influenza pandemic reaches its deadliest American wave
A severe fall wave of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic swept across the United States while the country was still at war. Illness, quarantine notices, disrupted schools and gatherings, and sudden deaths in local records belong to this much larger public-health crisis.
World and United States
Context source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, History of the 1918 Flu Pandemic
Where found: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, History of the 1918 Flu Pandemic
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
November 11, 1918
The World War I armistice ends the fighting
The armistice took effect at eleven o'clock on November 11, ending the fighting on the Western Front. For Preston County families, the date framed celebrations, homecomings, veterans' lives, and grief for those who did not return.
World and United States
Context source: National Archives, World War I Records of American Involvement
Where found: National Archives, World War I Records of American Involvement
1919
RailroadsCaptured · not verified
October 1919
The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad is sold to the B&O
Brown reports that the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad retained its name until it was sold to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in October 1919. He notes that control by Stephen Elkins was not completely relinquished until January 1, 1922.
Morgantown / Preston County
Research notes
Where found: James J. Brown, “The Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad,” Proceedings and Papers of the Monongalia Historical Society, no. 8 (December 2010), p. 5
1920
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
January 17, 1920
National Prohibition takes effect—but West Virginia was already dry
The Eighteenth Amendment extended prohibition nationwide, but this was not the beginning in West Virginia: the state had already prohibited alcohol since July 1, 1914. Federal law added another enforcement layer to Preston County moonshine cases, liquor raids, court proceedings, and newspaper reports.
United States
Context source: National Archives, The Constitution: Amendments 11–27
Where found: National Archives, The Constitution: Amendments 11–27
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
August 18, 1920
The Nineteenth Amendment is ratified
Ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment prohibited denying the right to vote on account of sex. The change reshaped voter registration, elections, civic participation, and the public records in which Preston County women appear.
United States
Context source: National Archives, 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women's Right to Vote
Where found: National Archives, 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women's Right to Vote
1921
Courts, Crime & JusticeVerified
August 16, 1921
Bank robbers are confronted at Bruceton Mills
Four men fleeing a bank robbery near Morgantown were confronted at Bruceton Mills; two were shot and the others were later captured. The robbery itself did not occur at a Bruceton Mills bank.
Bruceton Mills
Related historical photograph
Photograph taken immediately after the confrontation
Where found: Preston County History Master Timeline; West Virginia History OnView, identifier 053394
1922
Politics & ElectionsVerified to source
1922
Izetta Jewell Brown ran for a seat in the United States Senate.
Izetta Jewell Brown, a former actress from Washington, District of Colombia, and wife of Preston County Congressman, ran for a seat in the United States Senate. She was the first woman to run for the Senate south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Kingwood High School was constructed in 1922 in the Neo-Colonial Revival style. Morgantown architect Francis J. Simmons designed the building, which later housed Central Preston Senior High School and Central Preston Middle School.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
Central Preston Sr. High School, Preston County, W. Va., ca. 1975–1985
This later photograph shows the building during its subsequent use as Central Preston Senior High School.
The stock market crash becomes a symbol of the Great Depression
The market collapse of October 1929 became the defining symbol of a much broader economic breakdown. In Preston County, the Depression provides context for bank restrictions, unemployment, mine and railroad contraction, farm hardship, migration, and the search for relief work.
United States and world
Context source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Great Depression Facts
Where found: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, Great Depression Facts
1930
Culture, Media & CommunicationsVerified to source
1930
Oak Park closes
Oak Park closed its gates in 1930. e-WV attributes the park’s decline to the growing popularity of automobile travel, the weakening rail and coal industries, and the onset of the Great Depression. Peggy Ross’s 1994 Goldenseal article preserves an eyewitness recollection that the park likely closed around 1929, when the Bretz mine and the powerhouse supplying Oak Park shut down.
