In Search of Captain Thurmond LbNA #23272 (ARCHIVED)

Captain W. D. Thurmond acquired the land on which the town of Thurmond lies in 1873. As the coal and timber industries flourished in southern West Virginia, so did Thurmond. It became a mainline rail yard on the C & O Railroad especially for coal and other freight, but many passenger trains passed through, as well. The fine hotels, restaurants, banks, shops, and other businesses were quite the attraction to rail travelers of the day and helped make Thurmond a much sought after destination and its famous Dun Glen Hotel the Waldorf of the Mountains. Before you set out on your journey to Thurmond, check out a complete history of this delightful and interesting little town by searching on the World Wide Web at
http://www.wvculture.org/history/wvhs1403.html

Now, to begin your adventure …

Begin on Route 19 in Fayette County, either traveling north from Beckley or south from Oak Hill. Watch for the exit that directs you to the historic towns of Glen Jean and Thurmond. This exit will be found on Route 19 between Oak Hill and Mount Hope.

Turn off Route 19 and travel about a very short distance to the stop sign.

Turn left in front of the “tiger” onto Routes 16 and 61 North. Follow Routes 16 and 61 North past the Glen Jean sign. Watch for the brown sign that says New River Gorge Park Headquarters and turn right.

When the old stone bank is in front of you, turn left.

Go over the bridge and continue 7 miles to the town of Thurmond. This is a narrow and winding road, but is in very good condition. You will cross many small bridges as you descend into Thurmond.

As you cross the railroad tracks, wave to “Ted Michaels”.

Next up is a one lane bridge, the first of seven as you approach Thurmond. On down the road a bit on the right is a brown sign that says New River National River.
Look another one lane bridge! These bridges were all built in 1917 by a company in York, PA.

Cross over the railroad tracks again.
Hey, another one lane bridge.
Guess what? Yep, another one lane bridge!

Make sure to observe the various flora and fauna in this area. It is so green in the spring and summer, colorful in the fall, and cold in the winter. By the way, this would not be a good trip in winter unless you are equipped with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Snow and ice are quite common here. Do not miss taking some time to enjoy the bubbling creek that you follow on your way to Thurmond.

Along the way on your left you will see a parking lot for the Thurmond-Minden Trailhead. This is a good place to stretch your legs after a long drive. If you have time, the trail is a nice addition to your tour. For your convenience, there is also a Porta-John at the trailhead.
Just past the trailhead parking lot is another one lane bridge and another crossing over the railroad tracks.

As you approach the town of Thurmond, you will see a brown and gold wooden sign on the right that proclaims Thurmond as Home of Wild Water Unlimited. Founded in 1968, this company was crucial to the development of tourism in southern West Virginia as it was the first white water rafting company in this area.

Cross over yet another narrow bridge and when you get to the fork in the road, if you turn to the right you can check out the Dun Glen “put in” location for rafters and fishermen. On down that road to the right is the Stone Cliffs. These are both beautiful spots from which to view the New River, but they are not the destination you seek.

Back at that fork in the road just over that last little bridge ... take the left fork up the incline to the stop sign and follow the Thurmond Depot sign on along the railroad tracks.

Ahead is a very interesting combination one lane auto and railroad bridge. Make certain no other car is entering the bridge from the other side as there truly is room for only one car at a time. As you cross the bridge, be sure to look out over the beautiful New River. Look for rafters, kayakers, and fishermen. The New River is one of oldest rivers in the world! Also, be careful, because at the far end of the bridge are active railroad tracks. Watch for flashing red lights that will signal an approaching train and stop for the train to pass. Both freight and passenger trains use these tracks so be watchful and obey the lights.

At the far end of the bridge is the old Thurmond Depot which is now a visitor center for the area. Stop in, enjoy the museum, and get the information about the short walking tour of the old town.

Head down along the river toward the old coaling station. Keep the railroad tracks on your right and the river on your left; you will be on the road that passes between the river and the tracks. About half way to the coaling station, look for a large concrete block about four feet tall. It is on your left and is partly hidden by some bushes.

The letterbox is under the right rear corner of the big block beneath a flat stone. Watch your footing. The gravel is loose here! Make sure to put the stone back on the box when you are done. BRING YOUR OWN STAMP PAD, STAMP, AND INK PEN TO SIGN OUR BOOK. We have left a West Virginia wildflower for you. This is a tourist area and during certain times there will lots of folks about, so be discrete in your search.

The usual waiver and disclaimer of responsibility apply. Be certain to read it on this LbNA site before you set out to find the box.