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David Sibray

Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.
A party of travelers bound for the Cumberland Gap in 1779 were scalped and captured in what is remembered as the Pauley Massacre.
History / Prehistory

Few may recall 1779 Pauley massacre fought in the shadow of East River Mountain

by David Sibray

OAKVALE, W.Va.— Motorists traveling along US 460 east of Princeton may find themselves captivated by the surrounding mountains—especially East River Mountain, which rises to nearly 4,000 feet along West Virginia’s southern border and dominates the landscape in every direction. Yet only a short distance from the highway’s Oakvale exit, the East River winds quietly through … Read more

Gen Z moving to West Virginia
Lodging and Real Estate

More Americans, notably Gen Z, are moving to West Virginia, new census analysis shows

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has long been associated with outmigration, but new data tell a different story. The Mountain State now ranks among the nation’s top states for net domestic migration, according to Emilia Man, senior research analyst at StorageCafe. Man said an analysis of 2024 U.S. Census data sharply contrasts with the state’s … Read more

Cunningham Knob Addition
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest acquires Cunningham Knob acreage in Randolph County

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — The Monongahela National Forest has acquired a 427-acre tract in Randolph County known as the Cunningham Knob addition, expanding public land near Cunningham Knob and the Laurel Fork area. The property was purchased from The Nature Conservancy and will be managed under existing forest plan guidelines and federal regulations, according to the … Read more

Snowshoe Mountain has unveiled its 2026 summer events calendar.
Lodging and Real Estate

Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest

by David Sibray

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain, in Pocahontas County, have unveiled the resort complex’s 2026 summer events calendar, highlighted by the launch of its new “Ballhooter Festival,” a new three-day mountaintop music festival scheduled for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6. Patti Duncan, president and chief operating officer of Snowshoe Mountain, said the resort complex … Read more

"Ascend Heroes" will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in West Virginia.
Economic Development

West Virginia launches “Ascend Heroes” initiative to attract veterans

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has launched an initiative to attract veterans to the state. According to state officials, “Ascend Heroes” will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in the state. Created in partnership with the state government, the Wing-2-Wing Foundation, and West Virginia University, the Ascend West … Read more