FROM THE ARCHIVES of the West Virginia Writers’ Project, Tucker County: The City of Rivers ** Here, where two rivers, born of highland springs, Wed to beget another, greater still, And where peace hovers on untroubled wings Amidst the song of factory and mill, ** Here, […]
The Allegheny Trail is a backpacking and mountain bike trail that runs 330 miles along some of the most breathtaking mountaintops in the Allegheny and the Ridge and Valley Ranges in West Virginia. Most of its access points are within a few miles of US 219, and it follows a similar path through dense Mountain […]
During May and early June, the state flower of West Virginia bursts forth with exuberant zeal throughout the forests near US 219. Also known as “Big Laurel”, these clustered flowers of pink, white and purple are an early bloom throughout the lush Allegheny Highlands. Rhododendrons have thick, rubbery evergreen leaves, and in some places can […]
“Here the waters of Blackwater River drop over a broken ledge to dash among large boulders 63 feet below, whence they continue their rushing foaming course down Blackwater Canyon. A footpath leads (L) among thickets of laurel and hemlock to a clearing with a fine view of the rugged beauty of the falls and canyon.”- West Virginia Writers’ […]
A bright red, brick courthouse stands at the center of Parsons. Since 1893 Parsons has been the county seat of Tucker County.
Back then, armed guards took the county records from St. George to Parsons, and though no fighting took place, the men of St. George had planned to defend the county seat with their lives.
Click to hear the story of Doyle Kisner, of Parsons….
“US 219 by-passes the center of the city, which lies (L) across a small shallow stream, the North Fork of the Blackwater River.”- West Virginia Writers’ Project.
Many characters are remembered to have left their mark upon these slanted streets, especially during the years when Thomas was a busy coal town and trading center for surrounding mines.
Click to here to hear stories of Thomas…
Click the map to download a high-resolution copy of the Traveling 219 map, or pick up a hard copy at one of many locations along U.S. Route 219. You may also view our interactive map of Traveling 219 stories [HERE].
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