Growing up in southern West Virginia, I am not unfamiliar with coal towns and how a coal mine has the ability to define a community. When you're a product of this environment, it's not easy to imagine what life would be like if a town's primary source of income faded. However that's exactly what happened to the New River towns of Thurmond and Nuttallburg. What were once bustling coal communities are now a living museum of life beyond coal.
This past spring, the other half and I visited Thurmond and Nuttallburg and were in awe of the remnants of history that remained. Below is a photo sampling of our trip although we hope to revisit soon on prettier days; it was raining on both of our trips which cut our exploration time short.
Thurmond
Although trains still rumble through this coal town, the population has dwindled to five and it is now owned by the National Park Service and is part of the New River Gorge National River. The restored depot is open to tourists during the warmer months and is easily accessible from Glen Jean, just outside of Beckley.
This past spring, the other half and I visited Thurmond and Nuttallburg and were in awe of the remnants of history that remained. Below is a photo sampling of our trip although we hope to revisit soon on prettier days; it was raining on both of our trips which cut our exploration time short.
Thurmond
Although trains still rumble through this coal town, the population has dwindled to five and it is now owned by the National Park Service and is part of the New River Gorge National River. The restored depot is open to tourists during the warmer months and is easily accessible from Glen Jean, just outside of Beckley.
Thurmond Depot and bridge
Abandoned houses like this one populate Thurmond
Many of the storefronts have displays in them courtesy of the National Park Service
Amtrak and coal trains still rumble through Thurmond daily
Nuttalburg
Deserted for nearly 50 years, Nuttallburg was recently restored by the National Park Service and stands with Thurmond as part of the New River Gorge National River. A tipple and conveyor belt are preserved in pristine condition while crumbling memories of houses, coke ovens, and company stores scatter the land. The road to Nuttallburg is narrow but is accessible off of Route 60 at Lookout.
Deserted for nearly 50 years, Nuttallburg was recently restored by the National Park Service and stands with Thurmond as part of the New River Gorge National River. A tipple and conveyor belt are preserved in pristine condition while crumbling memories of houses, coke ovens, and company stores scatter the land. The road to Nuttallburg is narrow but is accessible off of Route 60 at Lookout.
Newly restored tipple at Nuttallburg
The conveyor belt rose nearly 800 feet up the mountain. A steep switchback trail leads up to the mine entrance.
Crumbling coke ovens may be viewed along paths radiating from the tipple
Interpretation signs are visibly posted throughout both Nuttallburg and Thurmond.
For a pictorial history and more information on Thurmond and Nuttallburg, please visit the following websites:
Coal Camp USA (Nuttallburg)
National Park Service (Nuttallburg)
Coal Camp USA (Thurmond)
National Park Service (Thurmond)
RSS Feed