Adventure Begins At The Exit Ramp

Transcription

1 Adventure Begins At The Exit Ramp Travel US Route 60 for WV s Best Adventure -Art - History 2005 Corridor Management Plan... Building a 180-Mile Linear Community Across West Virginia Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association

2 This CMP is a revision and expansion of our Plan prepared in 2000 when we were seeking and received National Scenic Byway status for the 119 miles from the Capitol of West Virginia east to the Virginia border. Many of the goals we set forth 5 years ago have been met. Also, since 2000 the 61 miles west of the Capitol has been designated a state scenic byway. 1.2 This CMP updates our goals to include the Western Extension and our current organizational status. Midland Trail National Scenic Highway 2005 Corridor Management Plan Revised Draft March 2005 Original February 2000 Prepared By Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association for United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

3 14 Points Addressed Corridor Management To receive NSB designation the Byway Corridor Management Plan must address 14 specific points. Here is a quick reference guide to locating these aspects within our Plan A map identifying the corridor boundaries, location intrinsic qualities and land uses in the corridor Maps in Chapter 2 2. An assessment of the intrinsic qualities and their "context" (the areas surrounding them). Chapter 4 3. A strategy for maintaining and enhancing each of those intrinsic qualities ; Goal 3.8 Page 3.14 Chart A schedule and listing of all agencies, groups, and individuals who have responsibilities in implementing the CMP, and a description of enforcement and review mechanisms, including a schedule for continuing review of how well those responsibilities are being met. Chapter 7 addresses this in length. 5. A strategy of how existing development might be enhanced and new development accommodated to preserve the intrinsic qualities of the corridor ; Also Goal 2 -page A plan for on-going public participation. Goal VIII Pg. 3.14, 3.17 Also Page A general review of the road's safety record to locate hazards and poor design, and identify possible corrections Including 9.6a chart recapping Accident Data and Rates 8. A plan to accommodate commercial traffic while ensuring the safety of sightseers in smaller vehicles, as well as, bicyclists, joggers, and pedestrians A demonstration that intrusions on the visitor experience have been minimized to the extent feasible, and a plan for making improvements to enhance that experience. Goal 2 Enhance the Visual Experience Pg. 3.8 Also Documentation of compliance with all existing local, state, and federal laws about the control of outdoor advertising A plan to demonstrate how the State will insure and make the number and placement of signs more supportive of the visitor experience. Chapter 6 & Goal 1 Page A narrative describing how the National Scenic Byway will be positioned for marketing.. Chapter 8 - MT Marketing Plan 13.Any proposals for modifying the roadway, including an evaluation about design standards and how proposed changes may affect the byway's intrinsic qualities A description of plans to interpret your byway s significant resources to visitors. Chapter 6 addresses signage Pages 9.10 & 11 discusses interpretation as a part of Visitor Services, Chapter 8 pgs 8.21 addresses interpreting to specific market segments. Goal 3 pg. 3.9

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction to CMP Points Recap 1.3 Table of Contents MT Association Update 2. Location and Description 2.1 Intro to Location and Description Location in West Virginia 2.4 Description & Boundries 2.5 Land Uses and Zoning 2.6 Routing and Mileage 3. VISION AND GOALS 3.2 Vision of the Midland Trail 3.3 Goals of the Midland Trail and 20 Year Goals Goals I thru VIII 3.16 Schedule of Responsiblities 3.17 Task Force Committees 4. INTRINSIC QUALITIES 4.1 Introduction to Intrinsic Qualities 4.2 The Six Intrinsic Qualities An Inventory of Sites Archaeological Qualities Historical Qualities Scenic Qualities Cultural Qualities Recreational Qualities Natural Qualities 5. INTRINSIC QUALITIES IN THEIR CONTEXT 5.1 Introduction to Towns 5.2 Kenova 5.3 Ceredo Huntington Barboursville 5.8 Milton Hurricane St. Albans Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Loop South Charleston Charleston Historical Charleston Loop 5.25 Daniel Boone Park Malden/Belle 5.28 Eastern Kanawha County 5.29 Montgomery and Smithers 5,.30 Alloy 5.31 Western Fayette County 5.32 Glen Ferris and Kanawha Falls 5.33 Gauley Bridge 5.34 Gauley Mountain Ansted and Hawks Nest 5.37 Hico-Crossroads of U.S. 60 & Gateway U.S Eastern Fayette County 5.40 Western Greenbrier County 5.41 Rainelle, Rupert, and Meadow River Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs Area 6. SIGNAGE, INTERPRETATION, AND WAYFINDING 6.1 Signage and Wayfinding 6.2 Signage Planning Process 6.3 Signage and Travel Guides 6.4 Interpretive Signage Updating 2000 CMP Signage Section Priority Sites for Signage and Interpretation 7. MARKETING PLAN 8. INTELLIGENT DEVELOPMENT Preserving Intrinsic Qualities/Development Anomalous Intrusions 9. HIGHWAYSAFETY: ACCOMMODATING COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC, PEDESTRIANS & SHARE THE ROAD Upgrades to Increase Use & Reduce Hazards ACCIDENT REPORTS 10. FUTURE PLANS 11. COLLABORATION, PARTNERS, & ONGOING PARTICIPATION 11.1 Collaboration and Partners 11.2 Partners in Planning & Achieving

5 MT Association Update Across the five short years since the Midland Trail / US Route 60 received the prestigious designation of National Scenic Byway from Congress and an State Scenic Byway designation for the 60-mile western extension from WV DOT, MTSHA has been busily working to develop a 180-mile linear community working together to promote economic and tourism development border-toborder across WV along Rt.60 and its gateways. On the heels of receiving the prestigious National Scenic Byway (NSB) status for the 119-mile stretch of US Route 60 / the Midland Trail from Charleston to White Sulphur Springs, three years ago the remaining 75+ mile section of Rt. 60 from Charleston to Huntington / Kenova was designated as a state scenic byway, making the Midland Trail a 200-mile byway reaching border to border across WV. The Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association (MTSHA) greeted its NSB status and expansion with a planning retreat at which representatives from the entire 200-mile Trail worked together to set forth objectives for the coming years. The following is an update on our progress. Goal 1: Establish a Centralized Professional Office The first order of business was to hire a full-time Director, establish a centralized office and get our funding and projects in order. Alice Hypes was hired as the first Executive Director and 405 Capitol Street (The Daniel Boone Hotel) was chosen for the office. Records were collected from all the previous officers and filing and accounting systems were established. With the fundamentals in place, Ms. Hypes began a public education program to involve business and community leaders from across the Trail in projects geared to build economic and tourism development. Goal 2: Building a 180-mile Linear Community Our public education program to familiarize the entire 200-mile Midland Trail and its gateways with our Association resulted in 175 towns and tourism-related businesses becoming partners in our 120-page, fullcolor Destination Guide, which highlights intriguing towns and attractions across the six counties. The Guide, released May 2005, was equally well supported. This year our 15th Anniversary Celebration brought together 225+ partners and gave partners an opportunity to learn about other attractions along the Byway. Partners are becoming front door ambassadors working together to distribute Guides and refer visitors to other attractions along the Trail. Our Updated Tourist- Oriented Website is visited by 300 unique people per day and generates many requests for Guides and info. This MT ad created by Aaron Kenstler of Firefly Imaging, won a 2004 State-wide Media Award. Alice Hypes, MTSHA Executive Director Danielle Snidow came on board last year to assist in development. She spearheaded the April 1st Celebration and the Harley- Davidson Poker Run. 1.5 Putting Midland Trail on the Map 2003 State-wide Media Award for Beth Gorzyca s story, Riding the Midland Trail, Herald Dispatch. WV Tourism honored our event with the 2004 Mountaineer Award! Congrats to all participants!!!

6 Goal 3: Develop a Distribution System for Guide and Travel Info The Midland Trail Destination Guide is flying off the shelves! Results: MT Guide, the cornerstone of our marketing program, offers 80 full-color pages filled with things to do, places to see, plus history and travel info on the 42+ communities, gateways and side trips along the Midland Trail The #1 most requested brochure at WV welcome centers! Secured phone number Route 60 to encourage calls for the Guide and info Established a tracking program to determine the source of requests for Guides and information 500+ requests per week from individuals travelers, plus Bulk requests for fairs and festivals, welcome centers, conferences, special events and CALL WVA. Trade Shows Travel South, Southeast Tourism Society and the SWVCVB Travel Show Breck Reishman handles distribution of our Destination Guide. We are now receiving individual requests weekly, plus 50,000+ bulk requests annually. Midland Trail Video Available The Midland Trail movie has been shown on Public Television and the Travel Channel. It is now available on video with a new cover design by Aaron Kenstler, Firefly Imaging. WalkAbout Productions is helping us expand the video to include the western section of the Trail. Videos can be purchased for $19.99 at Showcase WV in the Charleston Town Center Mall or by calling Route 60. Goal 4: Marketing Midland Trail to the Mid-Atlantic It is More Than a Guide - It s a Marketing Program aimed to promote travel along the 200-mile Trail and build awareness of the varied offerings across WV s midsection. Our Mid-Atlantic Marketing Campaign includes Ads in: Southern Living Magazine, AAA Tour Book, The Washington Post Magazine, Blue Ridge Country, Cabela s, WV Wild & Wonderful and several travel guides. Goal 5:The Future Steps - Enhancing the Visitor Experience Projects for the coming months include: 1. Completion of a 5, 10 and 20 year Plan (CMP) for developing the Byway 2. New trail-wide signage and milemarkers 3. Establishing, through partnerships, a series of welcome centers to move visitors along the Trail and entice them to see more and stay longer 4. Plan interpretative exhibits across the Trail 5. Develop and implement a plan for long-term sustainability for the Association and historical properties. Karen Ebert Allen, Director WV Scenic Byway Program shows new signs. Alice Hypes (center) MTSHA shows existing MT mile markers. Ric Hartman, WV DOH Program Specialist. MTSHA 2005 Board of Directors Geoffrey Skaggs, Ansted President Nan Morgan, Lewisburg The Historic General Lewis Inn Brenda Campbell Hurricane CVB Hereld Prather, Charleston Historic Virginia s Chapel Bob Anderson, South Charleston CVB 1.6 Don Kleppe, City of Huntington Ric Griffith, Kenova City Council Griffith & Feil Rx / Fountain Pumpkin House

7 Location and Description It s never been a passage way for the weak of heart. It s up and down, with hairpin turns and dramatic overlooks. Half of America s population can arrive here in a few hours by car. It s a morning s drive from our nation s capital. Yet, while it is so near to everything, its rugged and demanding appearance makes it feel far away and different. 2.1 Location and Description It s up to us to preserve that individual look which characterizes the Midland Trail...

8 One of the country s oldest routes, the Midland Trail follows US Route 60 across America from the Atlantic Ocean near Hampton, Virginia to the Pacific Ocean near Los Angles, California. In West Virginia Midland Trail/ US Route 60extends border to border across the state s midsection from the Virginia border near White Sulphur Springs passed the State Capitol at Charleston and on to the Kentucky & Ohio border near Huntington and Kenova. In all, the Midland Trail encompasses 180 miles of multi-faceted visitor experience. 2.2 Location in Mid-Atlantic & West Virginia

9 Midland Trail Scenic Byway/US Route 60 Pathway to West Virginia s rich historic, recreational and scenic offerings 2.3 Location in West Virginia

10 Location, Description & Boundaries Draft June The Midland Trail stretches border to border across from Kenova to White Sulphur Springs via U.S. 60. The course of the Midland Trail runs through the six WV counties of Wayne, Cabell, Putnam, Kanawha, Fayette, and Greenbrier, each with distinctive terrains, each with its different viewshed and land uses. This description moves eastward. The Trail s western segment begins at the juncture of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers at the western most point in West Virginia, Virginia Point Park. From there it follows through the towns of Kenova and Ceredo, the later historically significant for its abolitionist role. As the Byway leaves Wayne and enters Cabell County (mile 5) it passes Camden Park, a 100+ year old amusement park with a wooden roller coaster. In Cabell it enter WV s second largest city Huntington and follows the south side of the Ohio River through town. At the east end of Huntington, Rt. 60 turns at 29th Street and follows the Guyandotte River to Barboursville. Milton is the last town in Cabell County. While the area to this point is very commercial, as the Byway leaves Milton and enters Putnam County and Teays Valley it is a pleasant non-mountainous country road drive with some on-grade development. At St. Albans, the first town in Kanawha County, the byway meets the Great Kanawha River on land surveyed by George Washington. It follows the south side of the Kanawha through South Charleston until it crosses the River at Patrick Street and follows the north side of the Kanawha River. At the State Capitol on the banks of the Kanawha River approximately 61 miles east of Kenova the state-designated section meets the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway. MT National Scenic Byway continues to follow the Kanawha River for another 38 miles (MM 99) to its origin at the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers at Gauley Bridge. From Charleston it runs through the bottom of the Kanawha Valley, surrounded by wooded mountains on both sides the entire way. The Valley s width in these areas generally runs one-half mile to one mile. Beginning about 34 miles east of Charleston and continuing for for 10+ miles the north side of the Byway is marked with beautiful dramatic outcropping of dramatic rock formations. Along the first five miles of this section (MM95-100) there are a dozen seasonal waterfalls visible along north side of the Byway, plus the phenomenal Kanawha Falls on the south side. Between Gauley Bridge (Fayette County) and Rainelle (Greenbrier County) is a series of mountains: Gauley Mountain, Big Sewell, Little Sewell. The Trail runs along the sides of the mountains in this area and on Gauley Mountain overlooks the New River Gorge. Here the viewshed stretches out to the horizon both at the Gorge and the plateau at the south foot of Big Sewell Mountain. Throughout most of the course in this segment, the Trail winds and curves, some places with tortuous, hairpin turns. From Rainelle to the Virginia border, the Trail runs through flat, farm pasture land and gently rolling hills and knolls; again, the viewshed stretches for miles through broad verdant valleys. The topography here is limestone karst, with its characteristic sinkholes. The Trail is two-directional. Visitors can begin at designated entries (Kenova, Charleston or White Sulphur Springs) or enter at a mid-point at such towns as Lewisburg, Hico, Milton, Barboursville, Hurricane, South Charleston or St. Albans. For consistency throughout the Plan, however, the Trail is described from its western terminus (Kenova, West Virginia) traveling east to its eastern terminus (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia). In addition to travelling the Trail proper, tourists enter the Trail from I-77 and I-64, and Routes 19, (Hico), 35 (St. Albans), and 34 (Hurricane). through what we term Trail Gateways. Route 19, which intersects the Trail at Hico, delivers tourists from I79 to the North and from I77 Beckley area from the south. North of the Trail, Rt. 19 runs past the town of Summersville, whose land uses are residential, commercial, recreational (Summersville Lake), and heritage (Carnifex Ferry Battlefield). To the south, 19 links the Trail with Beckley and I77 and the tourists who visit this area for rafting and sightseeing at the New River Gorge Bridge. This vicinity would provide the link between the Coal Heritage and Midland Trails. Corridor boundaries are generally defined by the "viewshed" from the road. A viewshed is the distance that is visible from a point on the roadway to the top of the steep mountains that line most of the Trail. In some instances the corridor boundaries widen to include important intrinsic qualities (i.e. scenic or historical sites). When this occurs, the boundary then follows the access routes leading to and from the historical or scenic sites and includes their viewsheds. For instance, just east of Charleston the Old Stone House, Hale House/Cabin Creek Quilts and Historic Malden are visible from the veiwshed of the Route 60 four-lane, but to access it travelers must use old Route 60. Also, a Byway spur would follow W.V. 35 and include its viewshed Nitro, Dunbar and Institute. The viewshed's contribution to the context of the Midland Trail is the main reason for including it within the corridor boundaries. Since the physical setting is defined and views are limited by high ridges and narrow valleys, it provides a manageable size for maintaining a complementary context. The context of the historical areas should be preserved because it helps to interpret the sites effectively. Challenging visitors to envision the site in the era of historical significance is impossible if there are modern and unsympathetic buildings or signs that compete for the visitors' attention. Huntington is a designed city with broad one-way avenues. Huntington is in the process of rerouting traffic on the Midland Trail. Historically Rt. 60 westbound traffic followed 3rd Ave. and 5th Ave was one-way eastbound. In the downtown area where 3rd Ave goes through the new riverfront development of Pullman Square and Harris Riverfront Park, 3rd Ave. will soon be 2-way traffic, eliminating the need for travelers to use the once one-way 3rd Ave to go west bound and 5th Ave for east bound. For exact route of extension see Extension Memo in Appendix

11 Land use along the Trail is diverse. The western 75+ miles from Huntington/Kenova thru Charleston and on to Montgomery has highest degree of development on the Trail. Along the remaining 100+ miles of Fayette and Greenbrier counties the intensity and degree of development tends to be low. Land use is divided into eight categories: commercial, residential, industrial, governmental, agricultural, educational, recreational, and heritage preservation. Context /Town Pages in Chapter 5 provide a close look at land uses. For a big picture view we divide the Byway in to three sections, west to east. Our Industrial West Advantage Valley & The State Capitol The western bookend of the Midland Trail is the Ohio River which creates the western border of WV at Kenova and Huntington. Continuing eastward through WV s fastest growing area, Putnam County and Charleston, our capital city, this 70+ mile section of the Trail is becoming known as Advantage Valley. Along the way Route 60 passes through the Great Kanawha River Valley, where the nation s industrial past and present are celebrated in coal tipples, old salt works, chemical plants, locks and dams, mines and company towns, electrical power plants, roads, bridges and the passage to the Ohio River. The Recreation Center Fayette County & Area In the center, the Midland Trail passes over West Virginia s most beautiful and rugged mountain terrain. Fayette County, the Trail s recreational center, provides physical activities from the mild to the wild fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and rock-climbing draws visitors from around the world. This region s pristine vistas and breathtaking natural beauty are worth a Trail-hop alone. At Hico, U.S. 19 intersects the Trail, providing access to even more adventure. The Refined Pastoral East Greenbrier County & Area 2.5 Land Use To the east, mountains melt into the Greenbrier Valley s broad, verdant fields and karst (limestone) topography. The Trail s rural east, Greenbrier County, presents the pastoral picture of piedmont farmland; unhurried life; Civil War sites; and quaint towns, such as Lewisburg, where historical preservation, amid genteel country living, is a way of life. The Virginia state border provides the eastern bookend of the Byway.

12 Corridor Routing & Mileage 2.6 ROUTE COUNTY BEG. END SEGMENT REMARKS MP MP MILEAGE U.S. 60 Wayne WAYNE COUNTY TOTAL 5.6 U.S. 60 Cabell CABELL COUNTY TOTAL U.S. 60 Putnam PUTNAM COUNTY TOTAL 9.01 U.S. 60 Kanawha County line to State Capitol KANAWHA Co. TOTAL (WV Designated Section) * 19.0 WV Designated Section Byway Total 60.4 * NSB begins at State Capitol 19 miles into Kanawha Co. Total Kanawha Co. mileage approx: AWAITING Detailed Segment INFO FROM WV DOH FOR WESTERN EXTENSION ROUTE COUNTY BEG. END SEGMENT REMARKS MP MP MILEAGE U.S. 60 Kanawha State Capitol; joins Kanawha follows 1-77 U.S. 60 Kanawha CR 60/12 (Old Midland Trail') CR 60/12 Kanawha Midland Trail;WB from US 60 to CR 60/18 CR 60/18 Kanawha Midland Trail;WB from CR 60/18 to CR 60/20 CR 60/20 Kanawha Midland Trail;WB from CR 60/20 to US 60 CR 70 Kanawha US 60 to CR 60/21 CR 60/21 Kanawha CR 70 to CR 60/18 CR 60/18 Kanawha CR 60/21 to "Old Midland Trail".S.60 Kanawha to Charleston Urbanized Boundary Kanawha KANAWHA COUNTY TOTAL (NSB Segment) U.S. 60 Fayette County line to Greenbrier County line FAYETTE COUNTY TOTAL U.S. 60 Greenbrier County line to Sam Black Church Greenbrier WV Caldwell Greenbrier to White Sulphur Springs GREENBRIER COUNTY TOTAL NSB BYWAY TOTAL Routing and Mileage

13 Geology Report Geology is the foundation of the Midland Trail. Because of the ancient history en route, coal, oil, gas, salt, limestone, sandstone, shale, water, sand and gravel are present and accessible to maintain life throughout the Trail. They have been instrumental in attracting people and industry to the area and profoundly influencing the culture, history and economy of the heart of the state. The Trail's exquisite scenery also lies on the backbone of its geology. The story of how geology has set the stage for life on the Midland Trail can only add to the travelers' enjoyment of this Scenic Byway. While our Town Pages Chapter 5 place the Intrinsic qualities in their specific surroundings, we have found geologist Claudette Simard s review of the Midland Trail s geology so helpful that we asked her to update it to include the western extension for this 2005 Revised CMP. Claudette Simard, Rock Renditions - Stories of the Earth 376 Wildwood Lake Road, Morgantown, WV Geology Report OVERVIEW OF THE MIDLAND TRAIL'S GEOLOGY Intrinsic Qualities The Midland Trail is a prime example of the tremendous effect mineral resources and geology have had on West Virginia. The Trail is richly endowed with coal, oil, gas, limestone, sandstone, shale, salt, sand and gravel because of its 380 million year old history. The conditions were perfect for depositing the minerals then later exposing them for easy access. As these minerals were discovered and extracted, they attracted people and industry to this area having a profound impact on the culture and history of the heart of West Virginia - the Midland Trail. An increasingly important aspect of the state, its scenic beauty, is directly related to the underlying rocks and the processes that shaped them over time. In this report, the Midland Trail has been divided into four parts based on changes in geology expressed in the landscape. Each section includes recommendations for pull off areas and signs to explain the essential role geology plays in the available mineral resources, history, and scenic beauty of the area. Attached is a page describing photos needed for the recommended stops, as Mr. Thibeault suggested. Section 1 Charleston to Huntington (east to west, new mile 61, Chas. to new mile 0, Kenova) West of the Capitol, the Midland Trail follows the Kanawha River until it makes a left at Amandaville. At that point, it follows the pleasant valleys created by Tackett and Hurricane Creeks. Hurricane Creek (and the Trail) flow into the Teays Valley which was created and abandoned long ago by the Teays River. More than two million years ago, before the last Ice Age, what is now the Kanawha River did not flow north to Point Pleasant but made a westward bend at Scary and flowed through the Teays Valley to the Ohio River at Huntington. During the last Ice Age, glaciers extending into southern Ohio blocked the flow of the Ohio River thereby creating a dam. As a result, the Ohio River and the rivers flowing into it, including the Teays, were backed up forming a large lake similar to those formed by modern dams. In these quiet lake waters, more than 100 feet of mud and clay settled onto the bottom of the lake (Fridley, 1950). The glacier eventually melted and allowed the Ohio River and its feeding streams to flow once more. The water of the Teays could not break through the thick mud at Scary but found an easier path by joining the Pocatalico River at Poca and flowing north

14 (Fridley, 1950). I recommend a signs where the Trail enters Hurricane or in Milton to describe this ancient, relatively unknown history of the Teays Valley, see photo 6. Besides providing a wide valley for building roads and communities, the Ice Age left a valuable legacy of clay behind in the glacial lake. In scattered places throughout the Valley, especially near active building excavations, these clay layers can be seen. The clay has historically been an important resource for the manufacturing of "good quality brick, tile, hollow blocks, pottery and similar products" produced near Huntington, Barboursville, Culloden and other places in the vicinity (Cross and Schemel, 1956). Brick and tile had also been produced until 1977 from the Pennsylvanian-aged red shales at Barboursville and Huntington. The Barboursville Brick Manufacturing Company, one of the state's leading brick producers from 1902 to 1977, produced 10 million bricks a year, (70,000 bricks a day) during peak production years of the "baby boom" 1950's (Kessler, 1998). West Virginia Brick in Charleston, owned by the same company, also used local shales to produce their brick. The Teays and Ohio Valleys are home to a thriving hand blown glass industry. Since the early 1900s, glass producers have been drawn to the area, (and the state), by the abundant, cheap natural gas. As late as 1975, West Virginia was one of the leading glass manufacturing states (Eggleston, 1975). Blenko Glass Company and Gibson Glass at Milton, and the smaller independent glass artists like Hammond Glass at Teays all produce glass sought after by tourists and West Virginians alike. Their products, ranging from window glass to fine crystal are sold worldwide. All of these companies give free tours of this fascinating process and have showrooms with items for sale. The small brown glass factory signs on Route 60 do not do justice to these attractions. They need to be enhanced or at least enlarged. The Teays Valley area has several productive oil and gas fields. The Midland Trail's petroleum resources have been one of the key features attracting industries to the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys. A depleted gas field in the Hurricane area has been converted to a gas storage field where gas from other areas is stored in the summer when demand is low, and withdrawn in the winter when demand is high. Last, but by no means least, is the Ohio River Valley at Huntington/Ceredo/Kenova. The Ohio River dominates these areas by its sheer size and influence. Its numerous sand and gravel terraces were deposited by glacial meltwater draining through the river during the last Ice Age. Rounded gravels of granites and other nonnative rock from as far north as Canada are relicts of glaciers that never reached West Virginia. These flat easily excavated deposits provide excellent building sites for homes, industry, roads and railroads as well as the important sand and gravel needed to build them. Throughout time, the river has always been a vital transportation link for its inhabitants and commerce to the rest of West Virginia and states along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Of particular interest is the flood wall that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built around the towns after the greatest flood of record in Pullman Square related development at at the end of 11th Street in Huntington is a great place to tell the story of the Ohio River and its flood wall, see photo 7. In Kenova the Big Sandy River dumps into the Ohio River at Virginia Point Park, the western most point of West Virginia. Section 2 Charleston to Gauley Bridge (mile 61 to 99; old mile 0 to 38) The Kanawha River Valley's ancient history is the foundation for its cultural history. Charleston and the other communities built along the Kanawha owe their existence to the area's 300 million year 2.8 old history. At that time, known as the Pennsylvanian Geologic Period, North America was near the equator, ferns were as big as trees and dragonflies had three foot wing spans. The sandstones that dominate the Trail's road cuts and cliffs are the remains of sandy streams meandering across a low-lying coastal area next to an inland sea. Plant fossils give proof that these were stream rather than beach sands. In places, the streams were separated by flood plains where mud accumulated and was later compressed into thinly layered shales. In other places, swamps were teaming with luxuriant tropical-like plants that thrived in this hot equatorial climate. The plants died and piled up into layers that formed peat and were eventually compressed over time into coal. Limey mud would settle in large lakes or a shallow arm of the ocean would cover the area and deposit thin layers of what is now limestone. Over time, the inland sea drained and these rock layers were uplifted then worn down to their present heights above the Kanawha River. These rocks are typical of the sedimentary rocks (made of particles or sediments) found in 99 percent of West Virginia. Geology Report The sandstones have been quarried over the years for decorative building stone and crushed stone for making roads (Haught, 1968). From the early 1800s to about 1980, some of the shales have been used to produce the tile, building brick and road brick so common in the area (Haught, 1968). At Malden, the sandstones are a source of oil, gas and brine that have, in places, filled the tiny pore spaces between the sand grains. The brine, or ancient sea water, was instrumental in attracting Indians and later settlers, industry and workers to the area. Over the last 300 million years, the brine has migrated to these sandstones known as the

15 "Salt Sands" (Ludlum, 1951). The oil and gas, formed from decomposed marine plants and animals mixed in with sea floor sediments, has also slowly migrated to these rocks. At Burning Spring Creek, gas bubbling through the spring was believed to have been recognized by Native Americans and perhaps used for fuel (Eggleston, 1975). Technology developed by the Ruffner brothers to drill brine wells in 1806 was essential equipment for drilling for oil and gas later in that century (Eggleston, 1975). Oil and gas, which were considered a nuisance by the salt well drillers, were wasted to the extent that the Kanawha River was long known as "Old Greasy" by boatmen (Eggleston, 1975). In 1841, the value of gas was first realized commercially when it was used to evaporate brine in the Dickinson area (Ludlum, 1951). Not until 1826 was oil used for lamps in workshops and factories (Eggleston, 1975). The Kelley Creek Oil Field near Chelyan (mile 14) and the Cabin Creek Oil Field near Cedar Grove (mile 18) are important gas producers for the area (Gulley et al, 1937). Today, Kanawha County is one of the state's larger producers of gas and lesser amounts of oil. Coal, West Virginia's most valuable mineral worth more than $4.5 billion annually, was first used commercially in 1817 when it replaced charcoal as fuel at the Kanawha River salt furnaces (Eggleston, 1975). By 1840, 200,000 of the 300,000 tons of coal produced that year were used at the Kanawha salt furnaces (Eggleston, 1975). In 1997, 13 million tons of coal were produced in Kanawha County, ranking it 5th among 28 coal producing counties, a distinction it has held for at least the past 30 years (Ludlum, 1951; WV Department of Mines, 1997). West Virginia competes with Kentucky every year for the position of second leading coal producing state. West Virginia's southern coal fields formed under ideal conditions to make them the best low sulfur coals in the world (Workman, 1998). As a result of their high quality, the Kanawha Formation coals have been extensively mined east of Charleston to the Gauley Bridge area. At Shrewsbury, mile 15, these coals are being mined and the tipple is still active. I recommend this site as an ideal pull off area for signs to describe how coal formed and its impact on the economy, see photo 1. The Kanawha Formation also contains some relatively rare cannel coals used for extracting lamp fuel oil. By the mid 1800s, petroleum had replaced them as lamp fuel (Workman, 1998). Today, the majority of these and other West Virginia coals are burned in power plants like the Glasgow Power Plant (mile 20) to supply electricity for homes and industry. West Virginia is the nations leading exporter of electricity. The Kanawha River's wide flood plains provided some of the rare flat land for building trails, then later roads, communities and industry. The River has always been a vital transportation link to the Ohio River for people and commerce. It has been and still is an important water source for local communities and industry. The Marmet Lock and Dam (mile 8) and the London Lock and Dam Number 3 (mile 24) maintain a constant river level for barge transportation of products such as coal on the Kanawha. Flood control and navigation dams at Bluestone, Summersville and Sutton hold back flooding water that would normally inundate communities on the Kanawha flood plain. I recommend signs at the dams to explain the role the river plays in the lives of its inhabitants, see photo 2. The Kanawha Falls park is an excellent place to showcase the scenic beauty in view of Kanawha Falls and to describe the vital role geology plays in the development of the Falls, the New River Gorge, and the most valuable coals of the state, the New River coals. I also recommend a geologic/scenic sign for Kanawha Falls park at the Glen Ferris Power Plant, mile 36, see photo 3. Section 3 Gauley Bridge to Rainelle ( mile 99 to 134; old mile 38 to 73) 2.9 In this section, the Midland Trail leaves the Kanawha and New River Valleys to traverse the ridge tops. The Trail climbs a large arch in the rock that has lifted the New River Formation's Nutall sandstones from 700 feet under the surface at Dickinson to a 1270 foot elevation at Hawks Nest (Ludlum, 1951). This tough sandstone is the same one that produces gas in this area and brine and gas at Dickinson (Ludlum, 1951). Numerous small cascades grace this section of the Trail as they flow over the edge of the resistant sandstones. The Trail clings precipitously to the New River Gorge's edge as it winds its way to the top of Gauley Mountain. En route, it passes through 30 of the 100 coal zones in the state, 20 of which are worked commercially somewhere in West Virginia (Ludlum, 1951). The New River Formation coals of the area "furnish some of the purest coal and cokes of the state" according to I. C. White (1903). The low sulfur "smokeless" coals were premium steam coals sought after for steam ship and locomotive fuel in the late 1800s and early 1900s (White, 1903). Geology Report I recommend a geology/scenic sign at Hawks Nest State Park or one of the scenic pull-offs before the park. From any of them, West Virginia's name, the "Mountain State," will be strikingly obvious from the scenery, rugged topography, and geology typical of the greater part of central West Virginia. The spectacular view of the New River 510 feet below (Ludlum, 1951) will be a perfect backdrop to explain the rock's effect on the river, the history of the river and how Union Carbide harnessed its energy to produce hydroelectric power, see photo 4.

