Be careful as the tracks are still very active. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In the meantime, Captain Thurmond continued to enforce laws within his town according to his strict Baptist beliefs. Don't miss this step back in time. While we were there, a train went through. How many of these mines connect with Thurmond by a railway along a minor waterway? Paradise 4. Now less than five people live here. In 1906 the three-story Goodman-Kincaid building was built by the Standard Dry Goods Company. It is amazing to see how remote and isolated this one time center of commerce is now. 2. While we were there, a train went through. The structure also housed the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Exchange Company and Dr. C.F. Thurmond Ghost Town - Tripadvisor However, his bloody handprints were left behind on the car's hood. " Jun 2021 There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. Thurmond, West Virginia - National Park Ghost Town Here are some other ghost towns in West Virginia: 1. I enjoyed the historical bridges, but one should beware of the hairpin dirt roads. By 1950, the area was considered a ghost town. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It is in a gorgeous setting on the side of a mountain and beside the river. With the completion of the Thurmond Railroad Bridge, the mining industry could open new mines and ship coal more easily. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The fire was so fierce that by the time that the Mt. The hotel defined the villages character as Dunglen became a famous resort with drinking, gambling, and numerous stories of sex and violence. The visitor center is very informative too. Map to recommended offbeat attractions, and road trip sights -- museums, monuments, tourist traps, folk art, pet cemeteries. Not really much here. If you are in the area please stop by. The areas of Thurmond that we explored didnt charge anything-its self guided. The burning of the Dunglen brought a swift demise to one of the wildest places in West Virginia history. Shortly after Thurmond acquired the land, a rail line was constructed through the valley, but it . Stonecliff is 1.5 miles ahead. In 1929, D.D. The post office closed in 1995. Property acquisitions increased in 1989 when much of the town property was acquired. The second floor housed the signal tower, offices of the dispatcher, trainmaster, and conductor, and coal buyers offices. The River that runs by it has great fishing, fun to swim and you can even go rafting on it. Make plans to make memories at the Thurmond Triathlon on Sunday, August 8, 2021! Beckley WV is closer-flights connect there from Charlotte. Gino's Pizza And Spagetti House. Legend maintains that he frequented the drinking establishments that he patrolled, and in his off-hours, he ran his own saloon across the river in the Ballyhack. Tip: Thurmond is definitely out of the way, but take the time to stop at some of the pull off areas along the back road before you get there. The train depot is actually a NPS visitor center, & the NPS worker there told us that it's not 100% ghost town, as 5 people still actually live in Thurmond. Standard operated out of the building until 1918. It became a great hideout for outlaws on the run with no roads in or out. Tour this ghost town. No, you can't tour inside. Once considered one of the greatest RR towns along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, don't miss the "friendly" ghost town of Thurmond. Locate Thurmond on both Maps 1 and 2. It was once a town big enough for a grand hotel that eventually burnt down. Thurmond, It was eventually abandoned and is considered one of West Virginia's creepiest places. Fires hit and wiped out the businesses and made Thurmond a ghost town. Theres just a strange presence that seems to follow you through town. Haunting Photos From The Ghost Town of Thurmond, West Virginia The hotel boasted seven bathrooms, steam heat, and 400 electric lights. There are waterfalls and beauty to be seen!! Below are 17 of my favorite abandoned places throughout the state. Later it was used as a residence by two separate owners. This was our favorite destination in the New River Gorge area starting with a very scenic ~6 mi (10.5K) drive on Co Rt 25, starting near Glen Jean, down into the New River Gorge, much of it through forest and along a stream. Read our. In 1917 the Bullock Realty Company built a four-story structure that initially housed a jewelry store, clothing store, the Western Union Telegraph Company, and apartments. We arrived just after the visitor center closed but there were plenty of signs to tell Thurmond's story. I wish that were an option. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. A lot of history worth the visit. By this time, there were other indications that Thurmonds heyday was ending as the American public had begun its love affair with the automobile. Damages totaled $100,000, more than 1.6 million in todays dollars. Stop at the still operational Amtrack Station first. Then after visiting the visitor center in the restored depot, stroll through the town. Blandville 10. Do you think its haunted? Kathy Weiser-Alexander/Legends of America, October 2021. The jewelry company vacated the building in 1922. There are several abandoned places in West Virginia. Read our. 6. Thank you! The fire destroyed the building, including the Earl Nichols grocery and soda counter in the terrace basement. Gambling stakes ran as high as $50,000 in seemingly nonstop poker games. Follow the signs to Thurmond, seven miles down WV Route 25. It's a popular area for summer recreation, especially fishing. This large 4-story wood-framed building with a wrap-around first-floor veranda housed not only 100 rooms but an ice plant, barbershop, laundry, post office, and a bar. It was once a town big enough for a grand hotel that eventually burnt down. His son William McKell took over the operations of the bank and the Dunglen Hotel. Afterward, a clothing store and other retail stores operated out of the building, and residents lived there until 1959. Are there any deserted building with property for slea? The simple frame construction contained 25 guest rooms and was the first lodging business to operate in Thurmond. Historically, Thurber was the state's largest producer of bituminous coal, with a population of over ten thousand. After many businesses closed due to the fires, the bank was forced to close as well. AT this time, these men served between 60-100 railroad cars daily. A train makes its way through Thurmond, West Virginia today by Kathy Alexander. A town that once thrived in the peak of the Coal industry has now become a ghost town. But before the tracks were built, this plot of land was founded in 1900 by a confederate captain by the name of W.D Thurmond who first laid claim to the land back in 1844. We did read the signs posted and found the one way bridge interesting to cross. Essentially unchanged after more than a century, the two-story frame structure now serves as a National Park Visitor Center. The best time to visit Thurmond West Virginia is in the fall, especially if you want to take photos. The banks had many coal barons as clients making the banks the richest in the state. A few residents still live in Thurmond (only 4 according to the internet). Youre in the right place. In 1960, most of Kaymoor Bottom was destroyed in a fire, and the mine was closed a couple years later. Thurmond - Ghost Town Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. Definitely worth driving through and walking around. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Gary Post Office 41.599859, -87.335476 As the name suggests this massive building was originally built in 1936 to serve as the local post office. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. Hotels. The construction of the New River Gorge bridge in 1977 significantly improved access to the once . In 1905 an Armour Meatpacking Plant was established in Thurmond. However, getting to it involves a drive on a narrow, 2 lane road. Sorry. In the following years, the hotels reputation for good times attracted local and national visitors who dubbed the attraction Dodge City of the East. Though the hotel continued to be popular, it also gained a reputation due to the numerous stories of murders, robberies, and crimes committed. Bass, sunfish, and more frequent the waters here. Now less than five people live here. However, the tracks are still heavily used for freight and one is likely to see a freight train if they spend any time in Thurmond, traveling right in front of the buildings through the main street. " Jun 2021 There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. Perhaps the tiny (almost) ghost town of Thurmond does a little of both for most people. Or maybe learn more about its history? Plan your road trip to Thurmond Ghost Town in WV with Roadtrippers. Thurmond is the least-populous municipality in West Virginia. If abandoned buildings, hiatus and trains isnt enough, just soak in the beauty of nature while in the area! By Ksmith1994. Are there any deserted building with property for slea? The visitor center is lacking many exhibits. With the completion of the Thurmond Railroad Bridge, the mining industry could open new mines and ship coal more easily. New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau Ghost Towns Visit website Write a review What people are saying " Great Place to Visit! My husband and I have been visiting West Virginia in the fall for several years to see the brilliant colors and the natural wonders. In 1917, a road was blazed to Thurmond, which, in the end, would be one of the reasons for its ultimate demise. Abandoned Places In Indiana 1. We got you covered. Coal Mining Ghost Town - 174 Main St., Thurmond, West Virginia. All that is left today are the foundations. In this article well explore how Thurmond became a ghost town, and see exactly whats left to explore today. According to Ripleys Believe it or Not and the Guinness Book of World Records, the Dunglen housed the longest-running poker game, which lasted for 14 years. This was the first time we visited Thurmond. Several decades ago, Sweet Springs was a popular vacation destination. The Captain had surveyed the land and in return he was offered 73 acres of the land along the New River for $20. There are a lot of cool things to see here! Saloons and boarding houses had constant business. It was so bad that one pastor said that the only difference between Hell and Thurmond is that a river runs through Thurmond. It was once a town big enough for a grand hotel that eventually burnt down. 7. To learn more about Thurmond, a ghost town in West Virginia, take a look below. Seeing his own town grow quickly, Thurmond declared a ban on all alcohol in his town, but this largely