David Sibray
CORTLAND, W.Va. — High in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia lies a scenic valley which a Canadian-like climate in which it can snow 10 months out of the year. Though only two hours from the Washington beltway, the Canaan Valley receives more snow than the snowiest reporting station in Maine and a shorter … Read more
JANE LEW, W.Va. — It’s widely accepted that Tecumseh was born in what’s now Ohio, but a handful of historians contend that one of the most influential Native Americans in history was born in what’s now West Virginia, where a statue, now missing, was once raised in his honor. “There’s evidence he was born here … Read more
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is hosting an early December weekend of historical Christmas events and demonstrations that bring to life the holidays in 1864 when the U.S. Army transformed the town into a major supply center. The park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. … Read more
MARLINTON, W.Va. — Skiing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits in the West Virginia highlands can work up monster appetites. That’s why the travel bureau in Pocahontas County, where those pursuits are chief, is celebrating its diverse restaurants. “After a big day on the slopes and trails, there’s nothing like a big meal,” says Jake … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Think there’s too much government? As complex as politics get in West Virginia, there was a time in the late 1800s when the Mountain State had four governors at one time. As baffling as that might seem, the matter is a remarkable demonstration of conflicting state laws and legal opinions. During that … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha Valley in western West Virginia once had the highest concentration of burial mounds in North America, though most were destroyed. According to the late archaeologist Darla Spencer, author of Woodland Mounds of West Virginia, more than 400 mounds have been recorded in West Virginia, and their presence was once … Read more
PINE GROVE, W.Va. — Short-line railroads in West Virginia were built to serve communities and industries not reached by significant railroad companies. While the Baltimore & Ohio and Chesapeake & Ohio built robust rail networks where they benefited most, other areas relied on smaller rail enterprises. One of the best-known in the Mountain State was … Read more
THURMOND, W.Va.—Visiting America’s newest national park? There are countless trails to walk, rocks to climb, and streams to paddle, but there are four places every visitor should see in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. According to park ranger Jodi French-Burr, the following four must-see destinations are worth visiting … Read more
MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Though details are obscure, one of the first UFO sightings reported in the U.S. may have originated in West Virginia over the region that’s now part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The encounter allegedly occurred in January 1950 near Beckley, West Virginia, and over what is now … Read more
BARKERS RIDGE, W.Va. — You might have heard that moss grows only on the north sides of trees. That bit of lore originated as a way to help travelers navigate strange forests. The mossy north face of a tree, or so it was said, could serve as a natural compass. It is true that moss … Read more