Bretz / Masontown
Research notes
Where found: Brad Martin, “Oak Park,” e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, last revised February 8, 2024; Peggy Ross, “Echoes of Things Past: Preston County’s Oak Park,” Goldenseal, vol. 20, no. 2 (Summer 1994), pp. 46–52
The Terra Alta Bank operated under depositors' agreements and State Banking Commission restrictions from December 5, 1931, through January 16, 1936. Federal deposit insurance protected deposits up to $5,000 beginning in October 1933, helping it remain the only bank in Preston County to stay solvent through the Great Depression.
Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Terra Alta Bank (1997), section 8, p. 3
The Civilian Conservation Corps became one of the New Deal's earliest work-relief programs, employing young men on conservation and public-land projects. CCC enrollment, camp life, wages sent home, and completed projects can help explain Preston County family and community records from the Depression years.
United States
Context source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, FDR's First 100 Days
Where found: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, FDR's First 100 Days
Communities & Town DevelopmentVerified to source
October 1933
Federal government purchases the land that becomes Arthurdale
After Eleanor Roosevelt visited depression-stricken coal communities in northern West Virginia, the federal government purchased Richard Arthur's 1,200-acre Preston County farm. The site became Arthurdale, the first federally planned subsistence-homestead community built under the New Deal; 165 homes followed between 1934 and 1937.
Arthurdale
Research notes
Where found: e-WV, “Arthurdale”; Arthurdale Heritage, “History of Arthurdale”
National Prohibition is repealed—but West Virginia's ban remains
Ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment ended national Prohibition and the federal framework behind many liquor prosecutions and raids. West Virginia, however, still had its own constitutional prohibition amendment; state voters would repeal it the following year.
United States
Context source: National Archives, The Constitution: Amendments 11–27
Where found: National Archives, The Constitution: Amendments 11–27
1934
County Formation, Boundaries & GovernmentVerified
August 25, 1934
Preston County dedicates its present courthouse
Preston County dedicated its present Art Deco courthouse in Kingwood after an all-day program on August 25, 1934. The sandstone building cost $113,500.90, and former Kingwood attorney John Barton Payne delivered the dedication address.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
Preston County Courthouse, Kingwood, W. Va., 1967
The photograph dates to 1967, more than three decades after the courthouse was dedicated.
Where found: Judge Lawrance S. Miller Jr., History of the Preston County Courthouse; National Register nomination, Kingwood Historic District, Section 7, p. 9 and Section 8, p. 31
Arthurdale's racial exclusion influences Eleanor Roosevelt's civil-rights work
Arthurdale's first homesteaders were selected without African American families. When Eleanor Roosevelt tried to support an integrated colony, local resistance blocked the effort. The episode exposed racial inequity inside the New Deal and helped move Roosevelt toward a more public civil-rights role, including a January 1934 White House meeting with Black leaders.
Arthurdale
Research notes
Where found: National Park Service, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, “Walter White” and “Black Civil Rights Leaders and the Roosevelts”
West Virginia voters repeal the state's prohibition amendment
West Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment ending the state's separate prohibition mandate. The vote completed the legal transition begun by national repeal and allowed the state to replace absolute prohibition with a regulated system of alcohol control.
West Virginia
Context source: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, amendment history
Where found: West Virginia Legislature, Constitution of West Virginia, amendment history
1935
Labor & Working LifeVerified to source
July 15, 1935
CCC Camp Opens Near Caddell
A Civilian Conservation Corps camp began on Preston County Country Club property at Caddell, near present-day Camp Dawson. First known as Camp Fairfax and later as Camp Preston, it was fully operating by September. Its planned work included roads on Caddell Mountain, forest cleanup, and a telegraph line; the camp became the predecessor of Camp Rhododendron.
Caddell / Camp Dawson / Kingwood area
Related historical photograph
Civilian Conservation Corps Boys in Camp Preston, Kingwood, W. Va. — West Virginia History OnView 031779 (date unknown)
This undated photograph shows unidentified Camp Preston members; it is not identified as a photograph of the camp’s July 15, 1935 opening.
The Social Security Act created old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and several forms of public assistance. It also generated records—such as Social Security applications—that can preserve birthplaces, parents' names, employers, and identities for Preston County family research.
