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David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com

Dave Sibray surveys the curious cone on Elk Mountain, a roadside attraction along U.S. 219 in Pocahontas County.

Attractions

W.Va. roadside curiosity captures imaginations in Pocahontas County

March 4, 2025 by David Sibray

EDRAY, W.Va. — Famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, Pocahontas County offers travelers plenty to admire. Yet, one small landmark sparks more curiosity than most—a charming, cone-shaped structure reminiscent of a gnome’s hat. While the county may best be known for its ski areas, observatory, and scenic railroads, one roadside curiosity often steals the spotlight. … Read more

Hotel Thelma Historic Marker in West Virginia

Culture

Mass grave at Lewisburg unique in U.S. among Confederate monuments

February 23, 2025 by David Sibray

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Of the many historic landmarks in charming Lewisburg, West Virginia, perhaps none is more remarkable than a cross-shaped Confederate grave on a hill above the city’s downtown historic district. According to a prominent West Virginia historian, it may be among the most remarkable burial grounds in the nation. In a shady park … Read more

A fog settles in the vale of Granny Creek, as seen from Old Woman Run in Braxton County near Sutton, West Virginia.

Culture

The name ‘Old Woman Run’ in West Virginia conceals a surprising origin

February 20, 2025 by David Sibray

SUTTON, W.Va. — Sharp-eyed travelers visiting the historic district in downtown Sutton may observe two streams tumbling out of the hills to join the Elk River there. The uppermost stream is “Old Woman Run,” and the lower is “Granny Creek.” According to the late John Davison Sutton, one might suppose they were named for two … Read more

Culture

Tale of Rich Mountain ghosts recalls early Civil War battle in West Virginia

February 19, 2025 by David Sibray

RICH MOUNTAIN, W.Va. — Every summer, thousands of Civil War buffs travel to the summit of Rich Mountain near Beverly, West Virginia, in Randolph County, to explore the remains of the small Rich Mountain Battlefield. Here in a mountain pass on July 11, 1861, George B. McClellan secured his reputation as a winning general and … Read more

An old Virginian Railroad trestle spans Gooney Otter Hollow at Covel, West Virginia. (Photo: David Sibray)

Communities

Biologist suggests origin for strange name of this West Virginia stream

February 18, 2025 by David Sibray

COVEL, W.Va. — From high among the peaks of Great Flat Top Mountain in southern West Virginia, there descends a stream that bears a unique name—Gooney Otter Creek. But what is a “gooney otter?” The strange name appears nowhere else in the world, but a renowned wildlife biologist may have the answer. Jim Reed, now … Read more

Cross Country Skiing At Blackwater Falls State Park

Recreation

West Virginia officials predict big President’s Day skiing weekend

February 13, 2025 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia ski resorts are experiencing one of their best seasons in over a decade, with exceptional conditions expected for President’s Day weekend (Feb. 15-17), according to state officials. Tom Wagner, president of the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, said an additional 8 to 10 inches of snowfall is forecasted over the … Read more

Communities

Digital groundhog from W.Va. set to overtake end-of-winter tradition

January 31, 2025 by David Sibray

PAX, W.Va. — While the U.S. and Canada turn to the groundhog on February 2 for an end-of-winter forecast, a new online tool created in West Virginia is poised for a stand-off with the scrappy rodent. Created by West Virginia developer Jonathan Moore, the “Early Spring Predictor” uses real-time weather data and historical temperature trends … Read more

Middleway Poltergeist Photo By Nichole Chapman

Communities

Historic Middleway, West Virginia, endangered by bottling facility

January 28, 2025 by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is adding the Middleway Historic District in Jefferson County to the West Virginia Endangered Properties List. The measure highlights the risks that could result from the construction and operation of the proposed Mountain Pure water bottling facility by Sidewinder Enterprises. The proposed development by Sidewinder is … Read more

Culture

Grants available for coal heritage projects in southern West Virginia

January 27, 2025 by David Sibray

OAK HILL, W.Va. — A new round of grant funding is available for coal heritage projects in the southern West Virginia, provided through the National Coal Heritage Area Authority. Linda Hawkins, a spokesperson for the authority, said the agency is seeking proposals for funding for projects that support community efforts to interpret, preserve, and promote … Read more

Prize-fighter Yankee Sullivan bested Bob Caunt near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Culture

Yankee Sullivan fought 1847 match near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

January 19, 2025 by David Sibray

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — The month of May marks the beginning of West Virginia’s rainy season, the time of year when storms build quickly over her mountain forests and come bearing down on her valleys. It was during one such deluge that infamous Irish prize-fighter Yankee Sullivan fought a clandestine match with English rival Bob … Read more

After killing Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr ventured to this legendary island in W.Va.

United Saints of America author discovers West Virginia’s unexpected Catholic landmarks

The W.Va. Culture Center at 50: The story behind one of the state’s great public treasures

Road closures planned across Monongahela National Forest as repairs, stream projects begin

One of the New River Gorge’s best-known landmarks is looking for its next life

WVU researchers help tourism communities grow without losing what makes them special

One in seven West Virginia children lose a parent or sibling. A free camp wants to help

Spotted lanternfly reaches Kanawha County as invasive pest spread across West Virginia

Why the world’s old-time musicians make a pilgrimage to this West Virginia mountaintop

Before the American Revolution, West Virginia almost became Britain’s 14th colony, Vandalia

The West Virginia farmer that some believed God struck down with lightning

West Virginia’s deadliest disasters—10 tragedies that changed U.S. history

Big Rock: A Greenbrier River landmark where the Civil War didn’t end

Hunters can apply for rare deer hunts in West Virginia state parks

10 best hiking trails in West Virginia for scenic views and adventure

As autumn migration approaches, West Virginia sets seasons for dove, rail, woodcock

David Sibray

W.Va. roadside curiosity captures imaginations in Pocahontas County

Mass grave at Lewisburg unique in U.S. among Confederate monuments

The name ‘Old Woman Run’ in West Virginia conceals a surprising origin

Tale of Rich Mountain ghosts recalls early Civil War battle in West Virginia

Biologist suggests origin for strange name of this West Virginia stream

West Virginia officials predict big President’s Day skiing weekend

Digital groundhog from W.Va. set to overtake end-of-winter tradition

Historic Middleway, West Virginia, endangered by bottling facility

Grants available for coal heritage projects in southern West Virginia

Yankee Sullivan fought 1847 match near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia