Preston County Through Time

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WVGES: Historical Geology of West Virginia — sedimentation and coal-forming environments

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Pennsylvanian - About 323–299 million years ago · Countywide

Sand and mud become the county’s rock layers

During Pennsylvanian time, rivers and shifting lowland environments deposited sand and mud across the region. Burial and cementation turned these materials into sandstone and shale. These layers became part of the bedrock of the future county. Much later, erosion exposed resistant sandstone at places such as Coopers Rock, leaving cliffs and rock masses that visitors can see today.

Research status: Verified to source

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WVGES: Historical Geology of West Virginia — sedimentation and coal-forming environments; see date caveat in Research Notes
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Pennsylvanian - About 323–299 million years ago · Countywide

Ancient wetlands lay the groundwork for Preston’s coal

Vegetation accumulated in waterlogged wetlands across the region during Pennsylvanian time. Some plant material survived decay as peat. Later, heat and pressure from burial transformed peat into coal. Repeated changes in the landscape left coal seams among layers of other sedimentary rocks. Those deposits, including the Upper Freeport coal in Preston County, would eventually become part of the county’s mining history.

Research status: Verified to source

Citation / research lead
WVGES: Historical Geology of West Virginia — sedimentation and coal-forming environments; see date caveat in Research Notes
Visit source ↗ (wvgs.wvnet.edu)

Read full entry and research notes →