The ghost town of Thurmond, West Virginia, offers a glimpse back in time to a former Appalachian coal and railroad hub.
by Sadie Chafe and Alise Valdes Historic buildings and railroad tracks in the "ghost town" of Thurmond, West Virginia, located about an hour south of Charleston and home to just about five full-time residents.
Tucked within the serenely beautiful New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the ghost town of Thurmond, West Virginia, offers a glimpse back in time to a booming coal era. Located about an hour south of Charleston, West Virginia, and situated along the banks of the New River, Thurmond was a thriving railroad hub in the early 1900s, bustling with coal shipments, commerce and travelers. Today, its population has dwindled to just about five full-time residents, placing it among America’s most fascinating ghost towns. Despite being almost entirely abandoned, Thurmond has been very well-preserved. The quiet streets are full of historic structures like the old depot, bank buildings and weathered homes. The Thurmond Depot remains a centerpiece of the town, with its wooden platform still used by passing trains. Visitors are welcome to leisurely wander and explore Thurmond at their own pace, and there is no admission fee. Leashed dogs are welcome, making the town an easy stop after a day of hiking or a scenic drive through the park. The Thurmond Visitor Center, housed in the Thurmond Depot, is expected to reopen after May 26, 2026, offering additional historical information and exhibits for travelers looking to dive deeper into the town’s history. Visit Thurmond'sFor those looking for an off the beaten path adventure, Thurmond is a great option, combining history and Appalachian beauty, and capturing the rise and fade of a once-booming American town. We know there are plenty of other stories of unique landmarks and cultural experiences in all corners of the USA, and we’re making it our mission to find and highlight them. If you know of one, we'd love to hear about it. Send a DM toA teenager who had been missing for about a month has been rescued by the FBI and the accused captor has been arrested.For more than a month, the search for Nancy Guthrie has played out in Tucson, Arizona, with the mystery surrounding her disappearance only growing.A judge set bail at $100,000 Wednesday for a 40-year-old man accused of causing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after allegedly breaking into thGov. Bob Ferguson is reacting to the news of the abuse allegations made against the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking a security guard.
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