16 In the past, beehive coke ovens at Ansted, Boomer (Gulley, et al., 1937), and many other parts of the state burned coal to concentrate the fuel. The result is a clean burning fuel used in smelting iron and steel and for domestic heat (Ludlum, 1951). The Sewell seam of the New River Formation coals, which is commercially mined almost exclusively in Fayette County, was mined for coking as well as other uses (Ludlum, 1951). Fayette County produced close to four million tons of coal in 1997, ranking it 15th of 28 coal producing counties (WV Department of Mines, 1997). Lookout, at mile 58, is at the center of the arch in the rocks that lifted the New River Formation's sandstones and coals to the surface. This uplift and subsequent erosion created the area's spectacular scenery and made the valuable New River Formation coals accessible. The arch was folded when the continents collided about 200 million years ago. During this collision, rocks in eastern West Virginia were folded into northeast-southwest trending ridges. Rock layers closer to the collision point (those in eastern West Virginia) were more severely folded than those farther away (western part of the state). As a result, the Midland Trail will pass through more and more severely folded rock layers as it traverses eastward. Babcock State Park, about 3 miles from the Midland Trail on Route 41, is another recommended geologic/scenic stop. Glades and Manns Creeks have carved a 1000 foot gorge on their journey to the New River. The gorge slices through the Pennsylvanian-aged New River and Pocahontas Formations to expose the Mississippian-aged rock (approximately 340 million years old) below. The distinctive rust color of the rock along the Trail from mile 60 to mile 94 is from iron in the rock that rusted when exposed to air. The color occurs in some of the Pennsylvanian rocks but is even more pronounced in the older Mississippian-aged Mauch Chunk Group of rocks from Rainelle to just beyond Clintonville. One of the Mauch Chunk sandstones that is slightly iron stained into a beautiful pink and yellow color is quarried and cut into building stone near Alderson. Scenic view areas near mile 69 would be ideal places to explain the role the area's ancient history plays in creating the terrain, especially since the highest elevation on the Midland Trail is nearby. Section 4 Rainelle to White Sulphur Springs (mile 134 to 181 old mile 73 to 120) At the Fayette/Greenbrier County line, mile 73, the rivers and streams have cut through the younger Pennsylvanian age New River and Pocahontas Formation layers to expose Missippian-aged rocks below. In 1997, 500,000 tons of New River and Pocahontas coals in western Greenbrier County's hills were produced, ranking it 24th out of 28 coal producing counties (WV Department of Mines, 1997). At one time, all of the coal mined in this county passed through Rainelle (Heck, 1939) making it a booming town as shown by the historic King Coal Hotel at mile 75. According to Heck (1939), more than 1.5 million tons of coal traveled through Rainelle annually during the 1930's. This is the last coal seen on the Trial driving east because the rest of the Trail is in older Mississippian-aged rocks which do not have any mineable coal. The communities from Rainelle to Sam Black Church are on the wide flood plain of the Meadow River and its tributaries. These streams have worn through Mississippian rock that is much easier to erode than the tough New River sandstones downstream. As a result, the streams have used their erosive energy to cut unusually wide valleys through this area. The Meadow River and its tributaries meander lazily across it and pond into numerous wetlands. I recommend a geologic/scenic sign at Rainelle to explain this interesting feature, see photo Geology Report The dividing line between the rock layers that are horizontal and the layers that are folded is at Clintonville, mile 91. From Charleston to a few miles west of this point, the rock layers appear to be flat. From this point east, they are inclined or dipping at an angle from the folding that occurred during continental collision about 200 million years ago. The ridges on the rest of the journey, like Brushy Ridge at Alta (mile 95), have a definite northeastsouthwest orientation from the folding. The folding has also raised the rock layers higher and cracked them, enabling erosive forces of water and wind to wear the younger Pennsylvanian rock layers away completely. This left the older, once buried, Mississippian layers at the surface for the rest of the route. At mile 94 is the Boxley Greenbrier Limestone Quarry that produces crushed stone mainly for use in building roads. Boxley quarries the Greenbrier Limestone, the limestone that yields 60% of the state's production. Greenbrier County, West Virginia's leading limestone producing county, quarries almost three million of the state's 15 million ton annual total. West Virginia's limestone is mainly used in the state's roads although some is sold to other states. The Greenbrier Limestone continues westward to underlie the younger Pennsylvanian rock. Along the Trail, it ranges in thickness from 600 feet in this county to 200 feet at the Ohio River (McCue et al, 1939). The Greenbrier's thickness and marine shell fossils are proof that West Virginia was under the ocean for an extended period of time about 340 million years ago. The Greenbrier

17 Limestone below the surface has been one of the state's leading gas producers and a less significant oil producer (Avary, 1998). From Richland, at mile 99, to Lewisburg, the Midland Trail traverses prime examples of land features unique to limestone. Because limestone slowly dissolves from rainwater which is naturally slightly acidic, it often contains caves, sinking creeks, sinkholes (depressions on the land) and springs. Numerous fine examples of these land forms can be seen on either side of the Trail toward Lewisburg. More spectacular examples include the very large sinkhole that Lewisburg is built in and Lost World Caverns, located about three miles north of town. Because limestone is slowly dissolved over time, it forms wide fertile valleys that are prime agricultural land, a bonus for this county. I recommend a scenic/geologic pull off with signs near Richland or Lewisburg to explain these interesting features. At the eastern edge of Lewisburg, close to mile 167/106, the Midland Trail travels on Greenbrier Mountain formed from the resistant sandstones of the Mississippian Maccrady and Pocono Groups. At mile 108, the Trail crosses the Greenbrier River, which drains the eastern half of the county and flows into the New River at Hinton. From Caldwell to the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, the Trail is built on Howard Creek's flood plain that was carved through the oldest rock en route, the 380 million year old Devonian shales. The world famous White Sulphur Springs emerge from these shales (Ludlum, 1954). The medicinal waters of the springs and the mild summer temperatures have attracted tourists to White Sulphur Springs since the mid 1700s (McColloch, 1985). In summary, geology is the foundation of the Midland Trail. Because of the ancient history en route, coal, oil, gas, salt, limestone, sandstone, shale, water, sand and gravel are present and accessible to maintain life throughout the Trail and West Virginia. They have been instrumental in attracting people and industry to the area and profoundly influencing the culture, history and economy of the heart of the state. The Trail's exquisite scenery also lies on the backbone of its geology. The story of how geology has set the stage for life on the Midland Trail can only add to the travelers' enjoyment of this Scenic Byway. REFERENCES CITED Avary, K., 1998, Personal communication, West Virginia Geological Survey, Morgantown, WV. Cross, A. T. and Schemel, M. P., 1956, Part II, Economic resources in Geology and economic resources of the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia: West Virginia Geological Survey Vol. 22, 129 p. Eggleston, J. R., 1975, A bicentennial story: history of West Virginia's mineral industry: West Virginia Geological Survey December Newsletter, pp Fridley, H. M., 1950, The geomorphic history of the New-Kanawha River System: West Virginia Geological Survey Report of Investigation No. 7, 12 p. Gulley, G. M., Sherrill, R. E., and Price, P. H., 1937, Log of pre-convention field trip, American Association of Petroleum Geologists mid-year meeting: West Virginia Geological Survey, 19 p. Haught, O. L., 1968, Geology of the Charleston area: West Virginia Geological Survey, Bulletin 34, 38 p. Heck, E. T., 1939, Log for West Virginia 1939 trip, field conference of Pennsylvania Geologists: West Virginia Geological Survey, 11 p. Kessler, F., 1998, Personal communication, Barboursville Brick Manufacturing Company, Barboursville, WV. Ludlum, J. C., 1951, The geology of Hawks Nest State Park, West Virginia: West Virginia Geological Survey State Park Bulletin, SPB No. 1, 25 p. Ludlum, J. C., 1954, Description of the area and log of field trip for Anthony Gap and return, American Petroleum Institute, Eastern District Spring Meeting, White Sulphur Springs, 1954: West Virginia Geological Survey, 6p Geology Report McColloch, J. S., 1985, Springs of West Virginia; West Virginia Geological Survey V-6A, 494 p. McCue, J. B., Lucke, J. B., and Woodward, H. P., 1939, Limestones of West Virginia: West Virginia Geological Survey V-12, 560 p West Virginia Department of (Mines) Miners' Health Safety and Training, 1997, 1997 annual report, 200 p. White, I. C., 1903, Levels above tide true meridians report on coal: West Virginia Geological Survey Vol. 2, 725 p. Workman, M., 1998, Personal communication: West Virginia University Institute for the History of Technology and Industrial Archaeology, Morgantown, WV.

18 Our Vision * America s Byways designation for western extention * Enhanced visitor services and identity * Sustainable Association * Interpretive Murals Trail-wide * Mid-Atlantic Travel Destination * Eastward extension through Virginia * Heritage preservation * Preservation of environment * Pioneer history celebrated * Industrial history celebrated Updated February Vision & Goals

19 The Midland Trail Purpose 1. As a nonprofit heritage development organization, the Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association is dedicated to heritage preservation and to promotion and enhancement of the Trail s qualities for those who work, live, and visit, now and in the future. 2. The Association will work to shape a continuous, meaningfully connected, 180-mile elucidation of pioneer movement westward, natural scenic beauty, industrial history heritage, and richness of culture along one of the country s oldest historic routes. 3. For guests to the Trail, the Association is committed to meaningful and memorable interpretation that enhances visitor experience and increases appreciation for history and heritage. 5. The Association is committed to enhancing visitors experiences with programs that preserve recreational qualities and encourage environmentally friendly recreational activity. 6. In keeping with a broad and progressive outlook for the Trail, the Association is dedicated to developing links with other trails and byways like the Coal Heritage Trail and the Highland Scenic Highway as we foster a regional and statewide approach to heritage development, interpretation, preservation, and management. 7. The Midland Trail is committed to the encouragement, development, and preservation of viable business growth that has minimal or no impact upon the Trail s environment. 3.2 Vision & Goals 4. The Association will work to provide and preserve a meaningful aesthetic experience for the visitor through unspoiled views all along the Trail.

20 The Midland Trail Vision Created by both natural and manmade forces, the fascinating and beautiful Midland Trail will be designated an All-American Road providing travelers an accurate glimpse of the challenges westward-bound pioneers faced when settling a new frontier. The Midland Trail, beginning with George Washington s vision of a road connecting the East with the West, will help travelers to understand the American westward expansion. The Midland Trail will link together scenic byways within West Virginia that are north to south routes as well as link the original Midland Trail in neighboring Virginia, Kentucky, and points west. This east to west Midland Trail will create a heritage corridor known internationally as the road immigrant pioneers used in their search for the American Dream. The Midland Trail will use its redevelopment and reinvention as a scenic byway and as a national, and ultimately international, model to advance the scholarship and study of this phenomenon of rural micro-economic development through scenic byways programs. The Midland Trail will be an environmentally conscious advocate and leader for the small communities that embody Appalachian culture in West Virginia. The Midland Trail will coordinate and partner in every way possible with other scenic highways, recreational, cultural, and historic organizations providing support and sharing economic and community development and market opportunities. 3.3 Vision & Goals The Midland Trail will interpret pioneer settlement and the industrial economic development of the salt, coal, oil, gas, timber, metals, and chemicals as a process and model that has become compatible with recreation, environment, historic preservation, and scenic byway development. The Midland Trail will recognize the contributions of the diverse cultures which populated the Trail and which are inextricably linked to the development of the Midland Trail and the westward expansion of this country. The Midland Trail will act as a catalyst helping to market, focus, preserve, and interpret the distinct history of the region.

21 GOALS OF THE MIDLAND TRAIL In formulating goals and objectives for the future of the Midland Trail, we first looked to the past. Establishing our organization encouraged many community people along the Trail. Some goals and objectives remain the same. Others have expanded to take on a larger vision and to provide greater service to tourists. I. The Midland Trail will be clearly identifiable and will provide easily accessible and adequate availability of visitor services. II. The Midland Trail will be free of visual intrusions that detract from the beauty and scenic qualities of the Trail. III. The Midland Trail will provide the visitor with interpretive opportunities to increase appreciation and understanding of the historical and heritage context of the Trail. IV. The Midland Trail will support an administrative structure for continuous and active oversight of Trail management, development, and interpretive activities. V. The Midland Trail will encourage business development that is at least in part tourist-driven and any development or activity that provides minimal or no disruptions to the Trail s intrinsic qualities. VI. The Midland Trail will work to increase regional, statewide, national, and international appreciation of the Trail through projects that are intended to attract scholarship. VII. The Midland Trail will encourage development that is sensitive to the Trail s intrinsic qualities. VIII. The Midland Trail will foster ongoing cooperation and collaboration with local communities, local groups, landowners, boards and commissions, and businesses to promote all of the above goals. 3.4 Vision & Goals

22 FIVE -YEAR GOALS FOR THE MIDLAND TRAIL 1. To achieve All-American Scenic Byway Status for the 180-mile Midland Trail. 2. To coordinate with and support all local and region-wide efforts at beautification and cleanup, as well as environmental protection. 3. To promote and encourage high-quality arts and crafts design, development, and marketing in the Midland Trail region. 4. To develop a Midland Trail heritage curriculum for use in West Virginia s tourism and hospitality classes. 5. To complete travel assistance programs like hospitality training, informational pull-offs with radio-transmitted information, interactive exhibits, and audio travel tools to assist travelers and increase appreciation and understanding of the Trail among local communities. 6. To upgrade the Midland Trail Web site with revenue-producing activities. 7. To develop volunteer opportunities for senior citizens and high school students. 8. To secure National Scenic Byway status for the western extension of the Trail (or incorporate it into All-American Road) and continue to build partnerships with businesses, local governments and community groups necessary for successful marketing and hospitality. 9. To build national name recognition for the Midland Trail. 10. To inventory historical properties and historical organizations and establish goals for preservation and marketing of properties, where appropriate. 11. To complete the Midland Trail signage and wayfinding plan and work with WVDOT to upgrade signage along the Byway and at attractions. 12. To complete the Midland Trail marketing and interpretation plan and work with WVDOT, WV Culture and History, WV Tourism, local governments and attractions, and others to implement the marketing program and provide consistent, high-quality interpretation of all six intrinsic qualities. 13. To monitor and/or reduce the amount of outdoor signage, and simultaneously creating a coordinated visual signage message along the Trail. 14. To develop a full-service, state-of-the-art visitor center that promotes byways, rivers, and trails in the Midland Trail region. 15. To create a Trailwide video, with at least three distinct versions for regional visitor centers. 3.5 Vision & Goals

23 TWENTY -YEAR GOALS FOR THE MIDLAND TRAIL 1. To develop community strategies that collectively enhance the Midland Trail region and its qualities, creating national and international awareness of the area as a destination region. 2. To establish an academic base for multi-level scholarly study of industry, heritage, and tourism individually, and as an interconnected concept. 3. To develop and communicate a plan that establishes the Midland Trail region as the place near the Eastern Megalopolis where one can find and experience history, recreation, and relaxation. 4. To implement environmentally sustainable strategies that preserve and protect the Trail s scenic and natural qualities. 7. To develop long-term revenue-producing strategies that will assist in the support of Midland Trail management and marketing functions and create a self-sustaining organization. 8. To establish heritage centers along the Midland Trail that will serve as regional/community information, service, and support centers. 9. To foster and expand working partnerships between the heritage centers along the Trail that in part will be sustained by joint marketing, maintenance, and planning efforts that create efficiency for both communities and visitors. 10. To advance economic opportunities for the Midland Trail region through activities that encourage and promote economic development. 3.6 Vision & Goals 5. To actively encourage the public and private sectors, including non-profits, for development of independent and interdependent vehicles that build the tourism and arts and crafts culture along the Trail. 6. To develop working linkages between colleges and universities along the Trail for advancement of design and development of traditional as well as contemporary arts and crafts along the Trail. 11. To develop and maintain a traveler- and user-friendly, environmentally appealing green Trail. 12. To garner an active citizenry, with support from local and regional groups, that will provide ongoing protection of the Trail and its intrinsic qualities.

24 Goal I Enhance MT Identity and Accessibility to Travel Assistance To make the Midland Trail clearly identifiable and to provide easy accessibility to and availability of visitor services. 1. Create a clear identity for the Midland Trail with consistent signage, reinforced with consistent usage of the Midland Trail logo in all presentations, whether on the road or in publication. 2. Encourage partners to reinforce the name recognition of Midland Trail by distributing Midland Trail guides, displaying the Midland Trail logo in their windows, offering member discounts, and including Midland Trail in their advertising. 3. Identify all visitor information centers with easily identifiable markers and provide informational signage as necessary and convenient, both from the roadside and at center locations. 4. Furnish interpretive signs in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and German where feasible, and where such will not prove disruptive to the scenic qualities of the Trail. 5. Educate and train all visitor center personnel, paid or volunteer, and including secondary and collegiate-level students, in the best and latest methods of hospitality service. 6. Provide informational kiosks that identify visitor centers, convenient lodging, convenient places of dining, convenient service stations, places of recreation, and the Trail s intrinsic qualities. 7. Provide an ongoing visitor s informational guidance program that will use all available audio, visual, and Web media. The Association will publish a biennial destination guide and specialty brochures and maintain a Web site for visitor use. 3.7 Vision & Goals

25 Goal 2 Enhance the Visual Experience To remove or minimize the impact of all visual intrusions that detract from the beauty and scenic qualities of the Trail. 1. Limit the use of billboard advertising in segments of the Trail where it might block or detract from views of natural beauty. 2. Monitor and reduce the amount of outdoor signage while simultaneously creating a coordinated visual signage message along the Trail. 3. Clear and control growth of vegetation that would block views, particularly but not exclusively at pull-off areas. 4. Discourage any business or industry activity that might prove disruptive to scenic qualities or the tourist s enjoyment of them, i.e. business-free zones that restrict any use of disruptive, non-tourist-based business. Develop programs that publicize, recognize, and honor business and industrial activity that protects and preserves the Trail s qualities. 5. Work with local governments to aggressively pursue a program to condemn all non-historic dilapidated buildings within the viewshed. 6. Promote and coordinate with all community-based and region-wide efforts at beautification and clean-up, as well as proactive efforts at environmental protection. 7. Minimize the distraction of satellite dishes, cell phone towers, radio towers, and power lines. Minimize the spraying of herbicides, which constitutes harm to the scenic qualities of the Trail. 8. Use vegetative green-screening to decrease the impact of unsightly buildings or business and industrial operations. 3.8 Vision & Goals

26 Goal 3 Enhancing the Interpretive Experience To provide the visitor with interpretive opportunities to appreciate and understand the historical and heritage context of the Trail. 1. Provide interpretive roadside signs and interpretive panels at pull-offs. 2. Establish Share Our Heritage Interpretive Murals program that utilizes top quality fine art to depict historical events along the Byway, which will draw visitors across the entire Byway, raise historical awareness, and create a national attraction. 3. Establish new and support existing museums and interpretive centers all along the Trail. 4. Develop cultural events and programs such as festivals, arts and crafts shows, and artistic productions that highlight the Trail s qualities. 7. Operate and maintain a viable Midland Trail Web site; expand services for advertisers, consumers, and researchers who visit the site; develop historical research for the site; and include scenic byways information for public use on the site. 8. Place and operate informational kiosks at strategic points along the Trail. 9. Promote and encourage high-quality arts and crafts programs with design, development, and marketing in the Midland Trail region. 10. Develop a Special Themes Tour program that would highlight and showcase specific qualities of the Trail. 3.9 Vision & Goals 5. Commission dramatic and musical productions that will showcase Trail heritage and qualities. 6. Produce traveler s audio tapes in English, French, and German that will explain and interpret Trail history and heritage, and serve not only the automobile traveler, but also school curriculum development and libraries. 11. Inventory historic properties and historical organizations and establish goals for preservation and marketing of properties, where appropriate.

27 Goal 4 Build a Self Sustaining Organization To create and support an administrative structure for continuous and active oversight of Trail management, development, and interpretive activities 1. Employ an executive director who will act as spokesperson for the Trail; direct fund-raising and grant-writing; promote business potential and growth that enhances and does not disrupt the Trail s intrinsic qualities; oversee resource management of the Trail; act as a liaison for the Board with governmental agencies; direct and oversee interpretive and development projects; oversee and assist local efforts at heritage preservation; oversee and direct activities of the Scenic Byways Center; direct publication of a Trail newsletter; and supervise the Trail staff. Perhaps most important, the Executive Director will work actively and continuously to maintain collaboration between governmental agencies, local communities, Trail associations, and citizens groups, businesses, schools, and individual citizens. 2. Engage an outreach manager to build a broad base of community involvement through coordinating MTSHA Task Force Committees (see list in chapter 10), community coordinators who will assure participation from all parts of the 180-mile Byway, and any volunteers MTSHA engages. 3. Engage sufficient support staff to handle the Association s fiscal responsibilities, and office operations. 4. Engage a distribution manager who will oversee direct mailing of Guides to all individuals who request them, ensure Guides remain well-stocked at all of our partner businesses, and track ad leads. 5. Engage a development director who will secure funding to implement desired projects by writing grants, establishing and implementing fundraising programs, and seeking private and public contributions. 6. Engage an interpretive specialist who will generate plans for interpretations through museums, roadside panels and kiosks, special Trail events at selected venues, and multi-media projects. 7. Engage a historian who will research Trail history, document research, and maintain a public library of multi-media materials for historians. 8. Engage a Webmaster who will maintain currency of Trail historical, business, recreational, and cultural information on the Trail s Web site. The Webmaster will also be responsible for developing revenue-producing activities on the site. 9. Engage a business development specialist who will develop programs intended to build and enhance the Trail s tourism potential and to promote tourism-based Trail businesses Vision & Goals

28 Goal 5 Encourage Business Development To encourage business development and activities that are at least in part tourist-driven and any development or activity that provides no disruptions to the Trail s intrinsic qualities. 1. Continue and expand our marketing program that is bringing customers to the front doors of our business partners along the Byway. Look for new venues to promote the Byway and its businesses. 2. Encourage the all ships are lifted in a rising tide approach: assist Byway partners in learning about their counterparts along the 180-mile Byway and become ambassadors to promote businesses along the Trail. 3. Develop and administer an active stewardship awards program that honors businesses that contribute to a good quality of life and tourist experience on the Trail. 5. Work with the four universities, WV Governor s Office of Economic Development, and its counterparts in county and local governments to pinpoint needed businesses and services and encourage business development Vision & Goals 4. Develop a state, regional, and national magnet program that seeks to attract tourist and environmentally friendly business to the Trail.

29 Goal 6 Encourage Scholarly Research Partnerships To increase regional, statewide, national, and international appreciation of the Trail through projects intended to attract scholarship and interest. 1. Coordinate with the four universities along the Trail to conduct research on those who live along and travel the Byway to ascertain how to best enhance the visitor experience. 2. Develop a Midland Trail Conferences and Seminars Program with special themes. 3. Involve all ages of students to participate in practical supportive programs that benefit the Trail region, i.e. tourism and hospitality education, a Trail junior associates program, and a Midland Trail heritage curriculum for high schools. 6. Contemplate a Center for Rural Byway Studies that will conduct ongoing research into development, preservation efforts, management, and interpretive opportunities on and along America s scenic byways and highways. Additionally, the Center will act as a research repository for studies of the Midland Trail. Contemplate the creation of an international component of the Rural Byway Studies Center where foreign visitors may study best practices and American-style rural tourism development Vision & Goals 4. Develop volunteer opportunities for senior citizens. 5. Reactivate the Midland Trail Writers Project for positive coverage in the media and among scholarly journals.

30 Goal 7 Encourage Sensitive Development To encourage development that is sensitive to the Trail s intrinsic qualities. 1. Oversee construction of pull-off upgrades in the six counties through which the Trail passes: Wayne, Cabell, Putnam, Kanawha, Fayette, and Greenbrier. 2. Promote a Midland Trail Heritage Parks program that will enhance the heritage and history of various historically significant sites on the Trail. 3. Promote a Main Street program for towns whose main street is the Trail. 4. Preserve and enhance heritage core areas that contain more than one historical attraction within short, easy walking distance from each other. 6. Recognize companies who are good stewards of the natural qualities of the Byway and encourage others to follow their example. 7. Encourage the extraction industry to be sensitive to the intrinsic qualities of the Byway. Work with companies to minimize anomalous intrusions on the landscape and viewshed Vision & Goals 5. Promote Share the Road bike programs; develop green spaces and parks in towns and along the Byway; create paths and trails for biking and hiking; develop public river access projects, so those who live, work, and visit along the Byway can enjoy the natural and scenic intrinsic qualities.

31 Goal 8 Encourage Collaboration To foster ongoing cooperation and collaboration with local communities, local groups, landowners, boards and commissions, and businesses to promote all of the above goals. 1. Support and encourage collaborative tourism and visitation among attractions of the Trail and the broader region, including the metropolitan areas of Charleston Huntington, and gateway towns like Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Summersville, and Beckley. 2. Encourage and develop cooperation among existing organizations in interpreting and promoting the Trail. 3. Create a linkage for various agencies and programs along the Trail through the following media: a newsletter; personal communications; and Web site, , or other alternative electronic communications methods. 5. Develop working linkages between colleges and universities along the Trail in order to advance design and development of traditional, as well as contemporary, arts and crafts and other disciplines. 6. Promote self-help economic incentives among its board members and membership at large; provide guidance and information in the form of informational training sessions that offer technical expertise in fund-raising, development, promotional, and grant proposal activities Vision & Goals 4. Serve as a liaison between member organizations and the U.S. Congressional Delegation, State Legislature, and regional and local governmental bodies.

32 Breathtaking scenery, unforgettable rafting, and spectacular hiking will fill postcards from the Trail. The cultural diversity and history of the Trail make letters and home absolute keepers as a current explanation of our American heritage. When you ve done this Trail you ll pound your chest and say, I understand what made this country great!