United States
Context source: National Archives, Social Security Act (1935)
Where found: National Archives, Social Security Act (1935)
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
1935
Arthurdale opens an experimental progressive school
A new school was constructed at Arthurdale in 1935 under educator Elsie Ripley Clapp. Its progressive curriculum emphasized hands-on learning, handicrafts, manual arts, agriculture, and practical community life alongside academic study.
Arthurdale
Research notes
Where found: e-WV, “Arthurdale”; National Park Service, “Arthurdale: A New Deal Community Experiment”
WPA Historical Records Survey Preserves Preston County Records
As part of a statewide public-records survey funded by the Works Progress Administration, workers gathered and copied records from Preston County and every other West Virginia county. The surviving collection includes birth, marriage, and death registers; wills and estate settlements; land and court records; cemetery readings; and surveys of church records—preserving information that remains valuable to historians and family researchers.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia and Regional History Center, U.S. Works Progress Administration, West Virginia Historic Records Survey, Records, A&M 0046
During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration constructed concrete sidewalks along several Kingwood streets. Work began on Beverly Street in 1935, continued on Price Street and Brown Avenue in 1937, and reached High Street in 1940. Surviving examples are reminders of the federal work-relief program’s lasting influence on the town’s streetscape.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
High Street, Kingwood, W. Va. — West Virginia History OnView 043812 (date unknown)
This undated postcard shows one of the streets later associated with Kingwood’s WPA sidewalk work; it is not identified as a photograph of the WPA project or its construction.
CCC Crews Begin Developing Coopers Rock State Forest
Following the state’s purchase of the forest land in March, 45 Civilian Conservation Corps men established a tent camp at the old Keefover Homestead while another 90 men traveled daily from Camp Preston. By June they had opened a rough but passable route from West Virginia Route 73. Camp Rhododendron crews went on to build roads, trails, picnic shelters, staff buildings, stonework, and the overlook and walkway during the CCC era.
Coopers Rock State Forest / Preston–Monongalia border
Related historical photograph
Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Rhododendron members — West Virginia History OnView 031660 (date unknown)
This undated photograph shows three Camp Rhododendron members beside the Company 3527 sign; it is not identified as a photograph from May 18, 1936.
WPA-Assisted Survey Maps Preston County’s Roads and Communities
The State Road Commission of West Virginia prepared a detailed Preston County highway map in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads and with assistance from the Works Progress Administration. Based on a statewide highway-planning survey, the map recorded roads, bridges, railroads, streams, communities, schools, churches, mines, businesses, farms, forests, and other features of the county’s landscape.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia and Regional History Center, County Highway Maps for West Virginia, A&M 4479
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
May 27, 1938
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses Arthurdale graduates
President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Arthurdale and delivered the high school's commencement address on May 27, 1938. The occasion is remembered as the only high-school commencement address of his presidency, placing the small Preston County community on a national stage.
Arthurdale
Research notes
Where found: FDR Presidential Library speech file 1135; American Presidency Project; West Virginia History OnView 005249; Arthurdale Heritage
Preston County holds its first Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood
From October 13 through 15, 1938, Kingwood hosted the first Preston County Buckwheat Festival, an end-of-harvest homecoming organized by the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department with local civic groups. Activities on the courthouse’s east lawn included crop exhibits, horse trading, a farmers’ auction, community contests, and the crowning of the festival’s first king and queen.
Kingwood
Related historical photograph
King and queen of the first Buckwheat Festival, 1938
Where found: Preston County Buckwheat Festival commemorative plaque, erected 1991; official festival history; Theresa Marthey, WV News, September 16, 2019; Golden Harvest (1991), p. 2
Germany's invasion of Poland began World War II in Europe. Before the United States formally entered the conflict, Preston County residents encountered the growing war through newspapers, radio, defense preparations, military enlistment, and concern for relatives overseas.
