New River Gorge National River

You may find it hard to believe that the New River Gorge was once teeming with activity. Coal mining dominated the economy and social structure of the state of West Virginia between 1875 and 1950. During this time over forty coal mining towns were established, grew and ultimately decline in the gorge. As you travel through the park, you will see remnants of this coal mining and railroad heritage in historic railroad depots, bridges, building foundations, and towns. Today, the natural environment of New River Gorge National River is recovering and slowly overgrowing the remains of the mining companies, homes, and towns that once lined the gorge.

The New River Gorge Loop Tour Map, reproduced here, is found in the Scenic Drives brochure, which is available at park visitor centers. As you travel the highways and side roads, you will get a glimpse of the rich coal heritage of the park and region.

(Inscription below the map on the lower left) Fayette Station Road-Small exhibits, located at pull-offs along Fayette Station Road, interpret the history of the immediate area, including coal mining, the railroads, and the twin towns of Fayette and South Fayette, which today are known as Fayette Station.
If you drive the Fayette Station Road Auto Tour, allow at least one hour if you plan to stop at all of the exhibits along the
route.

What is the Coal Heritage Trail? It is a 146-mile long journey through southern West Virginia coalfields, between Bluefield and Fayetteville. The route takes motorists past many physical remnants of the coal boom that furthered the industrialization of America. The corridor was designated a National Scenic Byway in 1998, one of the many routes across America that showcase this land.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Lansing, WV  |  Fayette County  |  25862  |  West Virginia  |  United States of America

New River Historical
The Deceptive Forest Historical
Smoke, Coke, Coal, and Kaymoor Historical
New River Gorge National River Historical
The Bridge Historical
Trail to Bridge Overlook Historical
Townsend's Ferry
Fayetteville Town Park
Battle of Fayetteville (1862)/(1863)
Marquis de Lafayette

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.