33 The Midland Trail Has All Six Intrinsic Qualities Right On The Byway Scenic Wooded mountains, farmland in broad valleys, waterfalls, and the New River Gorge. Cultural Appalachian music, arts, crafts, and drama; African- American history and heritage; coal-camp mining; and an authentic sternwheeler. Includes WV Cultural Center at Capitol Complex, Carnegie Hall, Mountain Stage Musical Productions, and the WV State Fair. Historic Inns, the world-renowned Greenbrier Hotel, old churches, historic music and arts hall, Hawks Nest Tunnel, Veterans Memorial, a Cold War-Era government personnel nuclear bunker, and the State Capitol. Museums for African-American heritage, railroads, Greenbrier County, war history, and Fayette County history and a one-room schoolhouse. Recreational Whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, rock-climbing, camping, fishing, canoeing, hunting, kayaking, and Ansted s Annual Street Luge Competition. Three championship golf courses at Greenbrier and oldest golf course in U.S. (plays with 19th-Century rules and equipment). Several parks and forests. 77-mile Greenbrier Bike Trail. Natural Eight rivers, rock formations, waterfalls, West Virginia hills, Archaeology Paleo-Indian Period, Archaic Period, Woodland Period, and late pre-european contact Period. Hunting tools such as projectile points. Burial mounds and earthworks. Petroglyphs. Intrinsic Qualities

34 Intrinsic Quality Sites List 1 of 2 MTSHA has identified several intrinsic qualities found along the 200-mile Midland Trail / US Route 60 State and National Scenic Byway. The Trail s intrinsic qualities identification is necessary to successfully complete our Corridor Management and Signage Plans. These qualities fall under six categories (R)ecreational, (S)cenic, (N)atural, (H)istorcal, (C)ultural and (A)rcheological. We are seeking public input regarding these qualities. Please review our intrinsic qualities list and let us know if you have any suggestions on the comment form below. WAYNE COUNTY Kenova: RSH Dreamland Pool RS Virginia Point Park HC Kenova Museum H The Pumpkin House Ceredo: HC Ceredo Historical Society Museum HC Ceredo-Kenova Railroad Museum H Ramsdell House CABELL COUNTY Huntington: RSH Camden Park RS Harris Riverfront Park RS Beech Fork State Park RS Ritter Park and Rose Garden HC Huntington Museum of Art HC Museum of Radio Technology HC Heritage Farm Museum HC Old Central City Antiques HC Marshall University HC Classic Cars Automotive Museum C Inco Alloys Plant Barboursville: RS Barboursville Community Park HC Toll House RSHC Historical Tour of 30 Buildings Milton: C The Cedar House B&B C Morris Convalescent Home HC Yesterday s Memories HC Blenko Glass SH Restored Covered Bridge HC Union Baptist Church PUTNAM COUNTY Hurricane: R Valley Wave Pool HC Main Street Gallery HC Museum in the Community HC Caboose Museum C Quilts by Phyllis SHCA History Row Native American Petroglyph H Plantation Corner HC Re-enactment of the Battle of Scary Creek & the Skirmish of Hurricane Creek Bridge Winfield: RHC Mary Ingles Encampment KANAWHA COUNTY St. Albans: RS St. Albans Roadside Park RSHC Historic Sidewalk Tours SHC Morgan s Plantation Kitchen HC St. Mark s Episcopal Church HCA Native American Archeological Site H Turner-Callihan House Dunbar: HC Wine Cellars South Charleston: RS Little Creek Park R Ice Skating RH Rock Lake RSC SC Community Center RSHCA SC Mound HCA SC Library Museum C Dow Chemical Charleston: RS Daniel Boone Park RCH Sternwheel Regatta RS Coonskin Park RS Shawnee Park RS Cato Park RS Kanawha River RS Haddad Riverfront Park RS Coonskin Park HC Clay Center HC WV Cultural Center RHC Vandalia Gathering C Mountain Stage SHC WV State Capitol SH Veteran s Memorial H Holly Grove Mansion HC Craik-Patton House HC Ruffner Log Cabin H S Spring Hill Cemetery Belle: HC Old Stone House HC Reynolds House C Dupont Chemical Plant Port Amherst: C Railroad Yards Malden: HC African Zion Baptist Church HC Malden Salt Village HC Cabin Creeks Quilts HC Malden Antiques HC Booker T. Washington s Cabin HC John Hale House HC Norton-Patton House HC Richard E. Putney House HC Kanawha Salines Presbyterian H Ruffner Cemetery C Dickinson s Salt-Works Cedar Grove: HC Virginia s Chapel HC William Tomkins House Cannelton: C Coal Tipple and Storage Intrinsic Qualities Recap

35 The Midland Trail Intrinsic Qualities Page 2 of 2 Glasgow: R City Park R Roadside Park RS Boat Launch H Memorial Gardens London: RS Kanawha Falls RS Public Park C London H Memorial Gardens FAYETTE COUNTY Boomer: HC Coal Camp Town Alloy: C Elkem Metals Glen Ferris: SRN Kanawha Falls RSH Glen Ferris Inn Gauley Bridge: RSC Elkem s Hydroelectric Dam Facility RS Gauley Bridge RSN Cathedral Falls RSN Kanawha Falls HC Gauley Bridge Historical Society Museum RS Gauley Bridge Teepees HC Hawks Nest Tunnel HC Hawks Nest Museum SR New River Campground Ansted: RSNH Ansted-Hawks Nest Rail Trail RSNH Hawks Nest State Park RS Fishing, Tram, Golf SN Hawks Nest Overlook R Annual Street Luge HC RS HC HC African-American Heritage Family Tree Museum The Mystery Hole Contentment House Historical Complex Halfway House R HC H Blue Smoke Salsa Hawks Nest Tunnel and Hydro-electric Power Facility Springdale Cemetery Fayetteville Gateway U.S.19 South: RSN New River Rafting RSN The New River Gorge S New River Gorge Bridge RS New River Gorge National River Visitors Center C Court Street Gallery HC Morris Harvey House Eastern Fayette County: RSH Babcock State Park RSHC George Washington Carver Park SH Lee s Tavern- Peak of Sewell Mountain Clifftop: RSHC String Band Festival RSHC Babcock State Park Lookout: HC Lookout Baptist Church H Jeannette Cemetery Winona: HC Garvey House GREENBRIER COUNTY Rainelle: RS Meadow Bridge Roadside Camp R Greenbrier Hills Golf Rupert: R Picnicking Western Greenbrier County: SN Sewell Mountain western slope s vista SH Hern s Mill Covered Bridge Sam Black Church: HC Sam Black Methodist Church Lewisburg: HRC Downtown Historic District HC General Lewis Historic Inn HC Carnegie Hall RSHC WV State Fair HC North House Museum HC Old Stone Church and Cemetery RSHC Andrew Lewis Park HC Battle of Lewisburg Re-enactment HC Great Oak Bed and Breakfast RSN Lost World Caverns C Greenbrier Valley Theatre Caldwell area: RS Trailhead for Greenbrier River Trail R Roadside park w/ picnic RSN Greenbrier River RS Greenbrier River Bike Trail RS Canoeing and River Access White Sulphur Springs Area: RH Oakhurst Golf Course RSHC The Greenbrier Resort HC The Bunker at the Greenbrier RS Greenbrier State Forest R Federal Fish Hatchery HC Battle of Dry Creek 1862 Re-enactment SHR Monongahela National Forest HC James Wylie House HC Lillian s Bed & Breakfast Nearby: Ronceverte : RSN Organ Cave HC Organ Cave Civil War Day Summersville - Gateway U.S.19 North: RSN Gauley River Rafting, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Rock Climbing, Llama Trekking RSC Summersville Dam RSH Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park HC Historic Brock House B&B Intrinsic Qualities Recap

36 Archaeological Wayne 1. Ceredo: Petroglyph Putnam County 2. Hurricane: History Row Native American Petroglyph Kanawha County 3. St. Albans: Native American Site 4. South Charleston: Adena Indian Mound 4.5 Archaeological PUTNAM 1 CABELL 2 KANAWHA 3 4 WAYNE FAYETTE GREENBRIER

37 Archaeology Along The Midland Trail Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. Pre-Euro-American Contact Long before the coming of Euro-Americans to the area now known as West Virginia, native people traveled the route today called the Midland Trail. They traveled to trade with other nations and make war. Sometimes groups of native people migrated along the trail to find a new home. The route stretched from central Virginia in the East, to the Ohio River where it met other trails leading to the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Northeast. Artifacts from these distant regions have been found at archaeological sites along the Midland Trail. The Trail has also been called the Kanawha or Buffalo Trail. At Lewisburg, the Midland Trail crossed the north-south running Seneca Trail. This trail is now U.S Archaeologists know that these trails were used by native people as early as 1000 B.C. order to adapt to the changing environment, native people began to hunt smaller game such as the white-tailed deer. They still lived in mobile bands, hunting and gathering to survive. One of the oldest stratified archaeological sites in eastern North America is located along the Midland Trail at St. Albans. The site was used by hunter-gatherer groups from what archaeologists call the Archaic Period, approximately 8000 to Archaeology The Paleo-Indian Period (10,500 B.C. to 8000 B.C.) Native people have traveled and lived in West Virginia for over 10,000 years. The earliest known inhabitants were the Paleo-Indians. Paleo-Indians were mobile hunter-gatherer people who followed big game animals like the wooly mammoth and mastodon. They hunted their prey with fluted projectile points on the end of long spears. Several fluted points made by Paleo-Indians have been found along the Midland Trail. The Archaic Period (8000 B.C. to 1000 B.C.) Around 8000 B.C. the climate in North America changed and most of the large animals that native people depended upon for food became extinct. In

38 B.C. Each occupation was later flooded, sealing it until the next occupation. As a result, the archaeological deposits left by these early huntergatherers were separated by sterile zones of river sand, allowing each occupation to be dated and building a chronological sequence for the Archaic Period in the Kanawha Valley. Several new types of projectile points from the Early Archaic Period were named for the St Albans site. The Kessell Side Notched point was named for Sam Kessell, who discovered the St. Albans site. The Woodland Period (1000 B.C. to A.D. 1000) Sometime after 1000 B.C., the Kanawha Valley was home to Woodland peoples who buried their dead in earthen mounds. These people are sometimes known as the Moundbuilders and also as Adena and Hopewell. Between South Charleston and Institute, the Kanawha Valley was covered by a large complex of up to fifty earthen burial mounds, earthworks, and enclosures. The mound complex was called The Ancient City of Kanawha by Cyrus Thomas, who directed excavations of hundreds of mounds and earthworks in the Ohio Valley. The excavations were conducted by the Smithsonian s Bureau of Ethnology in the 1880s and were published in Report on the Mound Explorations of the Bureau of Ethnology in The map below shows the locations of the mounds and earthworks that were still intact in the 1880s. Unfortunately, only a handful of the mounds and none of the earthworks remain today. The Creel Mound in South Charleston and the Shawnee Reservation Mound in Institute are two of the mounds excavated by the Smithsonian that remain from the complex that once covered several miles on both sides of the Kanawha River. Artifacts from the mounds are at the Smithsonian Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland. One of the mounds excavated by the Smithsonian was later excavated by members of the West Virginia Archaeological Society. They were able to date the remains of a log tomb at the base of the mound at 175 B.C. This date indicates that the mound was built after the high point of Adena culture in the Ohio Valley. Most of the mounds from the complex had both typical Adena and Hopewell items and projectile points. In the Ohio Valley, the Hopewell culture followed the Adena in time. This suggests that the mound complex was built and used over several hundred years. 4.7

39 Late Pre-Contact History (A.D to 1650) Around A.D the native people living along the Midland Trail began to grow corn, beans, and squash and to construct circular villages along the Kanawha River. Several village sites have been found from this time that allow us to know how these people lived. Along the Midland Trail villages were located at Mt. Carbon, in Fayette County and Marmet in Kanawha County. In the Cabell County town of Salt Rock, approximately 10 miles south of the Midland Trail, a group of Native Americans lived in a village at a site called Gue Farm. A short distance from the village are two large stones with engravings called petroglyphs. The Salt Rock petroglyphs are some of the best preserved examples of rock art in West Virginia. The engravings on the stones are of animals and people. One engraving shows a fulllength human figure with a Weeping Eye mask. A marine shell mask with the Weeping Eye design was also found at Gue Farm, which allows archaeologists to be certain that the stones are associated with the nearby village. The village is thought to have been occupied sometime between A.D and Native Americans lived along the Midland Trail until some time after European contact, which is around A.D in the Southeast. European trade items such as glass beads and copper and brass ornaments have been found at Marmet, in Kanawha County, that were traded into the area from the Southeast. However, when the first Europeans arrived in the Kanawha Valley, the villages had been abandoned. No one knows exactly why, but there were probably several factors. The Iroquois Nations had raided villages on the Ohio River and into Virginia. Pressures from the Iroquois as well as encroaching European settlement in Virginia might have forced the native people to leave the valley. Other factors might have been disease and depletion of local resources. Because the villages in the Kanawha Valley were not occupied when the first settlers arrived, no one has been able to identify the native people who lived there. Several Eastern Indian tribes had a presence in the Kanawha Valley. The Cherokee at one time claimed the land south of the Kanawha River as part of their territory. The Shawnee traveled the Midland Trail and established a village at the mouth of the Kanawha River in the 1700s. Siouan speaking people such as the Tutelo, Saponi, and Monacans migrated from the Ohio Valley into Virginia some time before A.D However, to this day, no one has been able to establish a link between these Indian nations and the villages on the Midland Trail. 4.8

40 Historical Wayne 1. Kenova: Dreamland Pool, Kenova Historical Commission Museum, and Pumpkin House 2. Ceredo: Ceredo Historical Society Museum, Ceredo-Kenova Railroad Museum, The Ramsdell House, and Camden Park Amusement Park Cabell 3. Huntington: Museum of Radio Technology, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Old Central City, Marshall University, and Classic Cars Automotive Museum 4. Barboursville: Toll House and Historical Walking Tour of Thirty Buildings 5. Milton: Morris Convalescent Nursing Home and Restored Covered Bridge 6. Union Baptist Church Putnam 7. Hurricane: History Row Caboose Museum, Plantation Corner and Murals depicting Civil War and Railroad History, Reenactment of the Battle of Scary Creek, and Skirmish of Hurricane Creek Bridge 8.Nearby: Winfield: Mary Ingles Encampment 18. Ansted: African-American Heritage Family Tree Museum, Contentment House Historical Complex, and Halfway House 19. Lookout: Lookout Baptist Church and Camp George Washington Carver Winona: Garvey House 20.Lee s Tavern and Peak of Sewell Mountain Greenbrier County 21. Western Greenbrier County: Hern s Mill Covered Bridge and Sam Black Methodist Church 22. Lewisburg: North House Museum, Old Stone Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, Andrew Lewis Park, The General Lewis, Battle of Lewisburg Reenactment, Historic Walking Tour of Sixty-plus 18th and19th Century buildings, and 1785 Tavern 23. Caldwell: Old Stone Manse Bed and Breakfast Nearby: Ronceverte: Organ Cave Civil War Day 24. White Sulphur Springs: Oakhurst Golf, The Greenbrier Resort and Bunker, Battle of Dry Creek Reenactment, James Wylie House and Lillian s Bed and Breakfast 4.9 Historical Kanawha 9. St. Albans: Historic Walking Tour, Morgan s Plantation Kitchen, St. Mark s Episcopal Church and Turner-Callihan House, and Navigating the Kanawha Through History 10. South Charleston: South Charleston Museum LaBelle Theater 11. Dunbar- Institute Loop: WV State University, Booker T. Washington Institute at WV State University, and East Hall at WV State University, Wine Cellar Park 12. Charleston: Downtown Buildings, East End Historical District, Shrewsbury Street and African-American Historical Sites, WV State Capitol Complex, Holly Grove Mansion, Craik-Patton House and Ruffner Log Cabin 13. Malden, Belle: Malden Historic District: African Zion Baptist Church, Malden Salt Village, Malden Antiques, Booker T. Washington s Cabin, John Hale House, Norton-Patton House, Richard E. Putney House, and Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church, and Old Stone House and Reynolds House 14. Cedar Grove: Virginia s Chapel and William Tompkins House Fayette County 15. Glen Ferris: Glen Ferris Inn 16. Gauley Bridge: Gauley Bridge Historical Society Museum 17. Ansted: Hawks Nest Museum PUTNAM KANAWHA CABELL WAYNE FAYETTE GREENBRIER

41 Historical Qualities Along The Midland Trail Twenty-one Centuries of exploration, conquest, American industrial history. Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. Remnants of the Underground Railroad can be discovered in Ceredo, which is situated on the western edge of the Midland Trail. Massachusetts Congressman Eli Thayer traveled through southern states for the sole purpose of choosing land for a new city, one in which he and other abolitionists would live, work, become leaders, and join nearby northern states in the fight against slavery. In 1857, he chose a tract of land in the fertile Ohio River Valley and named the new town Ceredo, after Ceres, Goddess of Grain and Harvest. The stately red brick, Ramsdell House (circa 1857), believed to be a part of the Underground Railroad, has been restored by the Ceredo Historical Landmark Commission and is now on the National Historic Register Historical Eight miles east, in nearby Barboursville, a historical walking tour of over thirty buildings along Main and Central Avenues allows visitors to get a feeling for the old. One building, Toll House (circa 1837) is a log cabin now on Main Street, but originally located near the junction of the Mud and Guyandotte Rivers, the point where a ferryman collected tolls. History Row, in the center of Hurricane, provides a glimpse of the past, and includes the Caboose Museum, which exhibits railroad memorabilia and other historical artifacts.

42 George Washington Oversees The Surveying of The Midland Trail George Mid-Land Route 4.11 Washington s George Washington originally surveyed the area along what is now known as the Midland Trail. He envisioned a Mid- Land Route crossing the America of that day. He secured funding for it in the Virginia Assembly in Washington s vision came to pass and the road was completed to Cedar Grove in Today, U.S. Route 60 reaches across the nation from Hampton, Virginia to Los Angeles, California.

43 Heading east on the Trail, the next stop of historic interest is St. Albans. Morgan s Plantation Kitchen, located on the scenic riverfront, is a good example of a detached kitchen typical of the 1840s. Originally part of Morgan s Plantation, near the present John Amos Power Plant, Union soldiers were served meals in the Kitchen during the Battle of Scary Creek, the area s first significant battle of the Civil War. In town, the St. Albans Main Street Historic District, dates back to 1816 and is listed on the National Register. The tour begins with St. Marks Episcopal Church (circa 1847), occupied by Federal troops and their horses during the Civil War, and ends with the Turner/Callihan House (circa 1832), a one-anda-half story Gothic Revival. Further down the Trail, in WV s capitol city of Charleston, the gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol (completed 1932) is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the Union. The majestic Italianate Rotunda contains marble from Vermont, Tennessee, and Italy; and a 2-ton chandelier crafted with Czechoslovakian crystal. Eminent master architect Cass Gilbert, designed this stone and marble wonder, as well as Washington, DC s Treasury and Supreme Court Buildings. At nearby Daniel Boone Park, James Craik, whose grandfather was George Washington s friend and personal physician, built Craik-Patton House in Colonel George Patton, grandfather of the famous WWII general, later owned it. A replica of the early home of an earlier Ruffner, salt-maker David Ruffner, is also located on the property. A few miles from Daniel Boone Park is the historic town of Malden. Early salt-makers made the Malden-Belle area home. Several historic homes still stand, including Samuel Shrewsbury s Old Stone House (circa 1810) in Belle. The Malden Historic District has been successful in preserving several buildings. The William Putney House (circa 1836) is now a private law office. Hale House (circa 1848), once the home of physician/entrepreneur/politician John Hale, houses Cabin Creek Quilts Cooperative. Norton House (circa 1840) is the oldest frame house in Malden. During the Civil War, soldiers for the North and South slept here. Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church (circa 1840) was organized in 1819 by the Ruffner family. The Ruffner Family Private Cemetery is just west of Malden. Malden is also an important site for African- American history. Malden was the boyhood home of educator Booker T. Washington. After college, he returned to Malden and traveled the new state of West Virginia to advocate moving the capital from Wheeling to Charleston. The African Zion Baptist Church (circa 1872, formed 1850s), where 4.12

44 Washington taught Sunday school, is West Virginia s oldest African-American Baptist church. A salt village prototype was constructed behind the African Zion Baptist Church in 1998 and includes a replica of Booker T. Washington s boyhood cabin. Other towns, such as nearby Cedar Grove, are also of historical significance. The oldest settled community in the Kanawha Valley, Cedar Grove played a significant role in the development of the Midland Trail. The town s first resident, Walter Kelly settled here in 1773, but sent his family to Lewisburg for protection against Native raids; the Natives killed Kelly after his family departed. The next year, William Morris built Fort Morris, the Valley s first settlement. As the Trail evolved, Cedar Grove became a terminus for land travel and a beginning point for water traffic. Morris descendants amassed a fortune building flatboats for westward-moving pioneers and for Malden s salt trade downriver. The Boat Yards, as the town was first known, also constructed the dugouts for Lewis and Clark s historic expedition. Famous resident William Tompkins was the first man in America to use natural gas for industrial purposes, but is best known for his two brick beauties. On the Trail is Virginia s Chapel, the Little Brick Church which he built in 1853 as a graduation gift for his daughter. A small graveyard is also located on the property. The chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. At the mouth of Kelly s Creek is Tompkins palatial brick house, built in Glen Ferris is located at the scenic Kanawha Falls, and is home to the Glenn Ferris Inn, which has a tradition of hospitality since Aaron Stockton first opened its doors to stagecoach travelers in Stockton, the grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a salt entrepreneur and gentlemen farmer who built flatboats that carried those traveling west on the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers and beyond. The Inn served as a Union quartermaster s depot during the Civil War and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In neighboring Ansted, historical landmarks include Halfway House, a former tavern on the Kanawha Turnpike and headquarters of the Chicago Dragoons during the Civil War; the African -American Heritage Family-Tree Museum, which helps Afro-Americans trace their roots; and Contentment Historical Complex, an 1830 home that houses a museum and the headquarters of the Fayette County Historical Society. In an absolute engineering feat, more than three thousand men drilled through Gauley Mountain in the 1930s. They diverted part of the New River through a conduit into four turbines that currently generates 25 megawatts of electricity to power the Elkem Metals facility at Alloy. However, it was also one of the worst industrial disasters in the United States. The project claimed the lives of more than 476 workers, many of them migrant African- Americans from the South who died from the lung disease silicosis. Several additional sites are of historic interest. Near the western slope peak of Big Sewell Mountain is the 1824 Old Stone House (or Tyree Tavern) and on the eastern slope is Lee s Tree where General Lee camped during the Battle of Big Sewell and met his beloved warhorse, Traveller. Western Greenbrier s historical sites include Sam Black Methodist Church and Hern s Mill Covered Bridge. Reverend Sam Black ( ) was a Methodist circuit rider for nearly fifty years. The church, built in 1901, was dedicated to Black. The community also bears his name. 4.13

45 Chartered in 1782 by the Virginia Assembly, Lewisburg is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. The town s old section is a National Register Historic District. A walking tour shows many structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lewis Spring House, in what is now Andrew Lewis Park, is a limestone structure that covers the spring that supplied water to the early settlement. Old Stone Presbyterian Church, (circa 1796) is the oldest church in continuous use west of the Alleghenies. John A. North House (circa 1820) is now a museum and home of the Greenbrier Historical Society. White Sulphur Springs is home to the world famous four-star Greenbrier Resort. The Greenbrier has also served our country, first as an army hospital during the 1940s. In 1960, a topsecret relocation center was built under the hotel for members of the United States Congress, in the event of a nuclear strike on Washington, DC. The location of the 12,000-square foot Greenbrier Bunker was made public in 1992 and is now available for public tours. Lewisburg s area and its people also played a part in the Revolutionary War. Colonel Andrew Lewis was directed by Virginia s Governor Dunmore to gather forces to fight Native Americans whom had been raiding settlements men mustered in the Lewisburg area before traveling to Point Pleasant to battle Chief Cornstalk s Shawnees. What became known as the Battle of Point Pleasant is thought by many historians to be the first battle of the Revolutionary War. 4.14

46 Civil War Sites The Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60) follows, nearly identically, a route used by the opposing armies in the Civil War. It became strategically important as an east-west gateway into Ohio and Virginia when, during four years of bloody conflict, North and South sought dominance in the region. In 1861 this area was strongly Confederate in sympathy. In the spring of 1861, recruitment and training camps were established at present-day St. Albans, Charleston, and Gauley Bridge. This Southern military activity brought an invasion of the Kanawha Valley by Union troops in July Approximately 3500 troops in the Kanawha Valley withdrew in advance of the Union Army, establishing camps near Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. During their retreat, the Confederates set fire to the span at Gauley Bridge. An original stone pier from the bridge stands today as a silent reminder of those four long years when America divided against itself. Traveling West to East on the Trail 1. Huntington: During the first weekend of November the Reenactment of the Battle of Guyandotte takes place. 2. Milton: Union Baptist Church - Located at 1295 James River and Kanawha Turnpike in Milton. During the Civil War, the church was occupied by Union Troops, the 7th West Virginia Calvary who used the facility as a garrison to protect the one lane covered bridge that crossed the Mud River, just below the church. This covered bridge was a vital link in the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. By the war s end, the troops had completely gutted the church. As the nation healed, so did the congregation. By 1867 the sanctuary had been restored and regular services were resumed. A Historical Marker acknowledges the role of the Union Church in West Virginia s colorful history. 3. Putnam County: The last weekend in March annually, over 300 reenactors commemorate the Skirmish at Hurricane Bridge and the Battle of Scary Creek, with everything from battle maneuvers to a Civil War Ball. 4. St. Albans: St. Mark s Episcopal Church -Used by Union Troops during the Civil War. Morgan s Plantation Kitchen, also located on the scenic riverfront, is a good example of a detached kitchen typical of the 1840s. Originally part of Morgan s Plantation, near the present John Amos Power Plant, Union soldiers were served meals in the Kitchen during the Battle of Scary Creek, the area s first significant battle of the Civil War. 5. Charleston: Craik-Patton House- Built in 1834 and later purchased by George S. Patton, a prominent Charleston lawyer and colonel in the Confederate Army. George S. Patton III, his grandson, was a famous World War II general. 6. Cedar Grove - Virginia s Chapel and Slave Cemetery, the historic Little Brick Church, built in 1853, served as a Confederate hospital and a stable for Union Cavalry. After the war, the federal 4.15 Civil War Sites

47 government paid $700 for war damages. The slave cemetery is behind the church. 7. Glen Ferris: The Glen Ferris Inn - Constructed in 1815, the inn was used as a Union Army headquarters and supply depot in It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Camp Tompkins: Many well-known people, including future presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served at this large Union army campsite from Chimney Corner This sharp and sudden switchback in the road was known as Devil s Elbow and was the scene of fighting on September 3, Ansted: Numerous military skirmishes took place at Hawks Nest in 1861 and Ansted: The main structure of the Contentment Historic Complex was built in 1830 and was the post-war home of Confederate Colonel George W. Imboden, commander of the 18th Virginia Cavalry. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours daily June through September. 12. Ansted: The mother of Stonewall Jackson, the legendary Confederate general who was a native of West Virginia, is buried at West Lake Cemetery. 13. Sewell Mountain Area: General Lee camped at Lee s Tree, on the eastern slope, during the Sewell Mountain campaign in September and October of 1861; here he first saw his famous horse, Traveller. At the eastern foot of the mountain, the gently rolling plains held a number of military encampments, and several skirmishes occurred in the area. 13. Lee s Headquarters Known in decades past as Grandview, this house, constructed in 1840, was used by General Lee as his headquarters during the Sewell Mountain campaign. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Lewisburg: The Visitor Center, in the heart of town, offers information about the many points of interest closely associated with the Civil War, as well as Appalachian history from pioneer days to the present. 4.16

48 Scenic Wayne 1. Kenova: Virginia Point Park and Juncture of Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Cabell 2. Huntington: Harris Riverfront Park, Guyandotte Riverfront Park, and View of Ohio River along Byway Kanawha 3. St. Albans: Views of Kanawha River from Roadside Parks 4. Views of Kanawha River at the Capitol and along Kanawha Boulevard 5. Views of Kanawha River and Mountains at pull-offs in Upper Kanawha Valley 4.17 Scenic Fayette 6. View of nine-plus roadside waterfalls at Kanawha Falls, Glen Ferris and Gauley Bridge 7. Merging of New and Gauley Rivers 8. Scenic Overlook on Gauley Mountain into the New River Gorge 9. Hawks Nest Overlook and New River Gorge 10. Big Sewell Mountain Overlook Greenbrier 11. Big Sewell Mountain Eastern Slope 12. Greenbrier Valley-Big Levels 13. Greenbrier River at U.S. 60 and Camp Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca (direct access to Greenbrier Bike Trail and River) PUTNAM KANAWHA 1 2 CABELL 3 4 WAYNE FAYETTE GREENBRIER 12 13

49 Scenic Qualities Along The Midland Trail Twenty-one Centuries of exploration, conquest, American industrial history Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. Scenic qualities involve the heightened visual experience derived from the view of natural and/or man made elements of the visual environment of the Byway corridor. The characteristics of the landscape are strikingly distinct and offer a pleasing and most memorable visual experience. All elements of the landscape ---- landform, water, vegetation, and man made development ---- may contribute to the quality of these corridor s visual environment. Everything present is in harmony and shares in the intrinsic qualities. We Have It All! - Scenic vistas, rolling pastures, mountain cliffs, waterfalls, fishing streams, idyllic forests and woods.

50 Beautiful Virginia Point Park in Kenova is situated at the western-most point of the Midland Trail and is located at the confluence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers. The park s scenic qualities are enhanced by its recreational facilities; soccer fields, softball field, camping hook-ups, and gazebo/shelter Huntington is a beautifully designed city situated on the banks of the Ohio River. It began as the dream of railroad magnate, Collis P. Huntington during the industrial revolution. Huntington needed a town to serve as a terminus between the East Coast and Midwest rail lines and the city was born. Fabulous scenic views of the Ohio River can be found at Harris Riverfront Park. Route 60 hugs the Kanawha River through St. Albans offering beautiful scenic views, especially at St. Albans Roadside Park, which offers a playground, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp. Charleston, the western bookend of the National Scenic Byway portion of the Trail, began with thirteen houses and a fort, and became West Virginia s largest city, its state capital, and a capital for arts, industry, shopping, and entertainment.

51 The mountains close around the Kanawha River in the Kanawha Valley, making for postcard-like scenery at the West Virginia State Capitol Route 60 continues to follow the scenic Kanawha River Valley through the small communities of eastern Kanawha County. The heart of the Trail s eye-popping scenic vistas begins in Fayette County. Numerous roadside falls dot the highway, including Kanawha Falls in Glen Ferris and Cathedral Falls, between Gauley Bridge and Ansted. The New and Gauley Rivers merge at Gauley Bridge to create the Kanawha River, which flows to the State Capitol and eventually into the Ohio River. The town of Ansted is perched in a fold atop Gauley Mountain. Hawks Nest State Park, which is inside the town limits, sprawls over the top of the mountain and down to the base of the New River Gorge. Visitors can experience waterfalls, mosscovered rocks and a peaceful forest setting on the spectacular Ansted-Hawks Nest Rail Trail, which

52 follows the old coal train path between the bottom of the New River Gorge to the hilltop town of Ansted. The Hawks Nest Overlook offers a breathtaking overlook of the Grand Canyon of the East, the New River Gorge East of Hico, the Midland Trail curves through some of the most beautiful scenery in our country as it crosses the highest point on the Trail Big Sewell Mountain at 3170 feet. The road from Lookout to Winona now extends to the New River and travels through a beautiful, pristine forest. Babcock State Park in Clifftop is also remarkable for its scenic and natural qualities. Two varieties of rhododendron and other wildflowers provide a colorful display on the hillsides in spring through early summer. Rugged mountains in the west and savannah-like farms in the east mark the dramatic topography of Greenbrier County. The town of Rainelle strides the two areas. Scenic views are plentiful, as are opportunities to enjoy the natural qualities of the area. Creeks, such as Big and Little Clear Creeks, rolling pasture land, limestone topography, and flowing streams dictate the scenic qualities in this area.

