Early 1949
Harlan Castle Opens Cool Springs Park Along U.S. Route 50
In early 1949, Harlan Castle rented a small log cabin near Rowlesburg and opened the roadside business that became Cool Springs Park. He chose U.S. Route 50 for its east–west traveler traffic and began selling hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and gasoline. Picnic tables and restrooms were already on the property. After five years of renting, Castle bought the property and continued expanding it. Over the years, Cool Springs grew to include a general store, restaurant, picnic area, machinery and railroad collection, animals, a trout pond, a covered-bridge replica, and a waterwheel.
Research status
This entry has been checked against its named source.
The timeline wording accurately reflects the source listed below. This status does not necessarily mean the event has been independently corroborated against additional records.
Sources and further reading
Where this entry comes from
Norman Julian, “Cool Springs Park: Harlan Castle Goes Into Business,” Goldenseal, Vol. 17, No. 1 (Spring 1991), pp. 57–61.
Research notes
What the evidence establishes
The 1949 date refers to Harlan Castle opening his business, not the earliest use of the roadside property.
Backburner: investigate the earlier roadside site and the reported first West Virginia State Road Commission drinking fountain in Preston County around 1930. Do not treat 1929 as an established opening date.
Keep exploring
Related history
Help strengthen this entry
Have a correction, source, or local detail?
Share what you know. The contribution form will automatically include this entry’s title and reference.