went unnoticed and ignored. Nearly $1.3 million was allocated for the stabilization of the commercial buildings in the center of Thurmond. What are the similarities? In its heyday in the early 1900s it was a classic boomtown. Which major airport is closest to this area? National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV, Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, WV - Lower New Full Day, New River Gorge, WV Adventure Waterpark - Full Day. Thurmond Ghost Town, River Crest Rd, Thurmond, WV, Monuments Then came the Great Depression and the end of the banks. Have You Ever Heard Of This Underwater Town In Georgia? On the other hand, Thomas McKell was a sharp operator and built a small village across the New River, where there were no such prohibitions. You can see the old post office, banks, commercial buildings and if you walk to the end of the line, you can see some houses as well as the coaling station. Go to the DunGlen day-use area or Stonecliff Beach. The bank oversaw $4.8 million a year in the late 1920s, primarily from the railroad. Photo by Kathy Alexander Alexander. A 70-foot turntable was constructed but was quickly made obsolete and replaced with a 100-foot turntable. Ace Adventure Water Park Admission Ticket, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston WV by Zombie Scavengers, Full day E- Bike Rental to explore Pipestem and Bluestone WV, Collins Park Disc Golf Course & Obstacle Course. We highly recommend a trip to Thurmond if one has the time. However, it sometimes opens for tours in October. Join me for an exploration of the lost town of Thurmond, West Virgin. The corpse was fined for carrying a weapon which was paid for with the money and the watch, and he was buried in the potters field. Today, Thurmond is host for the Thurmond Triathlon and boasts beautiful trails for hiking and mountain biking with ample access to the New River for boating and fishing. This success and traffic played a major role in the growth of Thurmond. no all are owned by the NPS or private land owners. Before Thurmond blossomed into a bustling boom town, it was once one of the most isolated places in all of West Virginia. The train depot is actually a NPS visitor center, & the NPS worker there told us that it's not 100% ghost town, as 5 people still actually live in Thurmond. Thurmond Ghost Town - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Thurmond Depot Visitor Center, Hotels near Roanoke Municipal Airport (ROA), Motels near Roanoke Municipal Airport (ROA), Hotels near Fayette Institute of Technology, 13 passenger seater Minibus hire with driver, Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit in Chiang Mai, Colosseum Guided Tour with 3D Virtual Reality Experience (Official Product), Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Admission Ticket, Full-day Famagusta, Ghost City of Varosi, and Salamis Tour from Paphos, Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour from London. There was a depot and buildings from the past. The hotel was an immediate success and became famous for its wealthy and rowdy guests. Ridge on the second floor. Accessible only by train, Thurmond played a key role in serving the local coal industry where short coal trains would be assembled into longer trains and sent further down the line. There is a gift shop and a small museum in the train station. Photo by Kathy Alexander. In 1901 the three-story, 35-room Lafayette Hotel, pronounced lay-flat by locals, was built on the former site of the Hotel Thurmond. Interestingly, Amtrak still offers limited service to the station but all ticking must be done online as there are no ticketing facilities. None of the buildings in Thurmond, except for the train depot, are occupied. When they got out of the car to help him, he was gone. Get more stories delivered right to your email. People came here because of its healing spring waters. Thurmond hosted the Guiness Book of World Record's longest poker game, is one of Travel & Leisure's coolest ghost towns in America, is where the movie Matewan was filmed, and is a put-in for the upper New River whitewater rafting community. A few residents still live in Thurmond (only 4 according to the internet). There were hotels, banks, the depot, and a commercial business district. Thurmond is an old mining town that is now a ghost town. Fifteen passenger trains came through each day and the depot served as many as 95,000 passengers per year. National Register Nomination Thurmond is an old mining town that is now a ghost town. Captain Thurmond was a straight-laced southern gentleman and prohibited liquor in the community. 13 Ghost Towns In Kentucky [MAP] - Urbex Underground The depot required extensive work, including foundation work, construction, retaining walls, and a sewage plant at the cost of $2.5 million. You can also find other Monuments on MapQuest 5.7 miles from Thurmond Ghost Town. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Back in the car: from the Rend Trailhead, Thurmond is another 1.3 miles. Travel Route 25, a two-lane road that follows Dunlop Creek. Though the town had not a single street in its prime, it had two banks, two hotels, a movie theater, boarding houses, restaurants, a jewelry store, clothing stores, general stores, and a population of about 500 at its peak. Today, Thurmond quietly rests on the edge of the New River Gorge with many of its buildings boarded and sealed up. Thurmond, West Virginia, is a ghost town located on the New River in Fayette County. On the day we visited, we were lucky enough to see a train. Not worth the trip. Be careful. What's one of the creepiest places in West Virginia that'll send shivers up your spine? Nuttallburg, WV On the way back out we discovered a beautiful waterfall at one of the pullouts. It was once a town big enough for a grand hotel that eventually burnt down. Have you ever been to the abandoned town of Thurmond, West Virginia? The National Bank of Thurmond, which had been housed in the Lafayette Hotel, acquired the building for $24,000 and immediately began renovations. DunGlen day-use will be0.3 miles on your left. Helpful staff. We enjoyed our visit to Thurmond, and learning about this once-thriving town. Dec 21, 2022: Thurmond Ghost Town, Thurmond - See 97 reviews, articles, and 221 photos of Thurmond Ghost Town on Tripadvisor. Picnic nextto the town hall. Afterward, the property was abandoned. Thurmond Ghost Town - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Below are over 21 of our favorite abandoned locations throughout the state. Turn right at sign for Glen Jean/Thurmond. W. D. Thurmond built about 30 one and two-story houses upon the mountainside that he rented to workers. Like most boomtowns, Thurmonds population and success of the railway would rise and fall in tandem. In the beginning, only one house was built on the townsite in 1884. Thurmond, West Virginia Within no time, the Loup Creek line was one of the railroads busiest branches in the New River region, as it served multiple coal mines in the rich Sewell coal seam. Do you know the hours of the museum? It was closed in 1995. mike/flickr There are more than 65 abandoned towns in West Virginia. Train tracks run through the center of town which are still active. Harrison Ash saloon across the river from Thurmond, West Virginia. It was once a town big enough for a grand hotel that eventually burnt down. A few residents still live in Thurmond (only 4 according to the internet). Afterward, he became an active businessman and banker. Completed to Glen Jean in 1893, the C&O Loup Creek branch served 26 mines and was one of the railroads busiest spurs in the New River region. " Ghost town " Apr 2021 Beautiful scenery all around the town and a beautiful part of New River Gorge National park lies just outside the aba. This is the cutest little ghost town Ive been to so far. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It is great to see the national park doing their best to preserve Thurmond as towns like Thurmond are being wiped off the map. The few buildings still remaining include a post office, a bank . #12 of 29 Restaurants in Fayetteville. Favorite Destination in the New River Gorge Area. Love West Virginia? As the remaining people either move on or pass away, their homes and the land it sits on becomes the property of the National Park Service. The old depot is now a Park visitor's center and the employee there has lots of information. As Mr Cutlers, Read More The Haunting History Of The Moonville TunnelContinue, Hunting for abandoned places in Alabama? It also ended the longest poker game played at the Dunglen Hotel. All of the old shops and the train depot were closed, but it was nice to browse through the outdoor grounds. The building had offices on the second floor for the Mankin Drug Company, while his wife, a pharmacist, operated a drug store in the right-most storefront. There's a train station and several other buildings to walk past, with some renovations going on. In 1930, Thurmond was called home to 462 people, but by 1940 it had dropped to 339. Abandoned Ghost Town In West Virginia: Thurmond Also fun is walking out on the one lane bridge to take pictuers. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. To register go to aptiming,com. Thurmond was established in 1900 as a major stop along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad line. Thurmonds fascinating history will be preserved only through the passing on of stories and experiences. 102. Visitor Centres. Mankin built the three-story structure on a 150-by-40-foot lot that he had paid $4,000 for. We thought that if we were visiting the area at a different time of year, we would have enjoyed our time more if a NPS person was there for tour, etc. The town has a handful of the original buildings still preserved, so much so that you can easily imagine what it was like some 100 years ago. Charleston Lets Roam Treasure Hunt:West Virginias Cultural Crown! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Good way to explore Railway and Coal history. Tour this ghost town. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This is not the greatest thing you'll ever do, but it is certainly entertaining and worth a few hours of your time. About Us . This abandoned town that was once teeming with activity due to the plentiful coal and thriving railroad is still intact. What an interesting place to visit. The two-story building held the processing and refrigeration area on the first level and apartments for employees on the second level. In 1930, the resort closed. The changing leaves provide a great backdrop for the old buildings and passing trains. The Thurmond Union Church was constructed in 1927, replacing an earlier structure. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. National Park Service If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Thurmond Ghost Town - Tripadvisor Thurmond Ghost Town, Thurmond | Roadtrippers In 1899, the Hotel Thurmond burned down. Be careful as the tracks are still very active. Thank you! 7 miles on WV 25(not recommended for trailers and RV's). Thurmond, West Virginia: A Ghost Town With A 'Request A Stop' Amtrak Tip: Thurmond is definitely out of the way, but take the time to stop at some of the pull off areas along the back road before you get there. The Haunted Barn in Charleston These cheaper saloons sold whiskey by the quart, and weekends would find miners and train crews spending their money on liquor and prostitutes. I was intrigued, it was advertised as the smallest town in the entire state, with population of 5. What restaurants are near Thurmond Ghost Town? Down a few miles on a narrow road that was being worked on when we went. The ground floor of the building was used for the ticket agents office, baggage room, waiting rooms, restrooms, and a snack/newsroom. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Seasonal visitor center in the old train station. Each year we add something new and this year we decided to explore Thurmond. Today, Thurmond has just about four residents. The visitors center is open seasonally so be sure to check the hours. What hotels are near Thurmond Ghost Town? If youre looking to dive deeper into the world of urban exploration, this book is for you. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management. Check out these six haunted houses in West Virginia: 1. And abandoned town? Lafayette Hotel, Thurmond, West Virginia. On the day we visited, we were lucky enough to see a train. Tour this ghost town. Ace Adventure Water Park Admission Ticket, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston WV by Zombie Scavengers, Full day E- Bike Rental to explore Pipestem and Bluestone WV, Collins Park Disc Golf Course & Obstacle Course. Looking to explore Thurmond West Virginia? 21 Ghost Towns In Texas [MAP] - Urbex Underground The National Park had this listed on their New River Gorge map as a spot to check out. By JenniferandAlan. It is also worth a few minutes to walkout onto the bridge over the New River and watch the water and rafters float by as their sounds fill the canyon. At the end of the road, one crosses a bridge over the New River, which services vehicles (one lane), trains and pedestrians, with parking on the other side at the old train depot that has been converted into an NPS visitor center with exhibits, a small bookstore and restrooms. Thurmond hosted the Guiness Book of World Record's longest poker game, is one of Travel & Leisure's coolest ghost towns in America, is where the movie Matewan was filmed, and is a put-in for the upper New River whitewater rafting community. The building burned on August 21, 1993. Thurmond Ghost Town: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Get directions, reviews and information for Thurmond Ghost Town in Thurmond, WV. Staff was very friendly, some exhibits. My husband and I have been visiting West Virginia in the fall for several years to see the brilliant colors and the natural wonders. The areas of Thurmond that we explored didnt charge anything-its self guided. A must see. Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths, Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight in Algarve, Outer Banks Film Location eBike Tour in Charleston, Helsinki Airport Layover Sightseeing Tour, ZipFlyer Nepal - The World's Steepest Zip-line, Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone guide, Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer. Definitely worth the drive to the historical site and a nice walk through the old town to understand the history of the area. When you visit, make sure you go out on the bridge to see the town from a different view as well as to see the river beneath you. Then came the invention of diesel locomotives which meant less need for coal. Thurmond, West Virginia, The Heart of the New River Gorge, was established by Captain William D. Thurmond and incorporated in 1903. You can park and see the few buildings of a once active coal mining town. Soon afterward, the Thurmond depot closed. THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Thurmond Ghost Town - Tripadvisor In this article we'll explore how Thurmond became a ghost town, and see exactly what's left to explore today. Most of the remains of the Kaymoor WV ghost town that can be seen today are from Kaymoor Bottom, and it's come to be regarded as one of the most beautiful abandoned towns in West Virginia. You may even recognize Thurmond from the 1987 movie, Most People Dont Know About This Abandoned Property In West Virginia, The Creepiest Hike In West Virginia Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Town, This Abandoned WWII TNT Factory In West Virginia Is Like Nothing Youve Ever Seen Before, This Abandoned West Virginia Ghost Town Was Once The Highest, Coldest Town In The East, Nature Is Reclaiming This One Abandoned West Virginia Spot And Its Actually Amazing, The Abandoned Lake Shawnee Amusement Park In West Virginia Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America, 15 Abandoned Places in West Virginia Thatll Give You Goosebumps, A Palatial Mansion Was Built And Left To Decay In The Middle Of One Of West Virginias Largest Cities.
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