53 Cultural Wayne 1. Kenova Historical Commission Museum and Ceredo Historical Society Museum Cabell 2. Huntington: Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, Museum of Radio Technology, Marshall University, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Classic Cars Automotive Museum, Huntington Museum of Art, and Old Central City Antiques 3. Milton: Blenko Glass Putnam 4. Hurricane/Winfield: Quilts By Phyllis, Civil War Weekend (Reenactment of the Battle of Scary Creek and Skirmish of Hurricane Creek Bridge), and Mary Ingles Encampment Greenbrier 11. Sam Black: Sam Black Methodist Church 12. Lewisburg: Carnegie Hall, WV State Fair, Battle of Lewisburg Reenactment and Organ Cave Civil War Days, and American Heritage Music Hall 13. White Sulphur Springs: The Greenbrier Hotel and Bunker and Battle of Dry Creek Reenactment 4.22 Cultural Kanawha 5. South Charleston: Rock Lake Pool and South Charleston Museum 6. Charleston: Clay Center for the Arts and Science WV, WV Cultural Center, Vandalia Gathering, Mountain Stage, Craik- Patton House, and Ruffner Log Cabin 7. Malden: Malden Historic District and Cabin Creek Quilts 8. Belle: Old Stone House Fayette CABELL PUTNAM 4 KANAWHA Ansted: African-American Family Tree Museum, Contentment House Historical Complex, and Halfway House 10. Clifftop: Midland Trail Gallery, Camp George Washington Carver, and the West Virginia String Band Festival. Nearby: Court Street Gallery and Tamarack WAYNE FAYETTE 11 GREENBRIER 12 13

54 Cultural Qualities Along The Midland Trail Twenty-One Centuries of exploration, conquest, American industrial history Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. Cultural qualities include evidence and expressions of customs or traditions of a distinct group of people; cultural features including, but not limited to, crafts, music, dance, rituals, festivals, speech, food, special events, vernacular architecture, etc., that are currently practiced. The cultural qualities of the corridor could highlight one or more significant communities and/or ethnic traditions. The Kenova Historical Museum Commission houses an extensive collection by native companies Pilgrim and Kemple. A large railroad steam engine outside the Museum acknowledges the town s rich railroad history. History and culture are also important to Huntington. The Museum of Radio and Technology is the largest radio museum in the United States and also exhibits hundreds of telegraph items, early televisions, and computers. The Heritage Farm Museum and Village recreates and preserves Appalachian heritage and culture with its more than seventeen restored buildings. Marshall University s beautiful campus lies between 16th and 22nd Streets and Third and Fifth Avenues. More than 150-years old, the university s twelve colleges and schools educate about 16,000 students. Marshall also hosts numerous art exhibits, concerts, lectures, and other cultural events. The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center seats 530 people.

55 Art lovers will appreciate the nationally acclaimed Huntington Museum of Art, which features 19th and 20th Century American and European art and artifacts. The complex includes ten exhibition galleries and a sculpture garden. Central City ( ) began as an independent manufacturing town, just west of Huntington, but was annexed by Huntington in Its early industries included Heiner s Bakery, today a leading national bakery. Now known as Old Central City, the 14th Street West antique district, makes both history and Appalachian culture available to the public. Milton is also home of world-famous Blenko Glass. William Blenko, the London-born founder, imported the European mouth blown process to Milton in Blenko Glass allows visitors to watch as skilled craftsmen transform molten glass into its final form using a 1000 year-old tradition of hand blowing. The Blenko Visitor Center offers an observation deck, beautiful museum exhibits of stained glass, and gift shop. Also, see Blenko stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary of Milton Baptist Church. Murals depicting the community s rich Civil War and railroading history are found on various downtown buildings. Hurricane s restored homes house residences and shops, for example, Plantation Corner, which is housed in a Federal Style house built in Culture and history are alive in other ways. Quilts by Phyllis, offers quilting fabrics, services, and classes, which allows this important domestic skill to passed to a new generation Individuals can take part in Living History by walking the Mary Ingles Trail near Winfield and by talking to actors portraying colonists from 1757 who tell the story of Mary Ingles capture by Native Americans and her later escape. In March, Valley Park hosts the Civil War Reenactment Weekend. Over 300 reenactors commemorate the Skirmish at Hurricane Creek Bridge and the Battle of Scary Creek with everything from battle maneuvers to a Civil War Ball. In addition to history, Charleston celebrates the present. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia opened in Its 240,000 square feet houses the Maier Foundation Performance Hall, an 1883 seat theater; the Walker Theater, a person black-box theater; the Avampto Discovery Museum; the Juliet Museum of Art; and the ElectricSky Theater, which contains a Planetarium and a 70-mm large-format film theater. The Center is also home to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 4.24

56 The West Virginia Cultural Center, opened in 1976, houses the State Museum and State Archives. Located on the grounds of the Capitol Complex, it also hosts fairs, festivals, and exhibits. The Vandalia Gathering, held each Memorial Day Weekend, is a three-day festival celebrating traditional arts and folk heritage. Multifest is another three-day festival held in early August to celebrate the music, food, and culture of the many ethnic groups found in West Virginia. The Cultural Center is home to West Virginia Public Broadcasting s Mountain Stage, a two-hour radio show featuring stylistically diverse national and international acts. Most shows are taped before a live audience in the Cultural Center Theater and then broadcast around the world. Early salt-makers made the Malden-Belle area home. Several historic homes still stand, including Samuel Shrewsbury s Old Stone House (circa 1810) in Belle. The Malden Historic District has been successful in preserving several buildings. The William Putney House (circa 1836) is now a private law office. Hale House (circa 1848), once the home of physician/entrepreneur/politician John Hale, houses Cabin Creek Quilts Cooperative. Norton House (circa 1840) is the oldest frame house in Malden. During the Civil War, soldiers for the North and South slept here. Recent renovations include murals painted by Remy Cabrera showing the history of the house and town. Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church (circa 1840) was organized in 1819 by the Ruffner family. The Ruffner Family Private Cemetery is just west of Malden. In the Ansted-Hawks Nest area, historical/cultural landmarks include Halfway House, a former tavern on the Kanawha Turnpike and headquarters of the Chicago Dragoons during the Civil War; the African-American Heritage Family-Tree Museum, which helps Afro-Americans trace their roots; and Contentment Historical Complex, an 1830 home which houses a museum and the headquarters of the Fayette County Historical Society. Like many other places on the Trail, Camp Washington Carver is relevant to dual intrinsic qualities, history and culture. Although the 4-H movement was popular with youth in rural American in the late 1920s, there was no camp for African 4.25

57 Americans. Two black extension workers hired by West Virginia University began lobbying for such a camp. The site was dedicated in 1942 and was named for two prominent African Americans, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. In 1980, the camp was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and was rededicated as West Virginia s mountain cultural arts center. It draws over 10,000 visitors annually to events such as the five-day long West Virginia String Band Festival. Western Greenbrier s historical sites include Sam Black Methodist Church and Hern s Mill Covered Bridge. Reverend Sam Black ( ) was a Methodist circuit rider for nearly fifty years. The church, built in 1901, was dedicated to Black. The community also bears his name. West Virginian s geographic position led to divided loyalties and unique battles during the Civil War. Greenbrier celebrates several living history events. The Battle of Lewisburg (May 1862) is commemorated in May with speakers, period music, and battle reenactments. Greenbrier State Forest, near White Sulphur Springs, hosts a weekend reenactment of the Battle of Dry Creek (August 1863). The weekend includes maneuvers, an actual battle reenactment, and settlement camps. Ronceverte s Organ Cave celebrates its Civil War history in late July-early August. The large entrance room of the cave provided shelter for many Confederate soldiers. It was large enough to hold religious services for 1100 of General Robert E. Lee s men. The cave also was an important source of saltpeter, a necessary ingredient in gunpowder. Greenbrier County s rich history blends with culture, for example the area s Civil War Reenactments and the Greenbrier s unique culture of hospitality. Lewisburg s galleries and live theater helped to distinguish the town as one of the 100 best small art towns in America. Carnegie Hall, built in 1902 as a gift from Andrew Carnegie, is one such venue. The West Virginia State Fairgrounds and American Heritage Music Hall are located in Fairlea. The West Virginia State Fair is held every year in August, but the grounds are also the site of additional festivals and activities. The American Heritage Music Hall promotes American heritage music with open jam sessions and live entertainment. 4.26

58 Recreational Wayne 1. Kenova: Virginia Point Park and Dreamland Park 2. Camden Park Cabell 3. Huntington: Harris River Front Park, Ritter Park, and Rose Garden 4. Barboursville Community Park and Main Street Park Putnam 5. Hurricane: Valley Wave Pool and Skate Park 6. Foxfire Camping and Water Park Recreation Kanawha 7. St. Albans: St. Albans Roadside Park (playground, picnic, day use, and boat ramp) 8. Institute Loop: Shawnee Park (golf and day use) and Wine Cellar Park 9. South Charleston: Rock Lake Putt-Putt Golf and Games, Little Creek Park, South Charleston Community Center, and South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, 10. Charleston: Daniel Boone Park, Haddad River Front Park, and Magic Island Nearby: Coonskin Park and Cato Park 11. Glasgow City Park/ Roadside Park and Boat Launch 12. London: London Public Park Fayette 13. Gauley Bridge Teepees and New River Campground 14. Ansted: The Mystery Hole, Hawks Nest State Park Amenities (jet boats, aerial tram, hiking, park naturalist and golf), Ansted- Hawks Nest Rail Trail, Main Street Town of Ansted/Annual Street Luge Competition, and Blue Smoke Salsa 15. Hico: Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Camping and Rock Climbing 16. Clifftop: Babcock State Park, Fishing, Climbing, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Hiking, and Biking Greenbrier 17. Rainelle: Meadow River Park/Greenbrier Youth Camp and Greenbrier Hills Golf 18. Rupert: Picnicking 19. Lewisburg Roadside Park with picnic and Lost World Caverns 20. Greenbrier River Bike Trail, Canoeing, and River Access near Town of Caldwell 21. White Sulphur Springs: Greenbrier State Forest and Federal Fish Hatchery, Oakhurst, and The Greenbrier Resort and Bunker Nearby: Ronceverte: Organ Cave PUTNAM KANAWHA CABELL WAYNE FAYETTE GREENBRIER Recreational

59 Recreational Qualities Along The Midland Trail Twenty-One Centuries of exploration, conquest, American industrial history Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. The Midland Trail offers diverse recreational activities, many dependent upon the area s natural elements. Others depend on cultural elements synonymous to the people of the Midland Trail. Past residents are typical of those in the Appalachians whose geographic isolation was the true mother of invention. The very elements of nature, which today brings visitors to the Midland Trail, kept earlier residents in the area. Even now, residents often choose to build in their own backyard, rather than travel to others, thus enhancing a non-resident s visit to the Trail. Also, recognizing the diversity of its visitors, the Trail includes opportunities for both active and passive recreational experiences; driving the road itself or visiting on a quiet bench in a town s park may qualify as a pleasurable recreational experience. Kenova s Virginia Point Park, situated at the western-most point of West Virginia, is located at the confluence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers. The park s scenic qualities are enhanced by its recreational facilities; soccer fields, softball field, camping hook-ups, and gazebo/shelter. Historic Dreamland Pool, built in 1927, provides additional recreational opportunities. While visitors can no longer enjoy the open-air dance pavilion, orchestras, and entertainers that attracted large crowds in the 1940s, the facility continues to afford a good time with its pool, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

60 Camden Park (1903), West Virginia s only amusement park, is just west of Huntington. The park offers 24 rides, including Kiddieland, old-time wooden roller coasters, and a log flume. Along with scenic views provided by the Ohio River, Huntington offers many recreational opportunities. Harris Riverfront Park, an ideal setting for family outings, picnics and walks, also offers festivals, carnivals, and concerts. On the south side of town, adults and children enjoy unwinding at the 70-acre Ritter Park with tennis courts, a fabulous playground, jogging trails, and room to play. In late spring, enjoy the parks accredited Rose Garden. Beech Fork State Park and Lake offers another nearby recreational opportunity. The 536-acre Barboursville Community Park offers many recreational activities including fishing, golf, hiking, horseshoes, and tennis. The park hosts a July 4th celebration and the West Virginia Soccer Tournament. A new amphitheater will be used for plays and concerts. Like parks in towns across America, Barboursville s Main Street Park, provides a place for townspeople and visitors to relax and socialize. In Putnam County, Waves of Fun Water Park in Hurricane s Valley Park and a Skate Park in Hurricane City Park are evidence of recreational activities found in the county as a result of growth. The first of public green spaces in Kanawha County is found at St. Albans Roadside Park, where Route 60 hugs the Kanawha River, offering a place to enjoy a scenic view, a playground, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp for activities on the Kanawha River. Dunbar boasts several parks, including Wine Cellar Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is enjoyable for picnics, family gatherings, and fishing in its well-stocked 7-acre lake. Although South Charleston is an active city of commerce and industry, its residents and visitors enjoy nature and recreation in a variety of settings. Trails such as the Trace Fork Canyon Trail in Little Creek Park provide an island of wilderness in an urban environment. Birders can identify eight species of wood warblers. In winter, kinglets, pine siskin, and other winter birds find shelter in the hemlocks. The trail boasts 240 species of plants, five species of salamanders, two species of toads, and numerous mammals. Little Creek Park also has West Virginia s only lighted Soap Box Derby Track, which hosts several races and events spring through autumn. Always resourceful, West Virginians take advantage of opportunities to recycle. Rock Lake Putt-Putt Golf and Games offers fun for the young and young at heart with three 18-hole courses, go- 4.29

61 cart racings, arcade games, and Laser Storm on the site of the former Rock Lake Pool, which was converted from a rock quarry in the 1930s. Since residents and visitors are unable to enjoy outdoor activities year-round due to weather, the city of South Charleston built the South Charleston Community Center, which houses a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, two racquetball courts, basketball courts, tanning beds, and a health club. The gym has seating for 1500 and is open daily. The City of Charleston also maintains several city parks. Haddad Riverfront Park is located in downtown Charleston. The renovated levee has docking available, as well as a 2500-seat amphitheater. Nearby, at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, is Magic Island. Magic Island s walking track, sand volleyball courts, and large grassy areas, are a quick walk from the downtown area. Cato Park, on the city s West Side, is Charleston s largest city park. It maintains a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, Olympic-size pool, and picnic areas. Coonskin Park is part of Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission. Located just 10- minutes north of downtown, its over 1000 acres are perfect for many activities. The outdoor enthusiast will enjoy hiking or biking woodland trails. Others may choose from a newly opened 7500 square foot skateboard park, miniature golf, pedal boats, playground, Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a handicapped accessible 18-hole par three golf course. Coonskin recently added the Schoenbaum Amphitheater and the Schoenbaum Soccer Stadium. Although the Kanawha River is one of the nation s busiest commercial waterways, there are ample opportunities for public access for recreational use. Daniel Boone Park, just east of the Capitol Complex, has a public access boat launch, picnic facilities, and fishing available. Other water activities, such as boating, skiing, and tubing are popular on this healthy river. East of Charleston is Glasgow, a small residential community of nearly It is primarily situated on the Midland Trail. The town provides residents and visitors a city park and pool for summer recreation, as well as a boat dock and launch for river activities. Similarly, the community of London has a public park. Recognizing that many travelers along the Midland Trail prefer the great outdoors, the New River Campground in Gauley Bridge offers both full hookups or rustic sites. Gauley Bridge Teepees allows guests the opportunity to camp in an authentic handcrafted tepee. The Ansted-Hawks Nest area boasts many recreational opportunities. While not designated a natural orifice, The Mystery Hole is a renowned, fun, roadside attraction two miles west of Hawks Nest. The Mystery Hole allegedly sits over a hole in the ground where the law of gravity does not apply. Hawks Nest State Park is one of West Virginia s most popular state parks with its lodge, pool, golf, hiking trails, park naturalist, aerial tram, and jet boats. Fifteen-passenger jet boats leave its marina for a closer look at the Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel, and the New River Gorge Bridge 876 feet above. The Park s aerial tram inches down the Gorge to the Marina. Ansted s recently created 2.5 mile Ansted-Hawks 4.30

62 Nest Rail Trail retraces the rail path used to convey coal from the mines around the town of Ansted to larger tracks at the bottom of the New River Gorge. The trail is unique in that hikers and bikers can access the bottom by using the Gorge Tram from Hawks Nest Lodge. Bike racks are being installed on the gondola to encourage round trips. Along the way, visitors see the entrance to Mill Creek Colliery Mine, rebuilt bridges, and beautiful unspoiled foliage, cliffs, and streams. Many ethnic groups have contributed to the Trail s culture. Food is, and was, important. Watching nationally known Blue Smoke Salsa being made in its downtown manufacturing facility is a newly popular activity. Ansted s Annual Street Luge Competition takes advantage of the town s unique topography and appeals to the more adventurous. Rugged mountains in the west and savannah-like farms in the east mark the dramatic topography of Greenbrier County. Scenic views are plentiful, as are recreational opportunities to enjoy the area s natural qualities. Creeks, such as Big and Little Clear Creeks, and Meadow Creek are stocked for fishing. The Meadow River Wildlife Management Area consists of 2374 acres of primarily wetland habitat with in-season hunting for waterfowl, woodcock, deer, raccoon, turkey grouse, and squirrel. The Meadow River Park/Greenbrier Youth Camp, a renovation project of the MTSHA, is located between Rainelle and Rupert, and is open for public camping. Greenbrier Hills Golf is a 9-hole public course located on Route 60. Picnic sites can be found at various areas along the trail, for example in Rupert. The recreational mother lode is found in Eastern Fayette County. South of Hico are the recreational offerings of the New River Gorge National River. One of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few one earth that flows north, the New River offers the visitor spectacular vistas and recreational opportunities. Recently designated the New River Gorge National Park, the area is a mecca for rafting, rock climbing, biking, hiking, and camping. The New River is home to the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast, while whitewater rafters consider the Gauley one of the best rafting rivers in the world. Babcock State Park is also located in Fayette County and although known for the picturesque Glade Creek Grist Mill, it is a haven of rugged, serene beauty for lovers of the outdoors. There are over twenty miles of hiking and climbing trails, guided horseback rides, bike rentals, fishing, and a park naturalist. Vacationers may choose between cabins or camping Rolling pasture land, limestone topography, and flowing streams dictate the scenic, natural, and recreational qualities of Greenbrier County. The Greenbrier River Trail, part of West Virginia s Rails to Trails program, is a 76-mile hiking and biking trail running along the Greenbrier River from Caldwell to Cass. It provides access to the river for fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking. Roadside picnic areas, such as Lewisburg s Roadside Park, offer sites to relax. Spelunkers enjoy the below ground recreational activities at Ronceverte s Organ Cave and Lewisburg s Lost World Caverns, both Registered Natural Landmarks. Organ Cave is the second largest commercial cave on the East Coast, with over 40 miles of mapped passageways. Lost World Caverns is a cave approximately 11 4 mile in length and reaches a depth of 235 feet below the natural entrance. 4.31

63 Greenbrier State Forest, near White Sulphur Springs, offers hiking, picnic facilities, rustic cabins, swimming, hunting, camping, and scenic overlooks on its 5130 acres. White Sulphur Springs is home to a visitors center for the 800,000-acre Monongahela National Forest, as well as Sherwood Lake, a 164-acre lake offering boating, swimming, fishing, picnic facilities, and camping Visitors at the federal fish hatchery in White Sulphur Springs can take a self-guided tour of the facility which produces 10 million trout eggs annually for shipment to other hatcheries. White Sulphur Springs also offers more refined recreational opportunities. One of the United States most famous resorts, The Greenbrier, offers more than fifty activities. They include golf, tennis, lawn games, horseback riding, falconry, hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, gun sports, fishing, and swimming. Oakhurst Links, established in 1884 by a Scottish family, was the first established golf club in the United States. Visitors today can golf the original course using replica equipment. Oakhurst Links is a fitting conclusion to the Midland Trail s recreational activities, as it ties together the important natural and cultural aspects of recreational qualities.

64 Natural 4.33 Wayne 1. Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Cabell 2. Ohio River Kanawha 3. Kanawha River Fayette 4. Roadside waterfalls and rock formations 5. New and Gauley Rivers merge to form Great Kanawha 6. Gauley Mountain 7. New River Gorge 8. Babcock State Park 9. Big Sewell Mountain Greenbrier 10. Meadow Creek/Meadow River Wildlife Management Area 11. Lost World Caverns 12. Greenbrier River 13. Greenbrier State Forest 14. Organ Cave (nearby) Natural PUTNAM 1 2 WAYNE CABELL KANAWHA FAYETTE 9 10 GREENBRIER

65 Natural Qualities Along The Midland Trail Twenty-One Centuries of exploration, conquest, American industrial history Listen closely, and you will hear the echoes of the past. The footfalls of hooves. The creaks of wagon wheels. Feet marching in cadence to the drumbeat of war. Steam whistles and chugs of locomotives. The Midland Trail offers nature in an undisturbed state: geological and land formations; bodies of water; flora, fauna, and forests; and wildlife, all which predate human residents. Humans abound today, but the Trail s natural features reveal minimal disturbances. Major rivers and their tributaries are an integral aspect of the Midland Trail s natural qualities. Wayne and Cabell Counties are blessed with the Ohio, Big Sandy, and Guyandotte Rivers. The Kanawha River cuts through Kanawha County and divides/defines communities along its way: St. Albans, Nitro, Dunbar, South Charleston, Charleston, Malden/Belle, Cedar Grove, Glasgow, and London. While the river is important, these communities are also blessed with additional natural qualities. Little Creek Park, in South Charleston, is comprised of over 300 acres of scenic, hilly woodlands and is home to abundant wildlife in its urban setting. Kanawha County s Coonskin Park, borders the Elk River and is a similar oasis of nature, with over 1000 acres of woodlands. Even in the highly industrialized area of Alloy, travelers encounter natural beauty. The Kanawha River s headwaters cascade over Kanawha Falls.

66 In the Glen Ferris and Gauley Bridge areas are at least seven waterfalls, the most well known of these being Cathedral Falls Further east is Fayette County. Gauley Mountain, Gauley River, and the New River and its famous Gorge are the anchors to this county. While the area is known as a naturalist s delight, the New River Gorge is called 'the Grand Canyon of the East. The Gorge is protected by nature s design - steep, rugged mountains that act to ensure its beauty over the ages, but which can be appreciated from the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park. Nearby, Babcock State Park is also a haven of rugged, serene beauty. Two varieties of rhododendron and other wildflowers provide a colorful display on the hillsides in spring through early summer. Fayette County claims the western slope and summit of Big Sewell Mountain, while Greenbrier County begins near its eastern base. Early explorers followed buffalo trails through forests. The area s prickly green briers gave way to the county s name when early explored encountered them. Rugged mountains in the west and savannah-like farms in the east mark the dramatic topography of

67 Greenbrier County. The Trail s western most county boasts many natural qualities, such as Big and Little Clear Creeks, and Meadow Creek. The Meadow River Wildlife Management Area consists of 2374 acres of primarily wetland habitat, West Virginia s second largest wetland The Greenbrier River Trail, part of West Virginia s Rails to Trails program, is a 76-mile trail that runs parallel to the Greenbrier River. Ronceverte s Organ Cave and Lewisburg s Lost World Caverns are both Registered Natural Landmarks. These natural underground caverns celebrate life underground in a way the State s coalmines cannot. Organ Cave has over 40 miles of mapped passageways. Lost World Caverns is a cave approximately 11 4 mile in length and reaches a depth of 235 feet below its natural entrance. Greenbrier State Forest, near White Sulphur Springs, offers visitors 5130 acres. White Sulphur Springs is home to a visitors center for the 800,000- acre Monongahela National Forest; fitting conclusions to the Midland Trail s natural qualities.

68 Midland Trail Town Pages Intrinsic Qualities in their Context - Surroundings Midland Trail is Made Up Of Small Towns c T. Paige Dalporto

69 Kenova River town at the western-most point in WV & the juncture of Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Scenic - Virginia Point Park - Juncture of Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Natural - Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Recreational - Virginia Point Park and Dreamland Pool (Nearby: Beech Fork State Park/Beech Fork Lake) Historical - Kenova Historical Commission Museum, The Pumpkin House, Feil and Griffith Pharmacy, and Dreamland Pool Cultural - Kenova Historical Commission Museum 5.2 Kenova Kenova, a small river city founded in 1889, is named for the three states that converge there: Kentucky Ohio, and West Virginia. (WV formed 1863). Beautiful Virginia Point Park is situated at the western-most point of West Virginia and is located at the confluence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers. The park s scenic qualities are enhanced by its recreational facilities: soccer fields, softball field, camping hook-ups, and gazebo/shelter. Historic Dreamland Pool, built in 1927, provides additional recreational opportunities. While visitors can no longer enjoy the open-air dance pavilion, orchestras, and entertainers that attracted large crowds in the 1940s, the facility continues to afford a good time with its pool, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The Kenova Historical Museum Commission houses an extensive collection by native companies Pilgrim and Kemple. A large railroad steam engine outside the Museum acknowledges the town s rich railroad history. The 1891 Victorian home located at 748 Beech Street is listed on the National Historic Register and was once visited by President Grover Cleveland. It is also known as the Pumpkin House, because of the over 3000 hand-carved Jack-o- Lanterns which adorn it each Halloween. The inviting gazebo, fountain and town clock at Towne Square Park near City Hall is the scene of concerts and community activities. A newly refurbished 1929-era soda fountain and collection of historic town pictures can be found at Griffith and Feil Pharmacy on Chestnut Street, open since Huntington Kenova Charleston Mile Marker 0, Population 3485, Elevation 567 feet Virginia Point Park - Juncture of Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers Lewisburg

70 Ceredo Founded in 1857 by northern abolitionist Congressman Eli Thayer to prove a society could work without slavery! Historical - Ceredo Historical Society Museum, Ceredo-Kenova Railroad Museum, Working Coal Tipple (Riverside Synfuel/Ceredo Synfuel, LLC), and Ramsdell House Cultural - Ceredo Historical Society Museum Industrial Heritage - Ceredo-Kenova Railroad Museum and Working Coal Tipple (Riverside Synfuel/Ceredo Synfuel, L.L.C. Kanawha River Terminals) Archaeological - Ceredo Petroglyph 5.3 Ceredo Massachusetts Congressman Eli Thayer founded Ceredo in Thayer traveled through southern states for the sole purpose of choosing land for a new city, one in which he and other abolitionists would live, work, become leaders and join nearby northern states in the fight against slavery. He chose a tract of land in the fertile Ohio River Valley and named the new town Ceredo, after Ceres, Goddess of Grain and Harvest. Ceredo makes important contributions to a primary industry of Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, the coal industry. A working coal tipple operated by Kanawha River Terminal, Inc has annual throughput capacity of nine million tons of coal. Of note is the attractive windscreen, which serves to help blend industry with the important natural scenery of the area. The stately red brick, Ramsdell House (circa 1857), believed to be a part of the Underground Railroad, has been restored by the Ceredo Historical Landmark Commission and is now on the National Historic register. Ramsdell House (circa 1857) believed to have been a part of the Underground Railroad. The Ceredo Museum, home to the Ceredo Historical Society and the Ceredo-Kenova Railroad Museum, features Civil War and railroad memorabilia, the Ceredo Petroglyph (the largest and best preserved in the U.S.), an extensive historical library with census data and a collection of handblown glass dating back over 50 years. The Ceredo Petroglyph Huntington Ceredo Charleston Mile 3, Population 1675, Elevation 554 feet Lewisburg

71 Huntington A pleasant, well-designed city, WV s second largest city, situated on the banks of the Ohio River and home to Marshall University. Scenic - Midland Trail meets the Ohio and Guyandotte Rivers near 29th Sreet and then follows the Ohio through Huntington, offering riverside parks and vistas Natural - Ohio River and Guyandotte River Recreational - Camden Park, Harris Riverfront Park, Ritter Park and Rose Garden, and Guyandotte Riverfront Park Historical - Camden Park Amusement Park, Museum of Radio Technology, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Old Central City, Marshall University, and Guyandotte Historical Area Cultural - Huntington Museum of Art, Museum of Radio Technology, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Marshall University, Classic Cars Automotive Museum, Old Central City 14th Street West area, Joan C. and Edwards Performing Arts Center Industrial Heritage - Inco Alloys Plant 5.4 Huntington Huntington is a beautifully designed city, with its downtown situated on the banks of the Ohio River. It began as the dream of railroad magnate, Collis P. Huntington during the industrial revolution, Huntington needed a town to serve as a terminus between the East Coast and Midwest rail lines and the city was born. It has continued to thrive because of its advantageous location on the Ohio River. On the south side of town, adults and children enjoy unwinding at the 70-acre Ritter Park with tennis courts, a fabulous playground, jogging trails, and room to play. In late spring, enjoy the park s accredited Rose Garden. Beech Fork State Park and Lake offers another nearby recreational opportunity. Along with scenic views provided by the Ohio River, Huntington offers many recreational opportunities. Harris Riverfront Park, an ideal setting for family outings, picnics and walks, also offers festivals, carnivals, and concerts. Huntington Huntington Charleston Mile 10, Population 51,475, Elevation 564 feet Lewisburg