World
Context source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, World War II Dates and Timeline
Where found: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, World War II Dates and Timeline
1941
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
December 7–8, 1941
Pearl Harbor brings the United States into World War II
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, and Congress declared war the following day. The shift quickly affected Preston County through enlistment and the draft, rationing, war production, bond drives, military correspondence, and casualty notices.
United States and world
Context source: National Archives, Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan
Where found: National Archives, Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan
1945
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
May 8, 1945
Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the war in Europe
Germany's surrender took effect on May 8. For Preston County families with service members in Europe, V-E Day brought celebration and relief, but also grief, uncertainty, and—in some cases—continued military service while the Pacific war remained unfinished.
World and United States
Context source: National Archives, Surrender of Germany (1945)
Where found: National Archives, Surrender of Germany (1945)
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
September 2, 1945
Japan's formal surrender ends World War II
Japanese representatives signed the formal Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri. The war's end began a long transition of homecomings, demobilization, veterans' benefits, memorialization, and family adjustment in communities including those across Preston County.
World and United States
Context source: National Archives, Surrender of Japan (1945)
Melvin C. Snyder of Preston County joins West Virginia’s U.S. House delegation
Republicans Francis J. Love of Ohio County, Melvin C. Snyder of Preston County, and E. G. Rohrbough of Gilmer County joined Republican Hubert S. Ellis, and Democrats John Kee and E. H. Hedrick as United States House of Representatives members from West Virginia.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Federal government sells Arthurdale homes and community buildings
In 1947, the federal government liquidated its remaining Arthurdale holdings and sold the homes and community buildings to homesteaders, ending the community's federal-project phase while the settlement itself continued.
North Korean forces invaded South Korea, and the United States soon entered the conflict under United Nations command. Draft notices, enlistments, service records, casualties, and veterans' experiences connected Preston County families to a war fought far from home.
World and United States
Context source: National Archives, US Enters the Korean Conflict
Where found: National Archives, US Enters the Korean Conflict
1953
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
July 27, 1953
The Korean Armistice halts the fighting
The Korean Armistice Agreement brought active hostilities to a halt without creating a permanent peace treaty. For local veterans and their families, the date marked the end of combat but not necessarily the end of military service or the consequences of war.
World and United States
Context source: National Archives, Korean Armistice Agreement (1953)
Where found: National Archives, Korean Armistice Agreement (1953)
RailroadsVerified to source
1953
Passenger service ends on the former M&K branch
Passenger service on the former Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad ended in 1953. The route remained in use for freight, carrying coal, limestone, and other industrial traffic under Baltimore & Ohio operation.
Morgantown / Rowlesburg
Research notes
Where found: WVNC Rails, “Morgantown and Kingwood Railroad,” history and operational notes
The arrival of 3,500 U.S. Marines at Da Nang marked a major expansion of American combat involvement in Vietnam. The era shaped draft records, military service, protest, correspondence, obituaries, and veterans' lives within Preston County families.
United States and world
Context source: National Archives, Remembering Vietnam, Episode 5: America Goes to War
Where found: National Archives, Remembering Vietnam, Episode 5: America Goes to War
1969
Culture, Media & CommunicationsVerified to source
November 28, 1969
An Earth Satellite Station, one of only four in the country, went into operation at Etam, Preston County
An Earth Satellite Station, one of only four in the country, went into operation at Etam, Preston County to transmit telephone calls from around the world.
Etam
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
B&O seeks to abandon the Reedsville–Kingwood section
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad applied for authority to abandon approximately 9.49 miles of its Morgantown and Kingwood Branch between Reedsville and Kingwood. Removal of this middle section divided the former M&K into western and eastern remnants.
Reedsville / Kingwood
Research notes
Where found: Interstate Commerce Commission docket index, Finance Docket 26983, January 5, 1972, pp. 438–439; WVNC Rails, “Morgantown and Kingwood Railroad”
The Paris Peace Accords mark the end of U.S. combat in Vietnam
The Paris Peace Accords provided for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and marked the end of direct American combat in Vietnam. Prisoner returns, homecomings, veterans' health, and unresolved grief continued long after the agreement.