72 Huntington A pleasant, well-designed city, WV s second largest city, situated on the banks of the Ohio River and home to Marshall University. Camden Park (1903), West Virginia s only amusement park, is just west of town. The park offers 24 rides, including Kiddieland, old-time wooden roller coasters, and a log flume. History and culture are also important to Huntington. The Museum of Radio and Technology is the largest radio museum in the United States and also exhibits hundreds of telegraph items, early televisions, and computers. The Heritage Farm Museum and Village recreates and preserves Appalachian heritage and culture, with its more than 17 restored buildings. Marshall University s beautiful campus lies between 16th and 22nd Streets and Third and Fifth Avenues. More than 150-years old, the University s twelve colleges and schools educate about 16,000 students. Marshall also hosts numerous art exhibits, concerts, lectures, and other cultural events. The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center seats 530 people. Art lovers will appreciate the nationally acclaimed Huntington Museum of Art, which features 19th and 20th Century American and European art and artifacts. The complex includes 10 exhibition galleries and sculpture garden. Central City ( ) began as an independent manufacturing town just west of Huntington, but was annexed by Huntington in Its early industries included Heiner s Bakery, today a leading national bakery. Now known as Old Central City, the 14th Street West antique district, makes both history and Appalachian culture available to the public. Special Metals Corporation offers a glimpse of the city s industrial heritage. Huntington Alloys, a division of Inco Alloys, began life as a processing mill for nickel alloys in Throughout the years, research and development became a key component of the Huntington facility. The facility can boast that researchers in Huntington developed many of the currently manufactured nickel alloy products on the market today. 5.5 Huntington Huntington Charleston Huntington Mile 10, Population 51,475, Elevation 564 feet Lewisburg

73 Barboursville One of the Byway s oldest towns, Barboursville is a perfect blend of quaint and suburban. Natural - Guyandotte and Mud Rivers Recreational - Barboursville Community Park and Main Street Park Historical - Toll House and Historical Walking Tour of thirty-plus buildings Barboursville, near the junction of the Guyandotte and Mud Rivers, once was rich hunting grounds for Shawnee Indians. The town was chartered by the Virginia General Assembly in 1813 and served as the county seat until after the Civil War. When Route 60 was built through Barboursville in 1930 it bypassed Main Street and the once busy thoroughfare through town became quiet. Barboursville now offers the perfect blend of old and new, with a quaint historical downtown and the sprawling Huntington Mall. The 750-acre Barboursville Community Park (see next page) offers many recreational activities including fishing, golf, hiking, horseshoes, and tennis. The park hosts a July 4th celebration and the West Virginia Soccer Tournament. A new amphitheater will be used for plays and concerts. Like parks in towns across America, Barboursville s Main Street Park, provides a place for townspeople and visitors to relax and socialize. A Historical Walking Tour of over 30 buildings along Main and Central Avenues allows visitors to get a feeling for the old. One building, Toll House (1837) is a log cabin now on Main Street, but originally located near the junction of the Mud and Guyandotte Rivers, the point where a ferryman collected tolls. 5.6 Barboursville Above Right: Toll House (1837) Right: Thornburg House Two of thirty-plus buildings on Historical Walking Tour Nancy Cartmill Park, Barboursville Huntington Barboursville Charleston Mile 18, Population 3183, Elevation 572 feet Lewisburg

74 Barboursville The Barboursville Community Park offers many recreational activities including fishing, golf, hiking, horseshoes, and tennis. 5.7 Barboursville Part of the goal of the Town Pages section is to show Intrinsic Qualities in their context, or surroundings. While this is sometimes a challenge to convey in pictures, we do want to pause here, pull back the camera and give an idea of the surroundings for the Barboursville Intrinsic Qualities described on the previous page. Huntington Charleston Barboursville Mile 18, Population 3183, Elevation 572 feet Lewisburg

75 Milton Watch world-famous Blenko Glass being handblown in this historic town. Scenic - Pumpkin Park Historical - Morris Memorial Home, Restored Covered Bridge, and Union Baptist Church Cultural - Blenko Glass and WV Pumpkin Festival 5.8 Milton Milton celebrates American life, past and present. Incorporated in September of 1876, the town became open to traffic from the James River Turnpike with the opening of a covered bridge that same year. The picturesque covered bridge has been reconstructed and now sets the tone at Pumpkin Park, home of the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival and Cabell County Fair. Two historical buildings of note are Union Baptist Church and Morris Memorial and Convalescent and Nursing Home. In 1788 the Union Church was built as a log structure at the present site of the old Union cemetery. Settlers of various faiths were served until 1810 when Reverend John Lee and Reverend John Alderson organized the Union Missionary Baptist Church. In 1847, the congregation purchased a piece of property 600 yards east of the old church. Dedicated in 1849, that sanctuary still serves as a place of worship for local residents. During the Civil War, Union Troops used the facility as a garrison to protect the one lane covered bridge that crossed the Mud River, just below the church. The covered bridge was a vital link in the James River and Kanawha Turnpikes. By war s end, the troops had completely gutted the church. Union Baptist Church was restored by 1867 and regular services resumed. Since that time, it has grown and additions made to meet the needs of the expanding Milton community. Milton is also home of world-famous Blenko Glass. William Blenko, the London-born founder, imported the European mouth blown process to Milton in Blenko Glass allows visitors to watch as skilled craftsmen transform molten glass into its final form using a 1000 year-old tradition of hand blowing. The Blenko Visitor Center offers an observation deck, beautiful museum exhibits of stained glass, and gift shop. Also, see Blenko stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary of Milton Baptist Church and in Washington, DC s National Catherhal Rose Window and other windows around the world. Huntington Charleston Milton Mile 29, Population 3183, Elevation 572 feet Lewisburg

76 Hurricane The City of Murals. Recreational - Waves of Fun at Valley Park, Skate Park at Hurricane City Park Historical - History Row Caboose Museum, Plantation Corner and Murals Depicting Civil War and Railroading History, Reenactment of the Battle of Scary Creek and the Skirmish of Hurricane Creek Bridge (Hurricane), and Mary Ingles Encampment (Winfield) Archaeological - History Row Native American Petroglyph (Hurricane) Cultural - Quilts by Phyllis (Hurricane), Reenactment of the Battle of Scary Creek and the Skirmish of Hurricane Creek Bridge (Hurricane), Mary Ingles Encampment (Winfield) Industrial Heritage - Caboose Museum (Hurricane) 5.9 Hurricane Named for a Revolutionary War general, Putnam County is proud of its rich history. As one of the fastest growing counties in West Virginia, it is also known as an economically progressive county with much to offer new businesses and new residents. Putnam County has achieved important economic growth through recruitment of the recently build Toyota plant in Buffalo and the cooperative economic development efforts of Advantage Valley. Waves of Fun Water Park in Hurricane s Valley Park and a Skate Park in Hurricane City Park are evidence of recreational activities found in the county as a result of growth. Much of Putnam County s recorded history centers on the town of Hurricane. Its origins were that of a stagecoach stop and livestock market. Subsequent growth occurred as a result of proximity to Collis P. Huntington s railroad in the 1880s and construction of Interstate 64 in the 1960s. History Row, in the center of Hurricane, provides a glimpse of the past and includes the Caboose Museum, which offers railroad memorabilia and other historical artifacts. A 77-inch Native American Petroglyph depicting the ancient Water- Monster s Daughter, a prized archaeological find, sits outside the museum. Huntington Hurricane Charleston Mile 33, Population 5222, Elevation 667 feet Lewisburg

77 Hurricane The City of Murals. Murals depicting the community s rich Civil War and railroading history are found on various downtown buildings. Hurricane s restored homes house private residences and shops, for example, Plantation Corner, which is housed in a Federal Style house built in Cultural and history are alive in other ways. Quilts by Phyllis offers quilting fabrics, services, and classes, which allow this important domestic skill to be passed to a new generation. Individuals can take part in Living History by walking the Mary Ingles Trail near Winfield and by talking to actors portraying colonists from 1757 who tell the story of Mary Ingles capture by Native Americans and her later escape. In March, Valley Park hosts the Civil War Reenactment Weekend. Over 300 reenactors commemorate the Skirmish at Hurricane Bridge and the Battle of Scary Creek with everything from battle maneuvers to a Civil War Ball Hurricane Huntington Hurricane Charleston Mile 33, Population 5222, Elevation 667 feet Lewisburg

78 St. Albans An well-known archaeological site, downtown dating to 1816, sits on 2000 acres owned by George Washington, Civil War history. Scenic and Natural - Byway follows Kanawha River providing views from pulloffs and roadside parks Recreational - St. Albans Roadside Park (playground, picnic, day use, boat ramp) Historical - Historic Sidewalk Tours, Morgan s Plantation Kitchen, St. Mark s Episcopal Church, Turner-Callihan House, Navigating the Kanawha Through History Archaeological - St. Albans Native American Site Archaic People ( B.C.) Cultural - Pioneer Days Reenactment 5.11 St. Albans St. Albans offers two distinct areas to explore the scenic and archeologically important riverside and the quaint, historical downtown. Route 60 hugs the Kanawha River through St. Albans offering beautiful scenic views, especially at St. Albans Roadside Park, which offers a playground, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp. Just east of Roadside Park is the site of an early Native American settlement, the Archaic People ( B.C.). During an archeological excavation in the late 1960s, it was determined to be one of the first permanent settlements in present-day West Virginia. The early Kanawha River attracted early Native Americans because of the abundance of food it produced. Later, it made important contributions to the culture and history of the area because of its role in the development of transportation and economic growth, most importantly carrying coal and other goods to market. The West Virginia Department of Transportation presents the opportunity to discover river history at Navigating the Kanawha through History, held at St. Albans Roadside Park. Morgan s Plantation Kitchen, also located on the scenic riverfront, is a good example of a detached kitchen typical of the 1840s. Originally part of Morgan s Plantation, near the present John Amos Power Plant, Union soldiers were served meals in the Kitchen during the Battle of Scary Creek, the area s first significant battle of the Civil War. In town, the St. Albans Main Street Historic District dates back to 1816 and is listed on the National Register. Brochures available at City Hall help to guide visitors on the Historic St. Albans Sidewalk tour, featuring 26 properties. The tour begins with St. Marks Episcopal Church (circa 1847), occupied by Federal troops and their horses during the Civil War, and ends with the Turner/Callihan House (circa 1832), a one-and-a-half story Gothic Revival. Huntington Charleston St. Albans Mile 45, Population 11,567, Elevation 596 feet Lewisburg

79 St. Albans Two distinct areas to explore the scenic and archaeologically important riverside and the quaint, historical downtown. St. Albans Riverside George Washington recognized the value of the riverfront land at present day St. Albans and established a acre tract called Cole River Tract in The Byway runs along the riverside at St. Albans. St. Albans Roadside Park is directly on the Byway and provides visitors picnic and playground facilities and fabulous views of the Great Kanawha River. St. Albans Riverfest brings in sternwheelers, fireworks, and entertainment. MTSHA is partnering with St. Albans to assure continued growth of the new annual Frontier Reenactment. St. Albans Downtown 5.12 St. Albans Morgan s Kitchen (circa 1846): On July 16, 1861, the day before the Battle of Scary Creek, Union troops commanded by General Jacob Cox camped on the nearby Morgan Estate and ate in this kitchen. It was relocated to this site on the Byway and Kanawha River. Ravenswood House (above) and the restored Train station (right) are part of the downtown Historical Tour.

80 Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Loop Approximately 10 mile excursion on the opposite side of the Kanawha River. Scenic - Dunbar Wine Cellar Park Natural -Kanawha River Archaeological - Shawnee Reservation Mound and approximately ten other burial mounds Recreational - Shawnee Park, Wine Cellar Park, Nitro BMX Track and Ridenour Lake Historical - George Washington surveyed and owned land in the area, WV State University, Historic East Hall, Cabell Cemetery, Wine Cellar Park, and nearby Nitro War Museum and Civil War Battle of Scary Creek Cultural - WVSU, a historically black college and Booker T. Washington Institute Across the Kanawha River and intermittently in the direct viewshed of the Midland Trail, Route 25 runs 8 miles between the Nitro-St.Albans Bridge and the Dunbar Bridge. Native Americans who originally inhabited this area on both sides of the Kanawha River (1000 B.C. - A.D. 500) built a large complex of burial mounds. Eleven of the remaining mounds are on the north side of the Kanawha River. In the late 1700s much of the land along Route 25 was surveyed by George Washington and given to leaders in his regiments for their military service. Nitro Created by the U.S. government to produce nitroglycerin for the war effort during WWI Nitro was born when the U.S. government, caught short of gunpowder during World War I, launched a crash project to build a manufacturing plant for the explosive nitroglycerin and homes for the plant workers. Although the war ended just after the first shipment of explosives was sent to the front, the chemical industry continued to grow in the area, providing jobs and good standard of living. Today, many industrial companies and antique dealers are based in Nitro. (continued next page) Getting There: Access Route 25 and the north side of the Kanawha River by crossing the St. Albans-Nitro Bridge; or in South Charleston, use the Dunbar Bridge for an interesting trip along the Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Route 25 loop. Rt. 25 Huntington Nitro St. Albans Bridge St. Albans Nitro Rt. 25 St.Albans-Nitro Bridge spans the Great Kanawha River giving access to an interesting side trip on Route 25. West Virginia State College I-64 Institute Kanaw ha River MacCorkle Ave. Rt. 60 Midland Trail Dunbar Shawnee Park Dunbar Dunbar Bridge South Charleston 5.13 Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Loop Roxalana Rd. Rt. 25 Charleston Population? Nitro 6824, Dunbar 8154, Institute

81 Institute Home of WV State University, a historically black college on the Great Kanawha River, with a rich unique history - a living laboratory of human relations. Originally the rich river valley of Institute was home to Samuel Cabell and known as the Cabell Plantation. Unprecedented at the time, Cabell willed the plantation to his slave mistress, Mary Barnes. Upon Cabell s death in 1865, Mary Barnes and their thirteen children inherited the plantation. When the state of West Virginia was looking for land to build a land-grant instituion for African- Americans in 1890, one of Cabell s daughters, Marina, agreed to sell thiry- acres of the land to the state. West Virginia Colored Institute, later West Virginia State College, opened on the site for an "experimental term" in The first two students to enroll, Lottie Brown and Flayvilla Brown, were Cabell descendants. Graves of plantation owner Samuel Cabell and his slave mistress, Mary Barnes, are on the WVSU campus. In 2004, WV State College gained University status and now serves a diverse student population of 5000, while preserving its landgrant heritage with research and community outreach projects. The graves of Samuel Cabell, his slave mistress, and others are found on what is now the campus of West Virginia State University. East Hall, built in 1893, has served as a dormitory, library, chemistry laboratory, printing department, President s home, and most recently the College s Office of Planning and Advancement. Named to the National Register of Historic Places, distinguished visitors to the home include Booker T. Washington, Dr. George Washington Carver, Dr. W. E. B. Dubois, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Eleanor Roosevelt. The University s Drain-Jordan Library has a collection of African-American artifacts relative to local history. The University s Booker T. Washington Institute preserves and promotes the rich legacy of the famous educator who once made his home in the area. West Virginia State University Huntington Nitro / Dunbar Nitro-Dunbar -Institute Loop Charleston Population: Nitro 6824, Dunbar 8154 West Virginia State University Historic East Hall, circa 1893, is on National Register of Historic Places 5.14 Lewisburg Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Loop

82 5.15 Shawnee Park Recreation and archaeology Shawnee Park, operated by Kanawha County Parks and Recreation, serves the community with its boat ramp, golf course, swimming pool, picnic facilities, playground, and tennis and basketball courts. The Shawnee Reservation Mound mentioned under archaeology is located here. Dunbar George Washington was the first landholder of this town steeped in history. Dunbar, like most of the area, is on land originally occupied by the Native Americans known as Mound Builders. Archaeologists have identified eleven remaining mounds in the residental areas of Dunbar. (See Archaeological Qualities). Three large, restored, stone walk-in wine cellars still stand. They date pre-civil War and were used to store wine made on the premises from grapes grown in the vineyards there. The park is enjoyable for picnics, family gatherings, and fishing at its well-stocked seven-acre lake. Ancient Burial Mound in Shawnee Park Nitro-Institute-Dunbar Loop First surveyed in 1774, the land was granted to George Washington for his military service. It is believed the town is named for Mary Dunbar, who inherited the land from her ancestor, Washington. Dunbar Pocket Park In 1912, the farming community began to evolve into an industrial community with the opening of glass and bottling plants. The Gravely Plow, invented and patented in Dunbar in 1916, was produced here until the plant s move to Ohio. Dunbar boasts several parks, including Wine Cellar Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Huntington Nitro / Dunbar Nitro-Dunbar -Institute Loop Charleston Population: Nitro 6824, Dunbar 8154 Dunbar Wine Cellars Lewisburg

83 South Charleston The Chemical Capital of the World. Scenic and Natural Little Creek Park and Kanawha River Recreational - Rock Lake Putt-Putt Golf and Games, Little Creek Park, South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, and South Charleston Community Center Historical - South Charleston Museum Archaeological - Adena Indian Mound Cultural - Rock Lake Pool and South Charleston Museum Industrial Heritage - Dow Chemical The South Charleston Adena Mound, the second largest Native American burial mound in the state, is situated directly on the Midland Trail Byway and provides the centerpiece for downtown South Charleston. The Adena culture existed 1000 B.C. to 500 A.D. The Adena tended to be less transient and established villages and gardens. The Smithsonian Institute excavated the South Charleston mound in 1883 and Archaeologists found skeletons, jewelry, and weapons, all of which are today maintained at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. (See Archaelogical Quality for more info). South Charleston is a unique blend of past and present, urban and rural a diverse and friendly town.although South Charleston is an active city of commerce and industry, its residents and visitors enjoy nature and recreation in a variety of settings. Little Creek Park is comprised of over 300 acres of scenic, hilly woodlands. Its Trace Fork Canyon Trail is an island of wilderness in an urban setting. Birders can identify eight species of wood warblers. In winter, kinglets, pine siskin, and other winter birds find shelter in the hemlocks. The trail boasts 240 species of plants, five species of salamanders, two species of toads, and numerous mammals. Little Creek Park also has West Virginia s only lighted Soap Box Derby Track, which hosts several races and events Spring through autumn. Rock Lake Putt-Putt Golf and Games offers fun for the young and young at heart with three 18-hole courses, gocart racings, arcade games, and Laser Storm on the site of the former Rock Lake Pool, which was converted from a rock quarry in the 1930s. Huntington Charleston South Charleston Mile 55 Population 13,390 Elevation 599 feet 5.16 South Charleston Lewisburg

84 South Charleston The South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, a newly opened state-of-the-art facility, has an arcade, heated seating area for 500, an official size rink for both hockey team play and figure skating clubs, plus public skating. One of the largest city-owned recreational facilities, the South Charleston Community Center, houses a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, two racquetball courts, basketball courts, tanning beds, and a health club. The gym has seating for 1500 and is open daily. While serving the present, South Charleston also values the past. The South Charleston Museum is housed in the historic Art-Deco style, LaBelle Theatre. The museum actively seeks new acquisitions relating to the history of the South Charleston and the Kanawha Valley. It currently holds collections of photographs and written material, chemical and industrial histories, and Native American artifacts. The city s ability to provide these opportunities is possible because of its long relationship with the chemical industry. South Charleston was once known as the chemical capitol of the world. Union Carbide Corporations/West Virginia Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical Company since 200l, has two operations in South Charleston: the South Charleston manufacturing site and the South Charleston Technology Park. dedicated in 1949 and currently with the 651-acre South Charleston Technology Park, a campus-like setting home to more than 381 labs, as well as chemical pilot plants, a computer operations center, and an engineering center. The newly restored LaBelle Theater will adjoin the planned South Charleston Mound Midland Trail Interpretative Center, scheduled to open in 2006 and funded by the U.S. Federal Transportation Administration s Transportation Enhancement Program through WV Division of Highways South Charleston The South Charleston manufacturing site produces approximately 400 million pounds of different chemicals and plastics for a variety of product applications. It has made historic contributions to the chemical industry as well, first with the South Charleston Technical Center, Huntington Charleston South Charleston Mile 55, Population 13,390, Elevation 599 feet Lewisburg

85 Charleston Charleston, one of America s most beautiful capital cities, is easily recognized by its gold domed WV Capitol Complex, standing like a temple of democracy on the banks of the Great Kanawha River. The Midland Trail follows the Great Kanawha through Charleston, with the MT National Scenic Byway joining the State Scenic Byway at the front steps of the State Capitol. Scenic and Natural - Views of Kanawha River, Elk River, and mountains Recreational - Charleston Power BallPark, Daniel Boone Park, Cato Park, Haddad Riverfront Park, and Magic Island Nearby: Coonskin Park Historical - WV State Capitol Complex and Holly Grove Mansion, East End Historical District, Craik-Patton House, Ruffner Log Cabin, downtown buildings, Historic Shrewsbury Street with significant African-American historical sites, and Spring Hill Cemetery Cultural - Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences WV, WV Cultural Center, Vandalia Gathering, Mountain Stage, Craik-Patton House, Ruffner Log Cabin, and University of Charleston s Erma Byrd Gallery 5.18 Charleston Routing In Charleston, the Midland Trail Byway follows the Great Kanawha River from Daniel Boone Park along Kanawha Boulevard, in front of the Capitol Complex, through downtown, and the west side. At Pennsylvania Avenue, the Byway crosses the juncture of the Elk River and the Kanawha River. The Byway continues to follow the Kanawha as it crosses the river at Patrick Street and turns west towards South Charleston and and St. Albans. Access the Charleston Historic Loop from Kanawha Boulevard (pages ). The Byway is quickly accessed from I-64, I-77, and I-79. Huntington Charleston Charleston Mile 61, Population 53,421, Elevation 601 feet View Thanks to Southwings Aviation Lewisburg

86 Charleston Charleston s Riverfront Charleston, began as Fort Lee in with thirteen houses and a fort, and became West Virginia s largest city, its state capital, and a capital for arts, industry, shopping, and entertainment. The mountains close around the Kanawha River in the Kanawha Valley, making for postcard-like scenery at the West Virginia State Capitol and along the Kanawha River. The Byway follows the river through town. The University of Charleston stands on the opposite bank of the Kanawha across from the Capitol, adding to the view. In 2004, UC opened the Erma Byrd Gallery, the first art gallery dedicated to WV s Women Artists. The WV Symphony gives an outdoor concert on the grounds each year. The Kanawha River also provides recreational opportunities. The City of Charleston maintains two city parks along the Byway. Haddad Riverfront Park is located along the river in downtown Charleston. The renovated levee has docking available, as well as a 2500-seat amphitheater. Nearby, at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, is Magic Island. Magic Island s walking track, sand volleyball courts, and large grassy areas are a quick walk from the downtown area. Charleston s Historical East End Also on the MT Byway, at Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard and adjacent to the Governor s Mansion, stands Holly Grove Mansion, one of only three remaining structures from the Ruffner salt family. Daniel Ruffner constructed Holly Grove Mansion in 1815 on what was then a plantation just east of Charleston. Holly Grove is now maintained as part of the State Capitol Complex. The East End Historical District includes Kanawha Boulevard, Virginia Street, and Quarrier Street. Many of these homes remain private residences. Most were built between 1895 and Many styles of architecture can be seen: Greek Revival, late Victorian, Queen Anne, Richardson Romanesque, Colonial, Georgian, Spanish Colonial, Italianate, and Renaissance Charleston Charleston s Spring Hill Cemetery, established in 1870, overlooks the city and the Byway. It bears the remains of many of Charleston s founding fathers, several governors, and other notables. Today, it has over 80,000 lots. Huntington Charleston Charleston Mile 61, Population 53,421, Elevation 601 feet Lewisburg

87 Charleston Charleston s Capitol Complex Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the Union, the West Virginia State Capitol greets the visitor with a grand, resplendent gold dome. The majestic Italianate Rotunda contains marble from Vermont, Tennessee, and Italy; and a two-ton chandelier crafted with Czechoslovakian crystal. Eminent master architect, Cass Gilbert, designed this stone and marble wonder, as well as Washington, DC s Treasury and Supreme Court Buildings. Completed in 1932, the Capitol holds the state Legislative bodies in separate wings, the Supreme Court, and the Governor s Office. Other state offices are in the adjacent buildings of the complex. The West Virginia Cultural Center, opened in 1976, houses the State Museum and State Archives. Located on the grounds of the Capitol Complex, it also hosts fairs, festivals and exhibits. The Vandalia Gathering, held each Memorial Day Weekend, is a three-day festival celebrating traditional arts and folk heritage. Multifest is another three-day festival held in early August to celebrate the music, food, and culture of the many ethnic groups found in West Virginia. The Cultural Center is home to West Virginia Public Broadcasting s Mountain Stage, a two-hour live radio show featuring stylistically diverse national and international acts. Most shows are taped before a live audience in the Cultural Center Theater and then broadcast around the world Charleston Huntington Charleston Charleston Mile 61, Population 53,421, Elevation 601 feet Lewisburg

88 Historical Charleston Loop 5.21 Historical Charleston Loop

89 Historical Charleston Loop Adventures abound on the Historic Charleston Loop of the Midland Trail. The fifteen-block Loop leads visitors from Kanawha Boulevard to Capitol Street, Smith Street, Leon Sullivan Way, and through the revitalized downtown to enjoy a blend of historic sites and exciting new tourist-oriented attractions. New shops in renovated storefronts, the new $120 million Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences WV, a new riverfront park, Capitol Market, and the new $23 million, Appalachian Power Baseball Park provide the anchors to assure a thriving downtown Village District. Capitol Street was so named when the State Capitol building stood at the corner of Capitol and Lee Streets from 1885 until it was destroyed by fire in Capitol Street was the first street in America paved with bricks (1870). Over the summer of 2004 Mayor Danny Jones had the bricks and plantings redone throughout downtown. It was almost two decades in the making, but downtown Charleston has become a tourist destination. From one end to the other Capitol Street has a new look. Building facades have been redone and new tourist-friendly retail shops dot Capitol Street. Streets such as Summers and Smith, seedy areas just a few short years ago, have been revitalized; today Summers Street features a park and office district, while Smith Street is one of the best places in Charleston to shop for home furnishings and carpeting, plus Capitol Market s fresh vegetables, plants, and specialty items. Midland Trail Scenic Highway recently moved their offices into a restored building on Capitol Street. The lively Capitol Market stands at the north end of Capitol Street in the former Kanawha and Michigan Railway Depot. Renovated and updated in 1997, the market presents visitors with the last visible remnant of what was once an active rail yard. Huntington Charleston Charleston 5.22 Lewisburg Historical Charleston Loop

90 Historical Charleston Loop Flowering plants of every color and seasonal fruits and vegetables fill the outside stalls of the Market every day of the year. Local growers offer tips on harvesting your own fruits and vegetables. Inside the market are shops that offer a vast array of fresh seafood, meats, chicken, fine wine and beer, plus an upscale fine food restaurant, SoHo s, which offers weekend jazz. In 2003, the long awaited, must see Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences WV opened on Leon Sullivan Way. The 240,000-square foot Center, one of the most ambitious cultural and educational projects in West Virginia history, combines a home for the Juliet Museum of Art, Charleston Symphony s performing arts center, Walker Theater, and Avampato Discovery Museum, an interactive science museum completed with the Electric Sky Theater planetarium and I-Max. Play Ball! Opening Day at Charleston s new Appalachian Power Baseball Park was April 14, The 4200-plus seat stadium stands along Smith Street between Morris Street and the I-64/77 Brooks Street entrance ramp. Huntington Charleston Charleston 5.23 Historical Charleston Loop Lewisburg

91 Historical Charleston Loop Historic Shrewsbury Street Central Charleston is the city s historically African- American neighborhood. The Shrewsbury, Donnelly and Lewis Street area was home to several distinguished African-Americans, including internationally renowned Reverend Leon Sullivan whose Sullivan s Principles of Equal Opportunity became the blueprint for ending Apartheid. Simpson Memorial Methodist Church (circa 1915) continues to be a focal point of the community, as they spearhead the restoration of Harden House for use by community groups and an African-American cultural museum. The home of first black state librarian in the United States, Sam Starks, is located at 413 Shrewsbury Street. Garnet High School, an African-American high school ( ), was known for its quality programs and curriculum. The Mattie V. Lee Home, named in honor of WV s first black female physician, was important in the early 20th Century for promoting the spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and vocational development of young African- American women Historical Charleston Loop Huntington Charleston Charleston Lewisburg

92 Daniel Boone Park Daniel Boone Park, just east of the Capitol Complex, has a public access boat launch, picnic facilities, and fishing available. Daniel Boone lived in the Valley from 1786 to 1797, during which time he served in the Kanawha County Militia and as a Richmond Assembly delegate. Boone took shelter in a cave on the facing mountain and housed his family in a double log cabin directly across the Kanawha River. At the entrance of Daniel Boone Park stands Craik- Patton House. James Craik, whose grandfather was George Washington s friend and personal physician, built Craik-Patton House, at Daniel Boone Park, in Colonel George Patton, grandfather of the famous WWII general, later owned it. A replica of the early home of an earlier Ruffner, salt-maker David Ruffner, is also located on the property Daniel Boone Park Huntington Charleston Daniel Boone Park Mile 63 Lewisburg

93 Malden / Belle Malden - An idealic village bringing alive history -home of Booker T. Washington, world famous quilts, and salt-making history. Scenic and Natural - Views of Kanawha River and Mountains Historical - Malden: African Zion Baptist Church, Malden Salt Village, Booker T. Washington s Cabin, John Hale House, Norton-Patton House, Richard E. Putney House, Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church, and Ruffner Cemetery Cultural - Malden Historic District and Cabin Creek Quilts Industrial Heritage - Malden: Port Amherst, railroad yards, Malden Salt Village and Dickinson s Salt Works Malden Historic Village is taking strides to assure its history is preserved and celebrated as the boyhood home of Booker T. Washington, the birthplace of the area s salt-making history, and headquarters for the world-renowned Cabin Creek Quilt Cooperative. Follow the brown Midland Trail Travel Info signs to Cabin Creek Quilts Cooperative, housed in Hale House, the taupe and purple trim Federal-style, (circa 1838) home. 19th-Century historian and Renaissance man, Dr. John Hale, who was also the great-grandson of Mary Ingles, built Hale House. Ingles, mother of the first Caucasian child born west of the Alleghenies, is immortalized in the pages of Follow The River. She used the Ohio, Kanawha, and New Rivers to retrace her way home after being captured by Shawnee Indians on Sunday, July 8, 1755, from her home near presentday Blacksburg, Virginia. Inside Cabin Creek Quilts are beautiful handmade quilts and quilted items for sale, plus the opportunity to meet the ladies who make the quilts, get travel info, and learn about life in the mountains of West Virginia. Nearby, Malden Antiques specializes in railroad and other historical memorabilia. Local resident, Senator Larry L. Rowe, has developed a brochure Walking Tour of Old Malden Virginia and West Virginia. His Website also offers a review of Malden history and points of interest. Booker T. Washington Institute At age nine, as a recently freed slave, Booker T. Washington walked to Malden with his mother from the Burroughs Plantation in Virginia. In Up From Slavery, Washington recounts his days in Malden, first as a boy who was encouraged by Viola Ruffner to learn to read and then after college graduation when he lived here and Huntington Malden / Belle Mile 65, Belle Mile 70 Charleston 5.26 Malden / Belle Lewisburg

94 Malden / Belle traveled the new state of West Virginia to advocate moving the capital from Wheeling to Charleston. Visit the replica of Booker T. Washington s Boyhood Cabin. Next door is the African Zion Baptist Church (1872), West Virginia s oldest Afro- American Baptist Church, where Washington taught Sunday School. At Norton House (circa 1840) a multi-panel mural in the back dining room depicts the house s history. Tours and reenactments can be arranged by calling The Booker T. Washington Institute of West Virginia State University. Salt-Making History History, culture, and industry blend in Malden, Belle, and Cedar Grove. Long ago, buffalo beat a path through undisturbed forests to the basins of salt brine along the Kanawha River. Native Americans followed, learning to use hot rocks to extract salt. Pioneers were next attracted to the area. The first recorded history of salt-making in the area was made In 1671 by Captain Thomas Batts (see Gauley Bridge). He reported Native Americans were using hot rocks to extract salt in present day Malden. Mary Ingles reported that her Shawnee captors taught her to extract salt here in Pioneers followed the buffalo path, which by 1790, at the urging of George Washington, became a state road from Virginia to Cedar Grove, and is today the Midland Trail. In 1797, with a collection of 24 kettles for salt production from the area s brines, Elisha Brooks started the Kanawha Valley s first industry near Malden. By 1817, Malden was the world s largest salt producer and site of the country s first industrial trust. Malden s red salt with its iron content was a prized commodity to pioneers for preserving meat. Salt manufacturing requires fuel and the rich forests along the Kanawha River were cleared to provide wood fuel for the early salt furnaces. In 1817, David Ruffner became the first producer to successfully convert to coal fuel. Gas was struck in In 1841, William Tompkins of Cedar Grove became the first in the U.S. to use this gas for an industrial purpose, salt-making. Two years later, salt-makers Dickinson and Shrewsbury hit the great gas reserve of the region. The resource that attracted buffalo, made Malden the world s largest salt producer, enriched the Valley s early industrialists, and ultimately spawned the surrounding chemical industries. The era of salt making peaked between at 3.2 million bushels. Other industrries began to grow as a result of this first industry. World War I made it necessary for America to locate new supplies of chlorine and alkalis. All of the essential ingredients were here; an ample supply of high quality coal, salt brine, natural gas, oil, ample skilled labor, and transportation. Scientists, inventors, capitalists and government were inspired. Huntington Malden / Belle Mile 65, Belle Mile 70 Charleston 5.27 Malden / Belle Lewisburg

95 Eastern Kanawha County Towns and Villages: Shrewsbury, Quincy, Cedar Grove, and Glasgow Scenic - Views of Kanawha River and Kanawha Valley at several pull-offs Natural - Kanawha River (Route 60 follows the river for 50-plus miles) Recreational - Glasgow: Glasgow City Park/Roadside Park and Boat Launch London: London Public Park Historical - Cedar Grove: Virginia s Chapel and William Tompkins House Archaeological - Cemeteries - Cedar Grove: Virginia s Chapel Cultural - Industrial Heritage - Cannelton: coal tipple and storage Route 60 continues to follow the scenic Kanawha River Valley through the small communities of eastern Kanawha County. Glasgow, a small residential community of nearly 1000, is primarily situated on the Midland Trail. It offers residents and visitors a city park and pool for summer recreation, as well as a boat dock and launch for river activities, fishing, boating, and water. Similarly, the community of London has a pleasant public park. Other towns, such as Cedar Grove are of historical significance. The oldest settled community in the Kanawha Valley, Cedar Grove played a significant role in the development of the Midland Trail. The town s first resident, Walter Kelly, settled here in 1773, but sent his family to Lewisburg for protection against Native raids; the Natives killed Kelly after his family departed. The next year, William Morris built Fort Morris, the Valley s first settlement. As the Trail evolved, Cedar Grove became a terminus for land travel and a beginning point for water traffic. Morris descendants amassed a fortune building flatboats for westwardmoving pioneers and from Malden s salt trade downriver. The Boat Yards, as the town was first known, also constructed the dugouts for Lewis and Clark s historic expedition. Famous resident William Tompkins was the first man in America to use natural gas for industrial purposes, but is best known for his two brick beauties. On the Trail is Virginia s Chapel, the Little Brick Church which be built in 1853 as a graduation gift for his daughter. A small graveyard is also located on the property. The chapel is on the National Registry of Historic Places. At the mouth of Kelly s Creek is Tompkins palatial brick house, built in The working coal tipple and storage facility located at Cannelton is evidence of the area s industrial heritage. Huntington Charleston Eastern Kanawha County Mile Lewisburg Eastern Kanawha County

96 Montgomery and Smithers A heritage of immigrants, education and industry. Scenic and Natural - Kanawha River Recreational - boat ramps and fishing Historical - WV University Institute of Technology Archaeological - Mt. Carbon Ancient Works Cultural - Italian heritage and coal mining Montgomery For his service in the Virginia Militia, Major Henry Montgomery received land grants on the Kanawha River and operated a ferry port. Montgomery s Landing attracted river traffic which moved as far west as Cincinnati and New Orleans. Centuries before, the area thrived with a prehistoric culture that built the Mt. Carbon Ancient Works, a stone wall enclosing an area about a mile in width. Scientific dating places this archaeological feature at around the 15th Century. Strip mining ultimately removed all traces of the Works. Montgomery is home to West Virginia University Institute of Technology, which offers education, engineering, print management, and health professions. The public is welcome to participate in the school s Wellness Program and use their olympicsize pool and rock-wall climbing facility. The Bank Bar and Grill, offers a unique dining experience in a restored bank building. Boaters can launch their boats from the public boat ramp located near the bridge. Montgomery became the commerical center for the surrounding coal mining and ferro-alloy industries; a boom town with a hospital, department stores, and the college. Smithers Smithers history is closely intertwined with the Midland Trail. Around 1825, the James River and Kanawha Turnpike (now the Midland Trail) was completed through Smithers west to Charleston. Early settlers include James Smithers, for whom the town is named. His descendant Benjamin Smithers, born in 1809, was brought into the salt and coal businesses through marriage, first to Julia Ruffner and later to Eliza Shrewsbury. Smithers owned 2270 acres of coal-rich land around Smithers under the name of Peabody Coal Fields. Another early settler, Aaron Stockton, brother-in-law of William Tompkins, founded the Glen Ferris Inn. The influence of Italian immgrants who settled in the area to work the coal industry is evident today in the town of about 900. Italian food specialities are found at Cavalier Market and Lopez Resturant. Of special interest is the recently unveiled Veterans War Memorial, which honors over 800 men and women who entered military service while living in Smithers or Longacre. Huntington Charleston Montgomery / Smithers Mile 88, Population 1942 / Smithers Mile 89, Population 904, Elevation 640 feet 5.29 Lewisburg Montgomery and Smithers

97 Alloy A proud tradiltion on the Midland Trail. For almost 100 years, travelers along the Midland Trail have caught an occasional glimpse of furnace flames blazing from behind the factory walls, as Elkem Metals Company and its predecessors have maintained a proud tradition as a large manufacturer of quality products. Materials produced at the Alloy facility are intermediaries for products that improve the ways we eat, feel, look, and work. When consumers open a cereal box, use personal grooming products, or turn on a personal computer, chances are they are using a product which Elkem helped make. In fact, half of the world s computers contain chips with silicon refined at Elkem. Their silicon is also the crucial ingredient for the glue, which binds the space shuttle s panels to its body. Production of ferroalloys on the Midland Trail began in 1901, about 5 miles east of the present facility at Alloy, when Wilson Aluminum established a smelting plant at Kanawha Falls. Wilson simultaneously received permission from the U.S. War Department to tap the river s force for hydroelectricity to power its operation. Today, you can see the power station at Kanawha Falls, which still provides some of the energy for Elkem s operations at Alloy. Union Carbide later purchased the operation. To meet an everexpanding market, Union Carbide built the present facility at Alloy. Carbide s long history ended in 1981, when Elkem, a multinational corporation based in Oslo, Norway purchased the Alloy plant and associated properties. During its 65-year history, Elkem-Alloy has become the world s largest silicon metal plant and operates the largest silicon furnace in the world. In past years, the facility has produced manganese, chrome, and other alloys. Today, Elkem is a major supplier of high-quality refined silicon for the chemical, electronic, aerospace, and aluminum industries. As one of Fayette County s largest employers, Elkem has many employees sroking the same furnaces as their fathers and grandfathers Alloy Huntington Charleston Alloy Mile 92 Lewisburg

98 Western Fayette County Fayette County begins the heart of the Trail s scenic and recreational areas. Numerous roadside waterfalls and breathtaking rock formations dot the north side of the Byway, while the Great Kanawha hugs the south side. Scenic and Natural - Several roadside falls between Montgomery and Falls View and Great Kanawha River created at Gauley Bridge, unique rock formations line the mountains Cultural Boomer/Alloy: Coal camp town and Elkem s hydroelectric dam The Great Kanawha River provides a pleasant backdrop for travel as it hugs Route 60 from its headwaters in Gauley Bridge, to below Charleston and St. Albans, where it turns and heads for the Ohio River at Point Pleasant. A series of locks and dams assure its flow. Huge barges carrying coal and other industrial products routinely pass. As evident in the history of each town along its banks, the Kanawha River has played a key role in the development of industry along what is now known as Advantage Valley. Although it is one of the nation s busiest commercial waterways, there are also ample opportunities for public access for recreational use. Many homes in the six miles between Alloy and Kanawha Falls, for example the towns of Boomer, Charlton Heights and Falls View were built for employees and management of Alloy/Elkem. Sticks and Stones at mile 32.5 is a wonderland of speciality garden and decorative items. Fayette County begins the heart of the Trail s scenic and recreational areas. Numerous roadside falls dot the highway, including Kanawha Falls at mile 97 and Cathedral Falls at mile 99. The New and Gauley Rivers merge at Gauley Bridge to create the Kanawha River, which flows to the State Capitol and eventually into the Ohio River. Huntington Charleston Western Fayette County 5.31 Lewisburg Western Fayette County

99 Glen Ferris and Kanawha Falls Hospitality and history amidst natural beauty. Scenic - Glenn Ferris: Kanawha Falls, Gauley Bridge: Cathedral Falls Natural - Kanawha Falls, Gauley Bridge: Union of New and Gauley Rivers, Cathedral Falls Recreational - Gauley Bridge: New River Campground and Gauley Bridge Tepees Historical - Glen Ferris: Glen Ferris Inn Since Aaron Stockton first opened his doors to weary, hungry stagecoach travelers in 1839, the Glen Ferris Inn has provided hospitality for visitors on the historic Midland Trail. Today, owners Dan and Becky Hill, as well as manager Natalie Phillips, carry on Stockton s tradition in fine style. The Glen Ferris Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aaron Stockton was the grandson of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a salt entrepreneur and gentleman farmer who built flatboats that carried those traveling west on the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers and beyond. Stockton shipped the first commercial load of West Virginia coal from a seam of cannel coal that was discovered on his farm in His inn served as a Union quartermaster s depot during the Civil War, and his grandson, O. A. Veasey, who was born at Glen Ferris Inn during 1851, was West Virginia s first state mine inspector. Overlooking Kanawha Falls, the original red brick structure was constructed circa In about 1910, Stockton s granddaughter added the charming columns, a third-story, and verandas. Union Carbide later extended the inn s guest capacity after constructing an ell in the early 1930s Glen Ferris and Kanawha Falls Huntington Charleston Glen Ferris Mile 97 Lewisburg

100 Gauley Bridge Marriage-place of two rivers. Scenic - New and Gauley Rivers merge to create the Great Kanawha River Natural - Kanawha Falls, Union of New and Gauley Rivers, and Cathedral Falls Recreational - New River Campground and Gauley Bridge Tepees Historical - Gauley Bridge Historical Society Museum At Gauley Bridge, the New and Gauley Rivers merge to create the Kanawha River, which flows to the State Capitol and eventually into the Ohio River. As eastbound visitors round the bend at Glen Ferris (Mile 37) they get their first view of the merged rivers. At this marriage-place of two rivers, learn about the junctions of past and present at the Gauley Bridge Visitors Center and adjoining Gauley Bridge Historical Society Museum. Kanawha Falls Post Office, Fayette County s first, has also been relocated to the complex. Gauley Bridge was first explored in 1671, when Captain Thomas Batts discovered and claimed the area east of Kanawha Falls for King Charles II of England and Ireland. Although their expedition stopped at Kanawha Falls, they learned through their Native American guide that Native Americans were making salt at present day Malden. Gauley Bridge s position at the confluence of the rivers made it a strategic location during the Civil War. Gauley Bridge takes its name from a tollbridge which crossed the Gauley River and which Confederate troops burned; today you can see its old mossy piers. When the iron horse roared across the state s landscape, Gauley Bridge was a railroad stop for the old New York Central Railroad. Gauley Bridge Town Hall ( ) is housed in the renovated railroad passenger depot. Inside hangs a print of Corporal J. N. Roesler s 1862 depiction of the Camp Gauley Civil War Encampment. Step back in time with a visit to a downtown diner, housed in the former Greyhound Bus Terminal. Evan Scent manufactures candles at their facility on the Trail and also operates a gift shop and the Gauley Bridge Visitors Center Gauley Bridge Huntington Charleston Gauley Bridge Mile 99, Population 738, Elevation 680 feet Lewisburg

101 Gauley Mountain Climb 1000 feet in elevation in eight miles of curvy mountain road with breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Canyon and heart-stopping twists and turns. Scenic views of the natural elements of the New River and its canyon, reveal why this is known as the Grand Canyon of the East. The driving fun begins as travelers climb the Gauley Mountain between Gauley Bridge and Ansted. Can you really see your taillights in the rear view mirror as the car bends around the twisty turns near Chimney Corner? Or is it just another mountaineer tale? These curvy roads challenge and delight the best of car enthusiasts. Recently Car and Driver Magazine sent seven high-end sports cars along the Trail for a performance comparison. As you maneuver the twists and turns, enjoy the picturesque views on the western slope of Gauley Mountain. Fetty s Country Store & Crafts in the log cabin at the Y at Chimney Corner offers a rest stop, plus a variety of mountain crafts and souvenirs. Take a moment to Be Shocked and Amazed at the Trail s renowned tourist trap oops, we meant to say roadside attraction The Mystery Hole. Landmarked by a Volkswagen protruding from a quonset hut, The Mystery Hole allegedly sits over a hole in the ground where the law of gravity does not apply. Balls roll up hill. Chairs sit half-way up a wall. Money vanishes from your pocket in the the gift shop. Kids and adults alike are awed Gauley Mountain Huntington Charleston Gauley Mountain Lewisburg

102 Ansted and Hawks Nest A town with a hawk s view. The Town of Ansted, located at the top of Gauley Mountain, is the western edge of the outdoor region of the Trail and is a center from which to enjoy West Virginia s natural beauty. Hawks Nest State Park, which is inside the town limits, sprawls over the top of the mountain and down to the base of the New River Gorge. East bound travelers first see the newly spruced-up Hawks Nest Golf Course on the north (left) side of the road, then the Hawks Nest Picnic Area and Overlook, which offers wonderful walks and a breathtaking overlook of the Grand Canyon of the East, the New River Gorge. Nearby, enjoy an incredible view of the Gorge while dining on great home cooked food in the Hawks Nest Lodge s glass dining room, or inch down the Gorge on the tram for a picnic and jet boats at the base. Rich coal seams originally led settlers to the hilltop town of Ansted in the 1790s. Today, travelers seek the opportunity to enjoy the rich-flavored Blue Smoke Salsa and the chance to explore the Grand Canyon of the East, the New River Gorge. When we say Head For the Hills on the Midland Trail, Ansted is the town that pops to mind. Perched in a fold atop Gauley Mountain and hugging the rim of the New River Gorge, Ansted is building on its unique geography to transition from a coal to an environmental and tourism based economy. When chartered in 1891, the town was named for British geologist, David T. Ansted, who mapped out the seams of the area s high-grade coal. On a knoll in the middle of town, the Victorian-style mansion of industrialist William Nelson Page stands as evidence of the once thriving coal business. Built from native wood in the 1890s by the Gauley Mountain Coal Company, the mansion was a perk for Page. At the western edge of Ansted is Hawks Nest State Park, with spectacular canyon views, a tramway to the bottom of the New River Gorge, a lodge, restaurant, gift shop, and facilities for swimming, hiking, tennis, golf, and jet boats. The famous Hawks Nest Overlook is just west of the lodge complex. Take time to enjoy the recently created 2.5 mile Ansted-Hawks Nest Rail Trail that retraces the rail path used to convey coal from the mines around the Town of Huntington Charleston Ansted Mile 107, Population Ansted and Hawks Nest Lewisburg

103 Ansted and Hawks Nest Ansted to larger tracks at the bottom of the New River Gorge. The trail is unique in that hikers and bikers can access the bottom by using the Gorge Tram from Hawks Nest Lodge. Bike racks are being installed on the gondola to encourage round trips. Along the way, visitors see the entrance to Mill Creek Colliery Mine, rebuilt bridges, and beautiful unspoiled foliage, cliffs and streams. Robin Hilderbrand, nationally-recognized Entrepreneur of the Year, operates Blue Smoke Salsa s manufacturing facility in downtown Ansted. There s ample space to accommodate visitors by tour bus who want to enjoy the homegrown salsa that is becoming a nationwide favorite. Historical landmarks include the grave site of Julia Neale Jackson, mother of Thomas Stonewall Jackson; Halfway House, a former tavern on the Kanawha Turnpike and headquarters of the Chicago Dragoons during the Civil War; the African American Heritage Family-Tree Museum which helps Afro- Americans trace their roots and Contentment Historical Complex, an 1830 home that houses a museum and headquarters for the Fayette County Historical Society. The grounds of Hawks Nest Park are filled with food, artisans and entertainment during Country Roads Festival on the third week in September. During the Holidays don t miss the Festival of Lights at Hawks Nest Park. Nearby, the Fayetteville Theater offers wellproduced plays, including an annual holiday play the first few weekends of December. Huntington Charleston Ansted Mile 107, Population Ansted and Hawks Nest Lewisburg

104 Hico - Crossroads of U.S. 60 & Gateway U.S. 19 The center of West Virginia s world-renown recreational activities. opportunities. Just north of the 900-foot high Gorge Bridge is the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. The hip town of Fayetteville is the outdoors sevices and gear capital of West Virginia. Downtown shops offer recreational gear, book shops, natural food restaurants, and works by local artisans Hico At Hico, U.S. Route 19 intersects U.S. Route 60. The heavily traveled U.S. 19 provides an important gateway to the Midland Trail as it links I-79 and I- 77 South to the recreational offerings of the New River Gorge National River and the town of Fayetteville. Cross the world s longest arch span bridge to reach Oak Hill, Mt. Hope and Beckley. North,Summersville Dam and Lake provides fishing, camping, hunting, and the best Class VI rafting east of One of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few on earth that flows north, the New River offers visitors spectacular vistas and recreational Huntington Charleston Hico Mile 114 Lewisburg

105 Eastern Fayette County Babcock State Park, Winona, Camp Washington Carver, and Sewell Mountain Scenic and Natural Clifftop: Babcock Recreational - Hico: whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping Clifftop: Babcock State Park, Fishing, Climbing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and biking Historical Fayetteville: Lee s Tavern-peak of Sewell Mountain and Morris Harvey House Lookout: Lookout Baptist Church and Camp George Washington Carver Winona: Garvey House Archaeological Cemeteries Cultural Fayetteville: Court Street Gallery Clifftop: Camp Washington Carver and WV String Band Festival East of Hico, the Midland Trail curves through some of the most beautiful scenery in our country as it crosses the highest point on the Trail Big Sewell Mountain at 3170 feet Eastern Fayette At Lookout, look out for the turn off for Winona for an adventurous side trip to what was once the largest town in Fayette County. Recently, the road to Winona has been extended all the way to the New River through a beautiful, pristine forest. A bit further east, Route 60 is intersected by Route 41, which leads to Babcock State Park, home of the frequently photographed Glade Creek Grist Mill. The park offers cabins for rent, seasonal swimming, and cross country skiing. Huntington Charleston Eastern Fayette County Lewisburg

106 Eastern Fayette County Also on Route 41 at Clifftop, Camp Washington Carver serves as the state s Mountain Cultural Arts Center. There is a family styled dinner theatre series and an Afro-American Arts Camp in the summer. Near the end of July, the five-day West Virginia String Band Music Festival attracts an audience of over 3000 music lovers who come from all over the world to hear great music and enjoy this gathering of friends and musicians. Near the western slope peak of Big Sewell Mountain is the 1824 Old Stone House (or Tyree Tavern) and on the eastern slope is Lee s Tree where General Lee camped during the Battle of Big Sewell and met his beloved warhorse, Traveller Eastern Fayette Huntington Charleston Eastern Fayette County Lewisburg

107 Western Greenbrier County Rainelle, Rupert, Meadow River, and Sam Black Church Scenic - Big Sewell Mountain Overlook Greenbrier Valley Big Levels Natural Big Sewell Mountain, Meadow Creek/Meadow River Wildlife Management Area, and numerous small creeks for fishing Recreational - Rainelle: Meadow River Park/Greenbrier Youth Camp, Greenbrier Hills Golf, Rupert: Picnicking Shelters Historical Hern s Mill Covered Bridge and Sam Black United Methodist Church Cultural Sam Black Church: Sam Black Methodist Church Industrial Heritage - Rainelle: Meadow River Lumber G reenbrier County begins near the eastern base of Big Sewell Mountain and the town of Rainelle. Ancient buffalo trails guided the first settlers through the area s undisturbed forests. Colonel Andrew Lewis and his father dubbed the area Greenbrier, after unpleasant encounters with prickly green briers while surveying the river valley in the mid-1700s. In 1774, Colonel Lewis and his men used the route to travel to the Battle of Point Pleasant. This overland portion of the trail became known as the Lewis Trail when George Washington advocated for an all-virginia route to connect the Virginia tidewater basin with the Ohio River, and ultimately, to the Gulf of Mexico. In 1785 the Virginia Legislature authorized money to build the old state road along the path of Lewis Trail, which is the present-day Midland Trail. The road was finished to Cedar Grove by 1790 (Mile19). Around 1906, the Raine brothers, for whom Rainelle is named, established the Meadow River Lumber Company. Known for the quality of its oak hardwood, New York s Waldorf Astoria Hotel and West Virginia s Governors Reception Hall were crafted with Greenbrier County lumber. The mill ceased operation in The Meadow River Huntington Charleston Mile 130, Population 1545, Elevation 2425 feet Rainelle 5.40 Lewisburg Western Greenbrier County

108 Rainelle, Rupert, and Meadow River 5.41 Festival, held the first weekend in August, celebrates the history of the lumber and coal industry, and the Midland Trail itself. Greenbrier Hills Golf is a public nine-hole course right on Route 60. The Meadow River Park/Greenbrier Youth Camp, a renovation project of the MTSHA, is located between Rainelle and Rupert and is open for public camping. The headwaters of the Meadow River, near Mile 85 at Sam Black Church, creates West Virginia s second largest wetland and a home for sport fish and fowl. Greenbrier County CVB recommends five area mini-tours. Hern s Mill Covered Bridge, one of only seventeen surviving in West Virginia, is on Tour # 5, as the Trail winds through the rolling farms of Greenbrier Valley, between Sam Black Church (I- 64, Exit 156) and Lewisburg, through the villages of Clintonville and Richlands. Western Greenbrier County Huntington Charleston Mile 130, Population 1545, Elevation 2425 feet Rainelle Lewisburg

109 Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs Area Two of West Virgiinia s oldest towns, a culture of creativity, the world-famous Greenbrier Resort, surrounded by a state and national forests. Scenic - Greenbrier River Natural Greenbrier River, Lost World Caverns, and Organ Cave Recreational - Lewisburg: Lewisburg Roadside Park and Lost World Caverns; Caldwell: Greenbrier River Bike Trail, canoeing and river access; White Sulphur Springs: Greenbrier State Forest, Federal Fish Hatchery, Oakhurst, and the Greenbrier Resort and Bunker; Ronceverte: Organ Cave Historical Lewisburg: North House Museum, Old Stone Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, Andrew Lewis Park, The General Lewis, Battle of Lewisburg Reenactment, The Wisteria Bed and Breakfast; White Sulphur Springs: Oakhurst, The Greenbrier Resort and Bunker, Battle of Dry Creek Reenactment, James Wylie House and Lillian s Bed and Breakfast Caldwell: Old Stone Manse Bed and Breakfast; Ronceverte: Organ Cave Civil War Days; Lewisburg: Lewisburg Cemetery (surrounds Old Stone Church), Confederate Cemetery Cultural Lewisburg: Carnegie Hall, WV State Fair, Battle of Lewisburg Reenactment, one of the best small art towns in America, American Heritage Music Hall; White Sulphur Springs: The Greenbrier Hotel and Bunker, The Battle of Dry Creek Reenactment; Ronceverte: Organ Cave Civil War Days Huntington Charleston Lewisburg 5.42 Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs Lewisburg White Sulphur Springs Area

110 Lewisburg Chartered in 1782 by the Virginia Assembly, Lewisburg is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia. The town s old section is a National Register Historic District. To get the flavor of Lewisburg begin with the twohour Walking Tour of Downtown, which boasts more than sixty 18th- and 19th-Century buildings in a town that dates to 1774 and has both Revolutionary and Civil War history. Lewisburg is a small town begging to be called home. The streets are lively and friendly. The shops quaint and inviting. Residents and travelers alike embrace the relaxed pace that offers respite from a more hurried, crowded world. Antiquities, culture, heritage, scenery, music, food, and recreation create a juxtaposition of both old and new in West Virginia. The shops are platforms for artisans who work in canvas, wood, paper, cloth, metal, stone, culinary delights, and more. Lewisburg has become a haven for West Virginians by choice, those who have fled larger cities for the benefits of simple living or who choose to stay where that influx adds to the culture of the area. Artists, photographers, writers, and chefs have made their way to Lewisburg and brought with them the trappings of a more cosmopolitan culture, such as galleries and live theater. All of this makes Lewisburg a fascinating place for a weekend or a longer stay. Unique food and civilized discourse abound. The Taste of our Town (TOOT) Festival on the second Saturday in October offers a great opportunity to sample offerings from local restaurants. Little wonder that Lewisburg is one of only seventy U.S. towns included in National Geographic s Guide to the Best Small Town Escapes and is also distinguished in the book The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. Huntington Charleston Mile 170, Population 3624, Elevation 2300 feet Lewisburg 5.43 Lewisburg Lewisburg

111 White Sulphur Springs Since the 18th Century, the wealthy have flocked here to experience the legendary curative powers of the area s sulphur springs. For two centuries the world-famous, luxurious Greenbrier Resort, has treated Trail travelers to the best in hospitality, featuring grand decor, thirtyplus lobby shops and three championship golf courses situated on 6500 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Used as a military hospital in WWII, The Greenbrier became the site of a former topsecret Cold War-Era Congressional bunker buried some 720 feet into the hillside. The Bunker is now open for tours. White Sulphur reenacts the 1862 Battle of Dry Creek, on the third weekend in August. Recreational offerings include Allegheny Trail, White Sulphur Springs is home to a visitors center for the 800,000-acre Monongahela National Forest, as well as Sherwood Lake, a 164-acre lake offering boating, swimming, fishing, picnic facilities, and camping. Nearby, the Greenbrier State Forest offers hiking, picnic facilities, rustic cabins, swimming, hunting, camping, and scenic overlooks on its 5130 acres. Each year, Greenbrier State Forest hosts a weekend reenactment of the Battle of Dry Creek the third week in August. The weekend includes maneuvers, an actual battle reenactment, and settlement camps. Oakhurst Links, established in 1884 by a Scottish family, was the first established golf club in the United States. Visitors today can golf the original course using replica wooden equipment. Sheep groom the grounds. Ronceverte s Organ Cave celebrates its Civil War history in late July-early August. The large entrance room of the cave provided shelter for many Confederate soldiers. It was large enough to hold religious services for 1100 of General Robert E. Lee s men. The cave also was an important source of saltpeter, a necessary ingredient in gunpowder White Sulphur Springs The area s U.S. Federal Fish Hatchery offers a selfguided tour of the facility, which produces 10 million trout eggs annually for shipment to other hatcheries. Huntington Charleston Lewisburg Mile 180, Population 2315, Elevation 1923 feet White Sulphur Springs

112 Signage & Wayfinding Enhancing The Visitor Wayfinding Experience Consistent Byway Signage with our unique Rt. 60 logo is the cornerstone not only of Midland Trail s signage plans but also our wayfinding, branding and marketing programs. New Milemarkers placed every two miles in both directions provide a foothold for travelers for wayfinding and identifying points of interest. Our Midland Trail Destination Guide and other marketing and interpretative pieces correspond with the milemarkers. BYWAY AMERICA'S BYWAYS Midland Trail Draft June 2005 For MTSHA, Milemarkers r eenforce our US Route 60 branding and marketing program, strengthens our Mile mile linear community and creates the core around which we can build our hospitality programs and other signing projects. After several design concepts, we were able to compromise with WV-DOH on this design which combines their Uniform Byway Sign with the Historic Route 60 Badge. WV DOH has a new policy of no unique logo signs on the DOH right of way. The NSB logo will be utilized on the designated section(s). E n h a n c i n g T h e V i s i t o r W a y f i n d i n g E x p e r i e n c e 6.1 Signage & Wayfinding

113 Signage and Wayfinding Along The Midland Trail MTSHA in conjunction with WV-DOH is in the process of revamping the signage on the byway. MTSHA and WV DOH Scenic Byway Program have been working hand -in-hand with WV-DOH Traffic Engineering to devise an workable method of signing the entire Midland Trail. Draft June 2005 BYWAY 6.2 Our 2000 MT CMP specified several signage deficiencies. Additional signing challenges manifested when an additional 61+ miles of state-designated Byway were added to our already signed byway. MTSHA is in the process of finalizing the MT Signage Plan which offers mutually agreed upon: new signage designs, insight into the development process, a strong interpretative sign program, and a plan for the early stages of implementation. Midland Trail The Signage Planning Process Since 2001 creating a workable signage program has been a top priority with the Association. Shortly after Midland Trail was designated a state scenic byway around 1989, mile marker signage was erected. These prominently displayed brown mile-markers indicated the distance traveled from the State Capitol at Charleston to the Virginia border 119 miles away. Originally this signage was consistent throughout the Trail s 119 miles, in both directions. Across time only, Fayette County remained diligent in maintaining the milemarkers, with Greenbrier coming in second and Kanawha County (mile 0-26) allowed all the signs from 1-22 to vanish. In June 2000, the 119-mile Midland Trail received the prestigious designation of National Scenic Byway. Shortly thereafter the 61+ miles from the State Capitol to the Ohio border received state scenic byway designation. In 2002 we began working with the western extension to develop the Revised CMP and the Midland Trail Destination Guide. Utilizing the Milemarker system in the 2000 MT Destination Guide had proven to be a very effective marketing tool to help the traveling public find the attractions in our Guide and to reenforce the sense of a then- 119 mile linear community. The mile marker system makes it easy for travel centers and our business partners along the byway to give directions -( i.e.?this Go-Mart is Mile 26, the Glen Ferris Inn is mile 36.? It became obvious that we needed to re-number the mile markers to include the west if we were going to pull them into our?linear community?. Seems simple? After many exhaustive community meetings at which several ideas regarding the ideal way to sign the Byway were entertained, it was finally agreed that our mile markers would follow the precedent of WV Traffic Engineering (and highway engineers across the US) and the mile markers would be re-numbered the west to east, beginning at the Ohio/Kentucky border. Only the backbone route 60 will be included in the Milemarker measurements. This means the Mile Maker numbers on each site on the eastern NSB section will increase by approximately + 61 miles. As we work with the WV DOH traffic engineers this Mile 27 Partners all along the byway are looking forward to the new Byway Milemarkers that are being installed Spring 2005! (above). These new designs which comply with the WV Uniform Signage directive, yet reenforce our Route 60 logo branding are replacing the current milemarkers (below) along the entire Byway. New Milemarkers will be placed approximately every two miles in each direction. Example of current mile-markers along Midland Trail.