United States and world
Context source: U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Paris Peace Accords
Where found: U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Paris Peace Accords
1975
Wider contextNational & World ContextVerified
April 30, 1975
The fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, bringing the long conflict to an end. Its effects remained present in the lives of veterans, refugees, military families, and communities—including the stories and records preserved by Preston County families.
World and United States
Context source: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, Casting Light
Where found: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, Casting Light
1977
Health, Environment & DisastersVerified to source
January 1977
Terra Alta Records 104 Inches of Snow in One Month
Persistent northwest winds brought repeated snowfalls during West Virginia’s coldest month on record. Terra Alta measured 104 inches of snow during January, establishing a state monthly snowfall record.
Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “The Weather”
The end of production marked the close of a long industrial era at Bretz, where coal mining and beehive coke production had shaped the community for generations.
Bretz
Research notes
Where found: Kin & Coal fieldwork and article notes
1985
Health, Environment & DisastersVerified
November 4–5, 1985
Election Day Flood Devastates the Cheat Valley
After prolonged heavy rain, the Cheat River reached a record crest of 36.9 feet at Rowlesburg. Floodwaters devastated Rowlesburg, Albright, and neighboring Cheat Valley communities, destroying homes, businesses, bridges, roads, and railroad infrastructure; 110 of Albright’s 132 homes were destroyed.
Rowlesburg / Albright / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: U.S. Geological Survey, Flood of November 1985; NOAA National Water Prediction Service, Cheat River at Rowlesburg; Preston County News, “Thirty-five years since flood devastated Preston County”
Arthurdale Historic District enters the National Register
The Arthurdale Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 1989. The designation recognized the surviving New Deal community plan, homesteads, public buildings, industrial structures, roads, and other historic resources.
Arthurdale
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, Preston County National Register listings; National Register nomination
Rail service ends along the future Deckers Creek Trail
The last train reportedly ran over the western Morgantown–Reedsville portion of the former M&K in 1990. With no traffic remaining in 1991, CSX abandoned the section; its rails were removed in the early 1990s, leaving the corridor that would become the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail.
Morgantown / Reedsville
Research notes
Where found: Mon River Trails Conservancy, local history account; TrailLink, “Deckers Creek Rail-Trail History”; Morgantown and Kingwood historical marker
A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms struck Preston County with destructive straight-line winds. Kingwood recorded a 69-mph gust, more than 100 pine trees fell near Kingwood, and two people were injured near Rowlesburg when their mobile home was blown from its base.
Kingwood / Rowlesburg / Preston County
Research notes
Where found: National Weather Service Charleston, “The West Virginia Derecho of April 9, 1991”
The Terra Alta Bank leaves its historic downtown building
After 98 years in its 1893 building, the Terra Alta Bank opened a modern facility on State Route 7 on June 24, 1991. In June 1993, the former bank building was sold to the Preston County Historical Society for ten dollars and became the Preston County History House.
Terra Alta
Research notes
Where found: National Register of Historic Places nomination, Terra Alta Bank (1997), section 8, p. 3; Charles A. Thomas, Preston County (1998), p. 57
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
May 8, 1992
The State Board of Education ruled that students from one county could attend public schools of another
The State Board of Education ruled that students from one county could attend public schools of another county without the approval of either county's board of education. The case stemmed from a situation in Preston County, where residents were closer to schools in Tucker County than any schools in their own county.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Education, Religion & Social InstitutionsVerified to source
August 14, 1992
Preston County students who lived closer to Tucker County schools could choose which schools to attend
The State Board of Education ruled that Preston County students who lived closer to Tucker County schools than those in their own county could choose which schools to attend.
Preston County
Source: West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Memory Timeline.
Warm air rapidly melted a snowpack as deep as 25 inches before rain accelerated the runoff. The Cheat River crested at 24.2 feet at Rowlesburg—8.2 feet above flood stage. Across Preston and Tucker counties, 85 homes sustained major damage, 127 had minor damage, and 141 were minimally affected; Preston County property damage was estimated at $710,000.