114 Signage and Travel Guides Draft June 2005 Enhancing The Visitor Experience Linking Signage and Printed Materials 6.3 could vary slightly because after we did the measurements, the city of Huntington re-routed a one-way street. The Midland Trail Guide was released using milemarkers on only the NSB portion. Also during this time we were working on our MT Marketing Plan and on establishing our byway as a brand. Creating a Brand - Historic U.S. Route 60 While the more detailed discussion of Creating a Brand will be under the MT Marketing Plan, it is important for the purpose a signage discussion to recognize that: Midland Trail is US Route 60, a nationally recognizable route of historic interest and we are branding ourselves as the Midland Trail/ Route 60. It is vital that our signage reflect and reenforce our branding, marketing and promotion program. Juxtaposed with our interest in having our new mile markers reenforce our Route 60 brand, was the WV-DOH Traffic Engineers desire to have uniform signage across all state and nationally designated byways in WV. The nationally designated byways opposition to this directive seemed futile. In the spirit of compromise MTSHA, with the help of the WV-DOH Scenic Byway Program worked with the WV-DOH traffic engineering, and after several attempts, seem to have come to an agreement on a sign design that meets both our purposes. Peek inside a page from our MT Destination Guide to see how we have utilized the MIlemarkers to direct the Visitor along our 180-Mile Byway. As we strengthen our 180-Mile linear community, the Byway Mile Markers will become incorporated into our Byway Partners advertising campaigns. When Camden Park, for instance, adds the MIle 5 on the Midland Trail to their broadcast ad campaigns --this will increase Midland Trail s name recognition and help build us as a destination.

115 Signage Draft June 2005 Enhancing The Visitor Experience Thru Interpretative Signage 6.4 Update on Interpretative Signage Historical markers placed by the WV Division of Culture and History serve as the primary In Interpretative Signage today. While these cast-iron signs are long-lasting, they are often not visible or easily readable from the car. MTSHA is in the process of developing a MT Signage Plan which will include a section on Interpretative Signage. One major component of this Interpretative Plan is utilizing Fine Art murals to interpret intrinsic qualities, and to tell our byway story and its history in a compelling way that will appeal to all ages and serve a a public art project that will entice Visitors to travel all 180+ miles of our Byway. The 2000 CMP included drawings drawing as an example of the updated recommended interpretive signage. These will remain appropriate for some areas/applications. Along pull-offs and in special instances like the Ansted-Hawks Nest Trail we will use colorful digitally reproduced signs to identify flora and fauna. Sample of Cast Iron Historic Markers placed by WV Culture and History How much more enticing the above sample interpretative sign is for bringing to life the a young Booker T. Washington s desire to learn to read than an black text on white. Inspired by a successful installation in Jamestown, VA, a major component of our MT Interpretative Plan is our Historical Murals Project. The initial project will be the creation and installation of 30 Fine Art murals placed in groupings of 3-5 signs in approximately 6-10 locations across the Byway. The outdoor murals are planned to be at least 4 x 6 and will provide interpretation of to: * to interpret intrinsic qualities, * tell our byway story and history in a compelling way that will appeal to all ages and *serve a a public art project * entice Visitors to travel all 180+ miles of our Byway

116 Signage Updating the 2000 CMP Signage Section Draft June Updating the 2000 CMP Information Chapter 9 of our 2000 MT-CMP discussed Signage, Accident Rates and Data, Traffic Conditions and identified four categories of signage: Directional, Informational, Interpretative, and Advertising. Examples of each were given. The following is an an update to each section. I. DIRECTIONAL In the 2000 CMP, directional signage was termed adequate. An important improvement has since been made: 1. Several places east of Charleston where Route 60 runs close to I-64 and to US 19, the words Midland Trail have been added to the overhead green exit signs. Proposed steps to further improving directional signage: 1. We will work with WV-DOH to have the same Midland Trail added on the signage on the western extension where I-64 runs close to Rt We will work with WV-DOH to revise the overhead I64 and US 19 signage to read Midland Trail National Scenic Byway on the east. 3. New 18 x24 and 18 x18 Byway Logo signs will be placed at all intersections and where needed for confirmation. With mile makers placed approximately every two miles in each direction, the need for additional confirmation will be limited, except at crossroads and intersections. 2. Informational A. New MT Byway Logo Signs are replacing the MT signs with the brown background with white lettering and the old Trail logo, used since its designation as a state Scenic Highway 15 years ago. Our new Byway signs will serve as the General informational signs that indicate that the visitor is traveling the Midland Trail. B. There are also Specific informational signs which indicate some points of interest, such as a museum or historic home. New Byway Logo Sign, with a directional arrow and the word SITE will replace these signs which are now brown background and white lettering that point out specific sites. (see Old Stone House example right). As was noted in 2000, specific informational signage is not consistent and some areas have little or none. Some points of interest are not indicated with the specific marker, once the visitor is directed to the site. Signage does not indicate all points of intrinsic quality interest or visitor services like restaurants, lodging and comfort facilities. Our MT Signage Plan will indicate the points of interest that we believe are important to sign, and the Association is working with the towns and counties along the Byway to set priorities and establish a timetable for correcting deficiencies absence or inadequate signage. Pages recaps the sites we believe to be the top priorities for signage. The Old Stone House in Belle is an example of a common problem that we are addressing. Although there is a posted informational sign directing the traveler to the site, the sign is lost in the muddle of other signs, and does not clearly direct the visitor to the appropriate turn-off for the house. Once the visitor arrives, there is no signage at the Old Stone House (circa 1810) to indicate they have found the correct house or why it is historically significant. The Old Stone House

117 S i g n a g e - Updating the 2000 CMP Signage Section Draft June 2005 BYWAY Midland Trail Site 27 Left: New Byway Logo Sign, with a directional arrow and the word SITE will replace brown signs with white lettering that point out specific sites. Below: We had hoped to use signs like the one below to carry forth our plan for specific tours with accompanying printed materials that would guide the Visitors to sites along the 180-mile Byway, but to date WV DOH has not agreed to our Plan. We hope the above numbering of certain sites will be an acceptable compromise. We know that travelers would like guidance to locating Civil and Revolutionary War Sites, and Historical Homes and Museums. 3. Interpretative See Page Outdoor Advertising The Association is on record as opposing the use of any large billboard advertising, especially any advertising in open vistas which will obstruct or distract from the scenic qualities of the Trail. The eastern end of the Byway - Greenbrier and Fayette counties are opposed to outdoor billboard. In fact, Fayette County has recently prohibited new billboard installations. Only a few large billboards are along eastern section Trail. Most advertising is small, unobtrusive separate billboards or those which are attached to business buildings or are standing marquees on business properties. The Association has been inundated with requests for billboards on the western extension and WVDOT consistently overrides our recommendations to deny new installations citing a directive in support of segmentation. The West Virginia Commissioner of Highways, by Order dated 11/30/98, prohibited additional outdoor advertising on state byways except in identified segments. In WV this directive is consistently utilized by DOH to segment out sections of the Byway to allow new Outdoor advertising installation. 6.6 Citizens groups in Fayette County successfully took on the issue of billboards such as this. New billboard installations are prohibited by the Fayette County Zoning Plan.

118 Ramsdell House Blenko Glass City of Hurricane Murals The Toll House Ceredo Founded in 1857, Ceredo is home to the Ramsdell House, a stately red brick home believed to be part of the Underground Railroad. The Ceredo Museum features railroad, civil war, and hand-blown glass memorabilia. Barboursville Barboursville offers the perfect blend of old and new from the Huntington Mall to the Historic Walking Tour of 30 buildings including the Toll House (1837), a log cabin toll house used by ferrymen to collect river tolls. Main Street Park provides a pleasant afternoon respite. Milton Visit world-famous Blenko Glass and nearby Gibson Glass. View the covered bridge, which overlooks Pumpkin Park host of the Pumpkin Festival and the Cabell County Fair. mile marker 29 mile marker mile marker 18 3 Hurricane The Main Street Specialty Shops found in restored homes, such as Colonial House (1885) make shopping an adventure. Tour History Row and see why Hurricane is known as the City of Murals. Take a break with high tea at the Root Cellar. For the kids, Waves of Fun Water Park and Putnam County Park Pool are cool treats. Priority Sites 6.7 Va. Point Park Kenova Ceredo Barboursville Milton Hurricane St. Albans mile marker 33 Huntington 10 miles 23 miles Camden Park Heritage Farm Mileage via Route 60 State Capitol Virginia Point Park Old Central City WVSU East Hall Park, Kenova Situated at the Western-most point of the state, the beautiful and historic Virginia Point Park overlooks the juncture of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers. Nearby Camden Park has provided family amusement for 100+ years with several rides including the Big Dipper, wooden roller coaster. Virginia Point Huntington With its downtown situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Huntington is a beautifully designed city. Huntington boasts a variety of activities and attractions featuring antique shopping and a farmer s market at the 14th Street W. Old Central City, the Huntington Museum of Art, Ritter Park, Camden Park and Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Institute Situated on land surveyed by George Washington, the historically black West Virginia State University offers tours of its grounds including Historic East Hall circa 1893, which has known many distinguished visitors. Charleston Charleston is WV s state capitol, largest city and cultural center. The Midland Trail s Historic Charleston Loop showcases a varied array of eclectic shops, restaurants and artistic and cultural attractions. The newest addition to the Loop, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences houses an art museum, a performing arts center and an interactive science museum. mile marker 50 mile marker mile marker 0 10 mile marker 61 South Charleston Belle Quincy Montgomery Nitro Institute Malden Cedar G Glas mile marker 80 mile marker 65 Malden Malden is the boyhood home of Booker T. Washington and the world-renowned Cabin Creek Quilt Cooperative. While visiting the Booker T. Washington Log Cabin, stop next door at West Virginia s oldest Afro-American Baptist church, African Zion Baptist Church (1872). Cedar Grove/Glasgow Cedar Grove is the oldest settled community in the Kanawha Valley and played a significant role in the development of the Midland Trail. On the Trail you ll find Virginia s Chapel, the little brick church. Glasgow welcomes travelers to stop and picnic at the roadside park or enjoy the boat launch area. Hale House Circa 1838 Virginia s Chapel 28 miles Charleston mile marker 55 mile marker 45 St. Albans In town, visit the Main Street Historic District, which dates back to 1816 and is listed on the National Register. Enjoy the historic St. Albans sidewalk tour featuring 26 properties. South Charleston For interactive fun, take the family to Rock Lake Putt-Putt Golf and Games, featuring three 18- hole courses, go-cart racing and Laser Storm, then cool off at South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena. Visit the downtown area to view the Adena Indian Mound, the second largest in the state. Riverfest Adena Indian Mound Gle

119 Quincy Shopping Center Mystery Hole Glen Ferris Inn Quincy Quincy Shopping Center, a convenient stop for all your needs, occupies an area that was once a country road and is the oldest tract of continuously farmed land along the Midland Trail. Glen Ferris With a tradition of hospitality since 1839, the Glen Ferris Inn provides a restful stay in fine style for visitors along the Midland Trail. Mystery Hole Mystery Hole sits over a hole in the ground where the law of gravity is defied. Balls roll up hill. Chairs sit half way up on a wall. Kids and adults alike are awed at the Mystery Hole mile marker mile marker 104 mile marker Priority Sites 6.8 Malden Belle Quincy Cedar Grove Glasgow Montgomery Smithers Glen Ferris Gauley Bridge Mystery Hole Ansted Hawks Nest Charleston 53 miles White Water Rafting Cathedral Falls Blue Smoke Salsa New River Gorge Bridge Gauley Bridge At Gauley Bridge, the New and Gauley rivers converge to form the Kanawha River. Visit the Gauley Bridge Midland Trail Visitors Center, enjoy a leisurely picnic at Cathedral Falls, and stay in one of six authentic handcrafted Tee Pees. Gauley Bridge Town Hall is located in a renovated railroad passenger depot. Ansted The town of Ansted is where travelers come to seek out the Grand Canyon of the East, the New River Gorge. At the western edge of Ansted lies Hawks Nest State Park with spectacular views and a tram to the bottom of the Gorge. Other points of interest include the Contentment Museum Complex, the African American Heritage Family-Tree Museum and Blue Smoke Salsa. Hico Hico, the crossroads of Rt. 60 and Rt. 19 provides a gateway to the best whitewater East of the Mississippi. Take a trip across North America s longest arch span bridge. mile marker mile marker mile marker 114 Clifftop Babcock Park Rt. 19 Lookout Rainelle Charmco Rupert Lewisburg White Sulphur Springs mile marker 170 mile marker mile marker /140 Lookout At Lookout, turn off to Winona and take an adventurous side trip through some of WV s most pristine forest. East of Hico, is the highest point along the Trail, Big Sewell Mountain (3,170 feet). Rainelle/Rupert Meadow River Park/Greenbrier Youth Camp is located between Rainelle and Rupert and is open for public camping.in Rainelle, celebrate the history of the lumber and coal industry at the Meadow River Festival held the first weekend in August. Lewisburg Take a two-hour walking tour of downtown Lewisburg boasting over 60 historic buildings dating back to the 1700 s. Immerse yourself in Lewisburg s arts and culture at the Cooper Gallery, the Greenbrier Valley Theater and Carnegie Hall. Lookout / Winona Field of Lavender Carnegie Hall 56 miles 10 miles mile marker 180 mile marker 106 Hawks Nest Hawks Nest State Park sprawls over the mountain top at Ansted and down to the bottom of the New River Gorge. Amenities include Hawks Nest Golf Course, picnic area and overlook, tram and jet boat rides at the base. Clifftop/Babcock State Park At the intersection of Rt. 60 and Rt. 41, you ll find Babcock State Park home of the frequently photographed Glade Creek Grist Mill. Also along Rt. 41 at Clifftop is Camp Washington Carver, the state s Mountain Cultural Arts Center. White Sulphur Springs Since the 18th Century, travelers have flocked to the area to experience the healing powers of the sulphur springs. White Sulphur Springs is home to the luxurious Greenbrier Resort, historic re-enactment of the 1862 Battle of Dry Creek, Allegheny Trail and the Federal Fish Hatchery. For travel information call Hawks Nest State Park Babcock State Park White Sulphur Springs

120 Midland Trail Mile Marker Signage Plan Home Welcome Trip Planner Towns & Attractions Association News Media Calendar Partners Maps Midland Trail Mile Marker Signage Plan -- Submitted January 2007 Click on the following pages to read sections from our mile marker signage plan. this Page Printer Friendly Mile Marker -- Jump to Mile Marker -- Mile Marker Executive Summary (277 KB) -- Read this page for an overview of the mile marker placement plan Mile Markers 0-14: Wayne and Cabell Counties (636 KB) Mile Markers 16-34: Cabell and Putnam Counties (686 KB) Mile Markers 36-54: Putnam and Kanawha Counties (663 KB) Mile Markers 55-66: Kanawha County (816 KB) Mile Markers 68-85: Kanawha and Fayette Counties (642 KB) Mile Markers 86-95: Fayette County (527 KB) Mile Markers : Fayette County (565 KB) Mile Markers : Fayette County (580 KB) Mile Markers : Fayette County (560 KB) Mile Markers : Fayette and Greenbrier Counties (537 KB) Mile Markers : Greenbrier County (519 KB) Mile Markers : Greenbrier County (521 KB) Mile Markers : Greenbrier County (480 KB) Mile Markers : Greenbrier County (398 KB) (c) Copyright 2011 Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association 2504 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV ph:(304) fx:(304) Artisans, Artists, Crafters Civil War & Living History Fishing, Boating, Hunting Historical Homes & Museums Rafting, Hiking, Rock Climbing Scenic Vistas, Points of Interest Lodging Free Destination Guide Welcome to the Association Our Projects Artist Call Interpretive Plan Midland Trail Discount Card Midland Trail Guide Partners Join Us! Task Forces Midland Trail Mile Marker Signage Plan Marketing Program Association Meetings and Events Harley Davidson Poker Run CMP Original 2000 CMP 2005 Midland Trail Destination Guide Media Kit Story Ideas Press Releases Media Awards MT in the News MT DayTripper file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/milemarkers.htm[12/23/ :07:00 AM]

121 Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association - Interpretive Plan Home Welcome Trip Planner Towns & Attractions Association News Media Calendar Partners Maps Mile Marker -- Jump to Mile Marker -- The Midland Trail has over twenty-five centuries of history in need of interpretation. Click on the following pages for information about how we plan to interpret this vast history, including the Share Our Heritage program and the In Touch with History Program. Also, find in these pages a brief timeline including some of the history we hope to interpret. this Page Printer Friendly IP1 - IP2 (Introduction) IP3 - IP4 (Executive Summary) IP5 - IP6 (Interpretive Signage) IP7 - IP8 IP9 - IP10 (Share Our Heritage) IP11 - IP12 IP13 - IP14 (In Touch with History) IP15 - IP16 IP17 - IP18 IP19 - IP20 (Timeline) IP21 - IP24 To read earlier interpretations of Midland Trail history, as presented on iron markers along the Trail, read this document. (Note, this is a large document and will take time to download.) (c) Copyright 2011 Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association 2504 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV ph:(304) fx:(304) Artisans, Artists, Crafters Civil War & Living History Fishing, Boating, Hunting Historical Homes & Museums Rafting, Hiking, Rock Climbing Scenic Vistas, Points of Interest Lodging Free Destination Guide Welcome to the Association Our Projects Artist Call Interpretive Plan Midland Trail Discount Card Midland Trail Guide Partners Join Us! Task Forces Midland Trail Mile Marker Signage Plan Marketing Program Association Meetings and Events Harley Davidson Poker Run CMP Original 2000 CMP 2005 Midland Trail Destination Guide Media Kit Story Ideas Press Releases Media Awards MT in the News file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/interpretiveplan.htm[12/23/ :07:08 AM]

122 Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association - Interpretive Plan MT DayTripper file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/interpretiveplan.htm[12/23/ :07:08 AM]

123 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.10 AAA World Editorial Content: Issue Date: New in Circulation: Cost: 2006: $2, : 218 leads; $11.47 per inquiry Marketing Program

124 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.11 WV Wild & Wonderful Editorial Content: Issue Date: 2002, 2004, 2005, Circulation: Cost: 2002: $2, : $3, : $6, : $6, : 1,198 leads; $1.64 per inquiry 2004: 3,646 leads; $2.41 per inquiry 2005: 741 leads; $8.95 per inquiry 2006: 1,769 leads; $3.75 per inquiry Marketing Program

125 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.12 SWV CVB Editorial Content: Issue Date: 2002, 2004, 2005, Circulation: Cost: 2002: $ : $ : $ : $ : 359 leads; $5.13 per inquiry 2005: 75 leads; $12.33 per inquiry 2006: 8,264 leads; $0.11 per inquiry Marketing Program

126 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail Blue Ridge Country Editorial Content: Blue Ridge Country offers a terrific opportunity to target your message regionally. Editorial focus is on mountains of the South, covering Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Information from hiking trips to country roads to wildlife features. Issue Date: Four issues in Four issues in Five issues in Circulation: 425, Marketing Program Cost: 2003: 4 x $720 = $2, : 4 x $720 = $2, : 5 x $630 = $3, : 1,613 leads; $3.12 per inquiry 2005: 102 leads; $28.24 per inquiry 2006: 793 leads; $3.97 per inquiry

127 Marketing Plan for The Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association updated February 2007

128 Marketing Plan: Past Successes 7.2 Midland Trail Scenic Highway s award winning marketing efforts have propelled our once fledgling all volunteer organization to a new plateau. After receiving National Scenic Byway status for the eastern 119-mile section Midland Trail/Route 60 and WV Scenic Byway status for the remaining 61 miles we began immediately to instill the concept of a 180-linear community preparing to greet the public. It was through building partnerships around the WV Tourism cooperative advertising program that we were able to build the concept. With help of partners along the Byway, we produced a 120-page full color Midland Trail Destination Guide and set up a marketing program, distribution system and an effective tracking system. Initial Challenges In planning the Guide and marketing campaign we found we had a couple problems to overcome: 1. The NSB section had been active for years and had built name recognition with mile markers installed around The western extension did not have an active organization, nor the name recognition provided. There were several active wellfunded trail organizations. When we said Midland Trail, especially on the western extension, folks thought we were talking about a rails-to-trails project, not a scenic car route. Huntington, part of the western extension

129 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.14 Southern Living Editorial Content: Southern Living covers today's South. Through a comprehensive editorial package highlighting foods, travel, homes and gardens, it addresses the bond between the South's traditional and cosmopolitan attitudes. It is a lifestyle guide for Southerners, or Southerners at heart. Plus the state of West Virginia is featured in every issue. West Virginia advertisers will always be placed within the West Virginia section. Issue Date: Spring travel issues 2004, 2005, Circulation: 1.3 Million in the South Central Region and the Mid-Atlantic Region (OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, KY, TN, MS, AL, DE, DC, PA, NY, VA, NC) Cost: 2004: $3, : $2, : $3, : 3,318 leads; $0.95 per inquiry 2005: 7,926 leads; $0.34 per inquiry 2006: 605 leads; $5.97 per inquiry Marketing Program

130 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.15 Madden Preprint Media Editorial Content: Specially designed, multiple-page, 4-color West Virginia exclusive newspaper insert. Issue Date: New in Circulation: Beckley Register-Herald 28,710 Bluefield Daily Telegraph 20,217 Charleston Sunday Gazett 95,000 Clarksburg Exponent Telegram 20,446 Elkins Inter-Mountain 11,797 Fairmont Times West Virginian 12,422 Huntington Herald-Dispatch 35,552 Logan Banner 10,135 Morgantown Dominion Post 24,547 Parkersburg News/Sentinel 31,578 Wheeling Intelligencer/News-Register 32,600 Williamson Daily News 10,500 Baltimore Daily Sun (MD) 50,000 Cleveland Plain Dealer (OH) 56,093 Columbus Dispatch (OH) 75,000 Frankfort State Journal (KY) 10,075 Louisville Courier-Journal (KY) 25,000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) 75,000 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (PA) 50,000 Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) 50,000 Washington Post (DC) 60,000 Total Circulation: 784,672 Cost: 2006: $2, : 2,682 leads; $0.75 per inquiry Marketing Program

131 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.16 American Road Editorial Content: American Road Magazine, whose purpose is "celebrating our two-lane highways of yesteryear and the joys of driving them today," has been added to our media mix for We look forward to evaluating our appeal to a readership directly interested in planning trips on scenic byways. Marketing Program

132 Marketing Program for The Midland Trail 7.17 AAA Tour Book Editorial Content: Issue Date: 2004, 2005, Circulation: 2.1 million (readership = 4.2 million). DE, DC, MD, WV, and VA. Cost: 2004: $7, : $2, : $2,000 (reduced ad size) 2004: 26 leads; $ per inquiry 2005: 28 leads; $ per inquiry 2006: 267 leads; $7.49 per inquiry Marketing Program

133 Midland Trail Website: Features the Entire 180-mile Midland Trail Byway Highlights Trail Attractions / Partners Clickable Guide Request Feature on Home Page Over 80 Guides Requested Monthly, Since August 04

134 Hospitality Training 7.19 Tourists come to the Midland Trail Byway for many reasons. For some it is the most direct route to the outdoor adventure and sports and relaxation offered in WV s forests, gorges, and streams; History buffs come for Civil and Revolutionary War and pioneer heritage cultural and historical tourism; for others it is the path their ancestors used to escape to freedom from slavery. Others seek art, quilts, and antiques. Welcome Centers and other travel info providers direct tourists to particular points of interest. Personnel in either of these Centers have had very limited, if any, opportunity to visit and learn about what the others have to offer. Our training would include visits to the sites and activities all along Trail and provide "cross-training " so each center and business could knowledgeably point tourists to other areas and attractions. Highlights of the Hospitality Training Program Understanding the Byway Story and Head for the Hills Marketing campaign Understanding and Using the Midland Trail Mile Marker system Familiarize with the points of interest along the entire 180-mile Byway What brings people back to the Trail again and again? Thoughtful, caring, welcoming people Plain talk about the Intrinsic Qualities of the Byway 1. History 2. Scenery 3. Nature 4. Recreation 5. Culture 6. Archeology What's important to the MT Traveler? Road conditions, Signs, Information, Restrooms, Shops, Lodging, Emergency needs Special Needs Travelers Knowledge of Special needs, Handicapped accessible sites, Baby friendly sites, Sight impaired, special or minority interest sites, (empathy training) Enthusiasm for and about the Trail

135 Upcoming Traveler Survey 7.20 From our new central office, MTSHA has established an effective Guide distribution program and a tracking and evaluation system. We track inquires and distribution and measures the Cost Per Inquiry from responses from our limited paid advertising budget. For bulk distribution we have approximately 200 outlets - including Welcome Centers, partners, and others distributing the Guide along the Trail and its gateways. Midland Trail Guide has become a must have for a variety of fairs, festivals, reunions, and public events. We included devices in the Guide itself like a contest, reader response card and coupons to measure users interests, usage, and location. Partners tell us customers are utilizing the Guides to find their services. Midland Trail's name recognition has soared -- Even the local TV weatherman often refers to Route 60 as "up the Midland Trail". It is now time to initiate the second phase of our tracking system, which will include a market survey of a sampling of our database of visitors who have used our materials and traveled the Byway. The goal here will help us better understand Visitors needs and their impressions of the Byway, and their impressions of our materials. We will utilize the information as we work with partners and towns along the Trail to plan new accommodations and attractions, and as we design future materials. Methodology for Traveler Survey Select a random cross-section of travelers who have requested our materials. Choose a sample from each of the advertisers and from the two groups we know used the Guide because they returned either the Reader Response Card or entered the Contest. We will work with a professional surveyor, but generally we want to know: 1. Confirm where they got the Guide. 2. Did they travel the Trail? 3. What was purpose of the trip? What did they do? 4. How long was the trip? How much money did they spend? 5. Did they visit any other attractions as a result of the Guide? 6. Did they enjoy the trip? 7. Will they return?