Rowlesburg / Cheat River / Preston County
Research notes
Where found: NOAA/National Weather Service, Storm Data, January 1996, West Virginia, pp. 156–157
Former M&K corridor is railbanked for recreational use
In 1996, the 51-mile former CSX corridor that included the Morgantown–Reedsville portion of the M&K was acquired and railbanked as a nonmotorized trail system. The conversion preserved the abandoned railroad grade for public recreation and future transportation use.
Deckers Creek / Preston County
Research notes
Where found: Mon River Trails Conservancy, “Railroad History of the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail” interpretive sign
An F2 tornado entered the northeastern tip of Preston County at about 9:45 p.m. and crossed into Garrett County, Maryland, about five minutes later. Along its full 12-mile path through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, the tornado destroyed a dairy barn and two house trailers, damaged roofs, and cut a path of uprooted and sheared trees as wide as 300 yards. No injuries were reported.
Northeastern Preston County
Research notes
Where found: National Weather Service Pittsburgh, “The June 2nd 1998 Tornado Outbreak”
Construction begins on the regional rail-trail system
Construction of the Mon River and Deckers Creek rail-trail system began in 1998, and the network's first section opened that year. The former M&K grade along Deckers Creek was developed in phases into a public route for walking, running, and cycling.
Deckers Creek / Preston County
Research notes
Where found: The Dominion Post, “A new path to economic development” (August 22, 2020); Morgantown magazine, “Going Regional” (July 27, 2018); City of Morgantown rail-trail property record citing an April 22, 1998 deed
Ice Storm Causes Preston County’s Worst Outage in Years
A powerful winter storm left more than one inch of ice in parts of Preston County. Falling branches and power lines cut electricity to more than 3,000 county homes, producing what the utility called Preston County’s worst power outage since 1983.
Preston County
Research notes
Where found: NOAA/National Weather Service, Storm Data, January 1999, West Virginia, p. 243
The September 11 terrorist attacks transform American life
Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airplanes and attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; Flight 93 crashed in nearby southwestern Pennsylvania. The attacks reshaped military service, public safety, travel, and community life for Preston County residents and families.
United States
Context source: National September 11 Memorial & Museum, 9/11 FAQs
Where found: National September 11 Memorial & Museum, 9/11 FAQs
2003
RailroadsVerified to source
2003
CSX seeks to abandon the final M&K remnant
After the last coal mines served by the eastern portion closed, CSX filed in 2003 to abandon the final 14.3-mile remnant of the former M&K between M&K Junction near Rowlesburg and Albright. The track was subsequently removed, bringing railroad use of the original M&K route to an end.
Rowlesburg / Albright
Research notes
Where found: WVNC Rails, “Morgantown and Kingwood Railroad”; Morgantown and Kingwood historical marker
West Virginia Land Trust secures public access at Jenkinsburg
The West Virginia Land Trust purchased 13.5 acres at Jenkinsburg from longtime owners Dave and Cynthia Hough for permanent public access. The property lies at the confluence of Big Sandy Creek and the Cheat River, abuts the Bull Run Bridge, and connects river access with the Allegheny Trail and nearby public lands.
Jenkinsburg / Blue Hole / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: West Virginia Land Trust, Jenkinsburg Recreation & Natural Area
WVDOH permanently closes Bull Run (Jenkinsburg) Bridge to vehicles
The West Virginia Division of Highways permanently closed the 1912 bridge to vehicular traffic, effective immediately, after an annual inspection found major deficiencies and severe safety concerns. WVDOH said the deficiencies were unrepairable and that there were no immediate plans to repair or replace the bridge. Drivers were directed to cross the Cheat River at Albright or Cheat Lake, and emergency-response routes to the Blue Hole area became substantially longer.
Jenkinsburg / Bull Run / Blue Hole / Cheat River
Research notes
Where found: WBOY, “WVDOH closes Bull Run Bridge in Preston County” (March 17, 2025); WV MetroNews (March 18, 2025)