136 Public Education & Media Relations Program: 7.21 We have learned that editorial is vital to marketing program. We have been very lucky to get articles in Car and Driver, Cadillac, Jeep, Outside Magazine, because our Byway is growing in national reputation for outdoor adventure and scenic vistas. Development and distribution of a press kit - which we will utilize in attracting group tours, charter coaches, and travel writers to our area. We will explore the potential for combined, coach train, and river travel. As we undertake new projects like mile markers and Share Our Heritage Illustration project we will have several opportunities for free press and media events. Awards and Features in National Publications Best Print Article "Riding the Midland Trail" by Beth Gorczyca, which appeared in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch on Nov. 10, Car and Driver Features the Midland Trail The Fall 2003 Edition of the Charleston Magazine presents Fall on the Midland Trail The Midland Trail will be featured in an upcoming edition of Outside Magazine Press Releases Have Garnered Successful Publication in Local & Regional Newspapers The Register-Herald The Hancock County Courier The Nicholas Chronicle The Cabell Record Mountain Messenger The Putnam Democrat

137 Target-Market Public Education and PR Program 7.22 Our target-market public education and public relations program will help partners and tour planners to direct tourists with special interests to other parts of the Trail. The piece will be broken into specialized areas of interest aimed to attract different target markets such as antique collectors, civil war buffs and adventure-seekers (i.e. A special section locating antique shops can be used at the Huntington's Old Central City to refer antiques lovers to Lewisburg, and vice versa because we know those interested in antiques travel to shop for them.) Heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing market segments so another specialized section will highlight points of historical interest all along the Trail. Likewise for hiking and biking trails, and the others. For many transplanted West Virginians Midland Trail is the road back to "the old home place. We have learned from our free publicity that WV weekly newspapers are an economical way to reach out-of-state subscribers with an interest in West Virginia. We also know that the primary reasons visitors come to WV is to visit friends and family. Part of our instate media message will be geared to encourage West Virginians to take their visitors to enjoy activities offered on the Midland Trail. Partnerships MTSHA's marketing partners involves not only the usual suspects of tourism, like hotels and restaurants, but we extend our circle to include a wide variety of traveler-based businesses, CVBs, colleges, community leaders, community organizations and local officials. Not only does this involvement assure our Guide is well distributed and our message heard, but we also seek their involvement in formulating our marketing and development plans as we build tourism to a viable segment of our economic base. The recent Guide and marketing program was a first step in getting the entire Trail to think of itself as a 180-mile linear community with the common interest of promoting tourism all along the Trail. Much work remains as we help our all our partners and those who live, work, and travel US 60 to become familiar with the amenities, attractions and offerings all along the Trail. Our philosophy is the more the tourist finds to do, the longer they stay, the better it is for everyone, so lets help them find lots to do.

138 175+ Midland Trail Partners Across the 180-mile Byway 7.23 Wayne - Cabell Counties Kenova- Ceredo-Wayne Pumpkin Heritage Festival The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Griffith & Feil Pharmacy Ceredo Historical Society Town of Ceredo Beechfork State Park Huntington- Buck s Fruit Company Cabell County Fair Cabell County Library Calamity Cafe Camden Park Central City Market Dale Morton Studios Design by Bowen Glass Amulet Heritage Farm Museum & Village Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau Huntington Quarterly Huntington Works! Committee Lavalette Nursery Main Street Studio Museum of Radio and Technology Ms. Phyllis Sports Bar Old Central City Quilts by Phyllis Subway Barboursville- City of Barboursville Best Western Huntington Mall Bob Evans The Huntington Mall Outback Steakhouse Route 60 Music Sunbeam House Milton- Blenko Glass Country Framer Dairy Queen Town of Milton Union Baptist Church Yesterday s Memories Subway Putnam County- Main Street Studio Hurricane CVB IKON Putnam County CVB Quilts by Phyllis Root Cellar Herbs and Tea Room Unique Boutique Wellington s Whispering Wisteria Nitro- Institute- Dunbar Loop Antiques on the Avenue City of Nitro Gino s Pizza & Spaghetti Somewhere in Time Terradon Communications Tudor s Biscuit World West Virginia Trails Coalition West Virginia State University Booker T. Washington Institute City of Dunbar Huck Finn s Restaurant Travelodge Charleston/Dunbar Kanawha County- BMW s Tri-State Race Track and Gaming Center Jerry Adkins Salon Sleep Inn St. Albans- AW Designs - Amy Whittington El Rancho Inn Fret N Fiddle River s Edge Cafe City of St. Albans St. Albans Historical Council South Charleston- DOW Chemical Harley-Davidson House of Dimitri II Komax Copiers Lamp & Shade Studio Longhorn Steakhouse Microtel Inn Precision Tune Ramada Charleston South Charleston CVB Sugarbaskets TGI Friday s Wingate Inn Charleston- 405 Capitol Street Aladdin s Restaurant Bank One Capitol Complex Charleston Marriott Town Center Charleston Parks & Recreation Charleston School of Beauty Culture Chris Hotdogs Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences Craik-Patton House Culinart at the Clay Center Distinctive Gourmet Donut Connection Ellen s Homemade Ice Cream First Watch Holiday Inn / Chesapeake Crab House Holiday Inn Express Civic Center Ivor s Trunk Koenig Art Emporium Neu Aesthetic Skin Care Clinic New River Campground Mulligan s Paranzino s St. Anthony s Catholic School Steve Payne Gallery Taylor Books The Annex Gallery The Brass Pineapple The Charleston Civic Center The Roger Lucas Gallery The Scottish Rite The Sterling-Mykonos Restaurant Trivillian s Pharmacy University of Charleston Vision s Day Spa Walker Machinery WV PBS WV Symphony West Virginia Lottery Yeager Airport West Virginia Cultural Center Young Floral Co.

139 Chesapeake- Town of Chesapeake Chesapeake VFD Malden- Belle- Quincy- Larry L. Rowe Malden Antiques DuPont Chemical Old Stone House Quincy Mall Cedar Grove- Glasgow- Virginia s Chapel Town of Glasgow Fayette County Smithers - Alloy- Glen Ferris Market Express Town of Smithers Wee Rabbit Gift Shop WV Metals (Alloy) Glen Ferris Inn Good Evening Ranch & Feedbox Sticks and Stones Gauley Bridge- Evan Scent Candles & Gifts Gauley Bridge Tepees Town of Gauley Bridge New River Campground New River Exxon Ansted Area- African American Family Tree Museum Ansted Dairy Queen Ansted Floral & Gifts Town of Ansted Blue Smoke Salsa Contentment Museum Complex Dairy Queen Hawks Nest State Park L&S Designs Midland Trail Motel Mountain Cove Country Store Mountain Memories Cabins Mystery Hole New River Jet Boats Songer Whitewater Subway & Shell Hico- Adventure Mountain Rivers Country Road Cabins Mountain River Tours North American River Runners US 19 North Nicholas County Summersville- Hardman s Hardware Long Point Cabin Summersville CVB US 19 South Fayetteville- Oak Hill area- Comfort Inn/New River Four Columns Inn Passages to Adventure White Horse Inn Robin s Nest ACE Adventure Hidden Cottage New River NEO-Tropical Festival New River CVB Opossum Creek Retreat Quality Inn Smokey s on the Gorge US National Park Service Raleigh County Beckley- Cracker Barrel Daniel Vineyards Crab Orchard Glade Springs Resort Southern West Virginia CVB Tamarack Clifftop- Babcock State Park Camp Washington-Carver Greenbrier County- Rainelle- Meadow River Festival Rupert Beech Ridge Lewisburg Restaurant Carnegie Hall Cooper Gallery Day s Inn EcoTheater Food & Friends General Lewis Inn Greenbrier County CVB Greenbrier Valley Airport Greenbrier Valley Theatre Greenway Real Estate Great Oak Bed & Breakfast Lee Street Inn Lewisburg Floral North House Museum Patchwork Film Peddlar s Alley Rose Summers Greenway Real Estate Stone Hill Realty Wisteria Bed and Breakfast Patchwork Films Peddlar s Alley Antiques Robert s Antiques Wolf Creek Gallery White Sulphur Springs- James Wylie House Kitten s Korner Lillian s Antique Shop/B&B New York Life North House Museum Oakhurst Links Open Book US Fish and Wildlife Ronceverte- Harvest Grille Organ Cave Ronceverte River Festival Route 60 American Grill Rudy s Corner Grill Summers & side trips south Pence Springs- Talcott Hinton area Thimble & Plow John Henry Festival Dillon s Superette Talcott Station Cantrell Ultimate Rafting Pocahontas County & side trips north The Current Bed & Breakfast Brazen Head Inn Statewide: American Travel Center Gino s Pizza Harley-Davidson of WV Shoney s Tudor s Biscuit World U. S. Airways West Virginia Culture & History WV Public Radio WV DNR Wildlife Division West Virginia State Parks & Forests WV Tourism WV Byways and Backways program WV Department of Transportation 7.24

140 More than a Guide, It s a Marketing Program 7.3 Began branding Midland Trail as Historic U.S. 60, by creating a logo that encircles the historic U.S. Route 60 badge with the words the Midland Trail National Scenic Highway, a six county map and line map illustrating the idea of the Midland Trail as a 180-mile linear community. WAYNE CABELL PUTNAM KANAWHA FAYETTE GREENBRIER Va. Point Park Kenova Ceredo Huntington Barboursville Ona Milton Hurricane St. Albans Nitro Institute South Charleston Charleston Belle Quincy Malden Cedar Grove Glasgow Montgomery Smithers Glen Ferris Mystery Hole Rt. 19 Lookout Clifftop Babcock Park Rainelle Charmco Gauley Bridge Ansted Hawks Nest Rupert Lewisburg White Sulphur Springs

141 Getting Started 7.4 During the production and design phase of our Midland Trail Destination Guide we purposefully chose an autumn picture of a large curve in Rt. 60 for the front cover of our Guide so people would mentally connect Midland Trail with the popular curvy road ride to see fall foliage. We also undertook a low-budget print advertising campaign to build name recognition. We secured the phone number Route 60. Our ads have won awards. Through the Cooperative Advertising Program we placed ads in Southern Living, AAA Tour Book, Blue Ridge Country, WV Wild and Wonderful, Cabela s, etc. Our target market was drawing people from the Mid-Atlantic with an interest in travel to West Virginia. To track results of our advertising each ad had a call to action call for a Guide. From these efforts over individuals have contacted our office across over the past 18 months, requesting a Guide. We also measure our response by cost per lead. Plus we track distribution tens of thousands Guides through WV Welcome Centers, fairs,festivals and events, and through our partners along the Byway. In fact, we are told that our 120-page Midland Trail Destination Guide is the number one requested guide at WV Welcome Centers Guide Cover Guide Cover Guide Cover Guide Cover

142 Our Head for the Hills campaign works well for several of our target markets: 7.5 Outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers think of it as a call to the cliffs of the New River Gorge for fishing, world-class rafting and climbing Urban-escapees Those longing for the nostalgia of West Virginia Hills Motorcyclist, sports car enthusiasts, RVers History buffs, antiquers, treasurer hunters of all sorts think there is treasure in 'em hills

143 Setting the Stage 7.6 The recent Guide and marketing program was a first step in getting the entire Trail to think of itself as a 180-mile linear community with the common interest of promoting tourism all along the Trail. Much work remains as we help all our partners and those who live, work, and travel US 60 to become familiar with the amenities, attractions and offerings all along the Trail. Our philosophy is the more the tourist finds to do, the longer they stay, the better it is for everyone, so lets help them find lots to do. This Head for the Hills on US Route 60 campaign sets the stage for Midland Trail to be more sophisticated in our branding ourselves as the route to adventure. It is the marketing hook that can be used to beyond the shores of WV to attract tourists regionally, nationally and internationally to use the Midland Trail as a part of their travel plans. We believe life begins at the exit ramp and we are targeting those who can be lured away from interstate travel to enjoy the slower pace offered on our scenic and historic byways (i.e. AAA book). Build on the Success of our Past Marketing Efforts We plan to implement a marketing plan containing the following elements: a cooperative advertising program, a public education & relations program, hospitality training and a traveler survey. Implementation of this plan will benefit the traveler in three ways: by allowing us to continue to offer the traveling public well produced, professional information on available attractions (Our 120-page MT Destination Guide the #1 requested brochure at WV Welcome Centers); hospitality training assures tourists are greeted and serviced with friendly accurate information and can maximize use of our mile marker system; and surveying a sampling of our database of visitors who have used our materials and traveled the Byway will help us better understand Visitors needs and impressions of the Byway, as we work with partners and towns along the Trail to plan new accommodations and attractions.

144 Next Steps: Our Marketing plan is a three-fold approach -- designed to strengthen travel within WV across the 200-mile Trail and to attract a broader geographic region that encompasses the Mid-Atlantic regions and attract international markets. 7.7 Elements that the Marketing Plan include: A cooperative advertising program Website: Rt. 60 Day-tripper Public education & relations program Hospitality training A traveler survey Cooperative Advertising Program Our Cooperative Advertising program includes publication of a Midland Trail Guide, the Route 60 Day-Tripper and an accompanying marketing program including ads in national publications such as Southern Living, AAA, Blue Ridge Country and the WV Travel Guide and commercials on regional television stations. We will also continue our successful complimentary public relations campaign.

145 Midland Trail Publications 7.8 The MT Destination Guide is the Cornerstone of our Marketing Program. Partners Branding PR Campaign Paid Advertising Route 60 Day-Tripper designed to provide up-to-date travel information and day trips. Big Hit! Premiere issue released December ,000 distributed per issue Features Midland Trail sites and attractions Guide Distribution Outlets throughout WV: Welcome Centers CVBs Partners Fairs and Festivals Guide Distribution The Pumpkin Festival Bridge Day The Nicholas County Potato Festival Mary Ingles Reenactment Wayne Fall Festival The Mystery Train Chilifest The Vandalia Gathering The Ronceverte River Festival Symphony Sunday

146 Print Advertising Program Placement and Cost Per Inquiry 7.9 On the following pages are examples of our accompanying Mid-Atlantic marketing program geared to motivating potential visitors to call us for a MT Guide. Sample ads, publications and results are shown. Other visitors get our Guide while in state from a Welcome Center or from our partners. Visitors use our Guide to find other activities and attractions along the Trail that entice them to stay longer, come more often or plan a first time visit. The more time travelers spend along the Trail, the more money they spend. The top three objectives of this part of our marketing program are: 1. More travelers on the scenic byway 2. Inspiring visitors to travel stay longer or repeat visits to enjoy new sections of the Byway or other activities on the Byway 3. More money is spent with our partners Tracking Results: From our new central office, MTSHA has established an effective Guide distribution program and a tracking and evaluation system. We track inquiries and distribution and measure the Cost of Inquiry from responses from our limited paid advertising budget. Moving forward we will continue with print advertising with the most successful results (i.e., Southern Living, AAA Tour Book, Blue Ridge Country, Madden preprint newspaper insert, WV Wild and Wonderful) and add television and direct mail to our media mix, as we can afford it. Our media program is generating about 2500 requests from individuals per month, via phone, and mail labels. We ask each individual how he or she heard about the Guide and record the information. Almost all who call the office directly to request a Guide tell us they plan to travel on the Trail within the coming six weeks. We have had Guide requests from every state in the union and 8 foreign countries. Also, we included other devices in the Guide itself like a contest, reader response card and coupons to measure user interests, usage, and location. Partners tell us customers are utilizing the Guides to find their services. Midland Trail's name recognition has soared -- Even the local TV weatherman often refers to Route 60 as "up the Midland Trail.

147 Intelligent Development Along The Midland Trail Preserving Intrinsic Qualities In Concert with Economic Development 8.1 Finally, many towns along the Midland Trail Byway are realizing that our Intrinsic qualities are an asset which can be preserved and enhanced in economic development. This is a turnaround in thinking from the days that the path to wealth in WV was extracting natural resources and destroying our natural elements. Across the byway as towns and cities plan their growth, the preservation and enhancement of Intrinsic qualities is an integral part of their planning. National experts on sustainable communities are being brought in to help in the planning process, showing towns how to use the rivers, mountains, trees to attract green industries and the work force needed in the technology age. Attracting the creative class, is the new WV buzz word! For example in Charleston a large grass roots task force has formed, at the urging of the City, to develop a Land Use Plan, with a specific eye to developing the section of the Midland Trail that passes through town along the Kanawha River. The idea is In Huntington, on the Midland Trail at Third Ave. and the Ohio River, a new commercial retail development called Pullman Square (above) is underway. A large bookstore, two coffee shops and a large Cinema are drawing people to this area around Harris Riverfront Park and the coliseum. Walk and bike ways are installed, one way streets rerouted and the whole area is a cleaned up pedestrian mall that encourages people to visit the area and enjoy the riverfront and historical downtown.. (Above) The Midland Trail runs along the Kanawha Blvd in Charleston. Each summer Sunday afternoon west-bound Blvd. traffic is blocked to cars to allow for biking and skating along the Kanawha River. (Top) Over the bank a river path already runs from downtown to the Capitol along the Byway. Citizens are working on a plan to utilize an old trestle bridge to develop the riverfront with shops and eateries and expand the in-town greenspace along the Byway and riverfront.

148 Intelligent Development Along The Midland Trail Greenbrier Hunting Club - Preserving Intrinsic Qualities In Concert with Economic Development to make the area more user-friendly for locals and tourists. (See photos 8.1.) In three locations on the Byway viewshed planned communities are being built with the idea of selling second homes to those who want an escape to a preserved area - White Sulphur Springs, in the New River Gorge, and at Kanawha Falls. As these plans move forward our Association will take a role in assuring preservation remains the focus. At the eastern bookend of the Trail, the Greenbrier Resort is using the scenic, natural and cultural Intrinsic qualities as part of their formula for successful economic development. Multi-million dollar homes are being built on the viewshed of the Byway for the famous as getaways to enjoy the natural settings on 5- acre private lots. Because the target market 8.2 Intelligent Development Three new planned communities on the Midland Trail are using our Intrinsic Qualities to sell homesites in their land developments, primarily as second homes to the wealthy. Greenbrier Sporting Club uses this collage and the images on 8.3 in their promotion materials.

149 Greenbrier Hunting Club - Preserving Intrinsic Qualities In Concert with Economic Development here includes movie stars like Nick Nolte and Tom Cruise who are being flown in on lear jets to view the property, we are confident the developers have just as great of concern as we do to preserve the natural surroundings. A similar smaller scale project, on the drawing board for an area in New River Gorge ran into problems when they wanted to build inside the protected National Park area. Approval has been granted for the area outside the Park. 8.3 Intelligent Development When The Snead course was built, more than 2,000 new trees were planted.they re destined to continually change the face of the course as they mature. The 14th Hole, Howard s Creek, is named for the explorer who led the way up this tributary in 1740 s. The Greenbrier Sporting Club is an example of development done in concert with the intrinsic qualities of the Byway.

150 River Ridge At Kanawha Falls - Developing Vacation Homes At Our Prized Vista and Viewshed With a clean mountain air blowing through the trees, you can hear the gentle river lapping across the rocks. Surrounded by wildlife in a true natural habitat, you may become lost in the serenity of this beautiful new planned community. These are the words and images developers are using to sell homesites in River Ridge, a new planned community under construction in the mountains overlooking one of the prize views on the Midland Trail, Kanawha Falls. The developer, an Atlanta businessman, originally purchased all the mountains visible from the back deck of Glen Ferris Inn (picture below), with the idea of timbering. It will be a primary mission of the MT Byway Association to work with the developer to assure this section of the viewshed of the Midland Trail overlooking Kanawha Falls is preserved for all to enjoy. Luckily this complex is situated in Fayette County, Fayette County, to preserve its outdoor recreation mecca has established the state s first county-wide zoning program. Their Plan is focused on preserving Intrinsic qualities like the river, mountains for the benefit of their tourism industry, designating areas for controlled growth and other for industry, and focus on green industries. 8.4 Intelligent Development River Ridge at Kanawha Falls hopes to build hundreds of vacation homes on the mountains overlooking Kanawha Falls (mile 36, new mile 97).

151 Anomalous Intrusions The Trail s main anomalous intrusions are unsightly industrial operations and dilapidated structures. Also extraction industry is having an adverse impact on the natural qualities and scenic views. Of course, its not all good news. While we are making progress in terms of preservation and planning for development to co-exist with our intrinsic qualities, there are still some anomalous intrusions. On- grade development right against the Byway brim is a particular problem in rural Eastern Kanawha County and to the west in South Charleston and In the Upper Kanawha Valley, some industrial operations detract from views of the river and the mountains. The Association has embraced the concept of vegetative screening. There are two large metal recycling facilities on the Byway, one approximately 10 miles east of Charleston, the other west of Charleston near the Putnam County line. At this writing the latter is under court order to clean up their area. The other R&J Recycling (formerly Raleigh Junk) sits between the Byway and the Kanawha River, and breaks the landscape and a view of the Kanawha River with heaps of materials which rise above a fence. We have worked with them in the past and will continue to work with the new owners to secure more effective screening and to monitor potential damage to the Kanawha River and the view. One solution to this intrusion is the planting of pine trees and establishment of a roadside park with shelter and picnic tables. On segments of the Trail, especially in Fayette and Kanawha Counties, are derelict structures which intrude on the Trail s natural beauty. Since our 2000 CMP many of these have been addressed. For instance, at the curve overlooking the Sewell Plateau the dilapidated, abandoned Lee s Tree Tavern, a twostory cinder block structure, has been removed. Now that the demolition has been accomplished we will work toward making this an official Trail pull-off. It will be a perfect spot for a mural project installation, with an expansive vista of the Greenbrier Valley and its historical significance to Civil War tourism. 8.5 Anomalous Intrusions Billboards upstage beautiful mountain scenery, breaking the traveler s relationship with nature. Coal and timber trucks bigger than houses and with dusty wakes travel sections of the Trail day and night. Junk- yards, large billboards and dilapidated structures challenge and undermine visitors satisfaction with their Trail experience. MTSHA strives to lead a variety of interests towards a unified vision of peaceful green.

152 Anomalous Intrusions In Greenbrier County, a quarrying operation very close to the Trail needs a vegetative screen. While pines have been planted, more and larger trees are needed to conceal this site effectively. Extraction is still alive and well in eastern Kanawha County. But actually the coal tipples are of interest to tourists and part of our future plans include working with the coal companies to create industrial interpretation for them. As for the other extraction businesses - gas and timber, where they exist, they are having a very adverse effect on the natural qualities on the Byway. Flooding and erosion that accompany spring rains create road hazards from falling rocks and mud slides. See photos of massive slides caused by unregulated timbering in the Charlton Heights area near Mile 30/91. Heavy truck traffic, other than for the coal and timber, continues to decline as more semi-truckers move to I64 and I77. MTSHA has a good friend in WV s newly elected Governor, Joe Manchin, who seems very committed to cleaning up the road ways, scenic views, small towns, and rural roads and streams. He has created a staff position to focus on the removal of junk cars and trash and has plans to enforce clean- 8.6 Anomalous Intrusions In Ceredo the tipple that loads coal on the Ohio River barges provides a good example of proper screening. Screening as a backdrop for a mix of blooming trees and evergreens provides a safety shield and lowers the impact on the scenic view. Seeing Mountains of Coal at tipple facilities along the Byway adds to the visitor experience, if the job site is orderly and un-intrusive (above). (Top): But signs of the extraction industry s practice of Mountain Top Removal adversely effects the natural and scenic qualities for the Visitor experience.

153 Anomalous Intrusions 8.6 These pictures show the devastation caused by clear cutting the Byway viewshed. Pictured right is the clear-cut mountain above Charlton Heights a village along the Byway. A July 4th rain brought this mess and millions of dollars of damage to the highway and homes. These photos were taken by T. Paige Dalporto who became involved with MTSHA when the clear cutting started. They show Rt. 60 Midland Trail Scenic Byway after a mix of clear cutting and rain. Other nearby communities, hillsides, and waterfalls along the Byway were also demolished. In other communities make-shift access roads put in by other extraction industries like gas companies also contributed to devastation.

154 MT UPGRADES TO REDUCE HAZARDS AND INCREASE USE Speed Changes with Road Changes Eliminating surprises and offering a predictable driving and travel experience over the Trail is a goal of the Association. The Trail itself has gone through periods of evolution on its eastern sector in Kanawha County where three and four lane sections have been added atop the original Trail. In these situations a drivers speed may change significantly over short distances. The role of good signage to protect drivers from hazards is key in these situations. Hazards for Foot Traffic In some cases on the Western Sector in Malden, Rand, Dupont City, and Belle, the Trail runs through communities where sidewalks are limited or non-existent. In these situations road speeds need to provide for the inclusion of tourists who are unfamiliar with traffic and slower speeds are needed in these situations. Beware Speed Traps The Association is working with several small towns along the Byway and its Gateways which have become so notorious for their speed traps that AAA has advised alternate routes. Beware Roadside Vendors Traditionally, roadside vendors have been a part of the ambiance of the Midland Trail. This may take the form of garden produce or velvet Elvis paintings. In any event these vendors provide a color, flavor and culture to the Trail reminding us of an earlier era. However, it is important that pull offs for roadside marketing be designated and signed to assure safety to travelers wishing to experience this roadside phenomena. (con d 7.2 Time Frame Planning 2006 Establish local task forces to identify and prioritize specific signage needs and problems in their areas. Fold their findings into the objectives of the CMP and its supporting interest groups. Encourage development of businesses which are compatible with the long range vision of the byway as well as discouraging starts which detract from the development. Short Term or Immediate Improvements Areas known for hazardous conditions such as a coal preparation plant where trucks enter and leave, as well as sections frequented by timber haulers should be clearly marked for travelers unfamiliar with the Trail. Foot traffic along the Trail should be provided with walkways. Walkways which presently exist such as the one from the Capitol to Daniel Boone Park need upgrading and maintenance. Draft June Signage in high accident areas should be reevaluated. Pavement markings should be reevaluated along the entire length of the Trail Entrance and Exits to parking areas should be well defined where possible. Object hazards should be protected by guard rails. Investigate possibility of historic wooden post and cat eyes guard rail in some rural pasture areas Long Term Truck Lanes should be provided or widened as needed. Shoulders should be upgraded at several points along the Trail. Underpass entrances and exits at Belle and Malden which regularly need upgrades.

155 MT UPGRADES TO REDUCE HAZARDS AND INCREASE USE (con d) draft june Signs such as this one are necessary for proposed Trail biking routes. travelers wishing to experience this roadside phenomena. Share the Road Signage Since the 2000 MT CMP, MTSHA has become very active in working with groups involved in the planning of bike routes. The Town of Ansted recently completed a bike/walking Trail from the center of town to the base of the New River Gorge. Safety and directional signage upgrades are needed. The Greenbrier River Trail for biking and hiking intersects in the MT Byway at Caldwell and the town of Lewisburg plans to connect the Trail to their in-town walking paths. St. Albans has laid out a share the road bike/walking path thru their downtown. City of South Charleston has likewise made accomodations for bikes and walking paths in their parks. The City of Charleston has a planning committee, on which MT participates, planning new bike and walking trails along the Midland Trail at Kanawha Blvd and has a long range plan of connecting bike paths throughout the City. Currently two lanes of Kanawha Blvd are closed each Sunday during the summer to allow for biking, skating and walking along the Kanawha River on the Midland Trail Byway.. Huntington likewise has a similar Planning Committee, working on a plan for their riverside development and for linking their public spaces. The Rahall Transportation Institute has also been active in planning a Greenway to connect the two largest cities in WV, Charleston and Huntington, which are 50 miles apart. The Greenway, as proposed, utilizes the Midland Trail inn several places. These plans, as does ours, also contemplates signage for biking paths which parallel the road. Signs can indicate distance and length of the proposed bike route; locations of bikers picnic areas, rest spots, and entrances to other bike and/or hiking paths; directional information and historical informational markers for points of interest; and potential crosswalks Informational kiosks would enhance the biker s mini-trip. Planned Trail Widening The Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association has gone on record as being supportive of the widening of the Byway from Shrewsbury to Montgomery. It has also indicated that historic properties and personal safety of citizens and tourists must be considered and accommodated in any road modification. Safety and Traffic lights Needed in Tourist areas Developing tourist attractions have created increased foot traffic in certain areas. The Byway is the Main Streets of downtown Ansted, Lewisburg, and Rainelle. In Ansted the trailhead of the Ansted Hawk s Nest Trail crosses the Byway. Also in Malden where WV State University is developing the Booker T. Washington Institute across the road from Cabin Creek Quilts, a Midland Trail Tourist Information Center. As foot-traffic grows in these and other areas (i.e. Charleston, St. Albans and Huntington s riverfronts, there is a need for increased signage and safety lights. Foreign Language Signs The Association is committed to attracting the foreign visitor, and knows that the state of West Virginia is trying to attract Canadian, Japanese, and German tourists. Many Canadians use the WV Route 19, which intersects with the Byway at Hico and we encourage our Partners to display the Canadian flag particularly in this area. Germans are our most frequent European tourists. WV has recently gained some Spanish and Japanese speaking population, the latter of which is also fluent in English. Plans call for signs in French, German, and Spanish, where possible and necessary, with the cooperation of WV-DOH. Some MT travel materials have included welcomes in French and German. We have included requests for foreign language signage in our proposals for projects like the Hico Welcome Center.

156 West Virginia Division of Highways Traffic Engineering Division Summary of Crashes Occurring along: Midland Trail- US 60 Putnam County County Putnam Date Range 01/01/2002 to 12/31/2004 Route US Milepost Range Fatal Accidents: 161 Injury Accidents: 39 3 Property Damage Only Accidents: 119 Accidents: Injuries: 59 Fatalities:3 Manner of Collision Roadway Surface Condition Lighting Condition Rear End % Dry %Daylight % Head On % Wet %Dark % Sideswipe Same % Snow %Dark, Artificial Light % Dir. Sideswipe Opp. Dir % lee %Dusk % Rear to Rear % Muddy %Dawn % Single Vehicle % Haz. Materials %Unknown % Crash Access Conflict % Other % Weather Condition Left and Right Turn % Unknown %Clear % Left Turn % Pavement Marking Visibility Cloudy % Right Turn % Yes %Raining % Other % No %Fog / Smog % Unknown % Unknown %Snowing % Traffic Control Device Road Type Sleeting % Stop Sign %Asphalt %Hailing % Traffic Signal %Concrete %Crosswinds % Yield Sign %Brick %Unknown % Officer, Flagman %Gravel % Day RR Gates, Signals %Dirt % Monday % Construction Zone % 0.00% Tuesday % Other 0 School Zone % Wednesday % Unknown % None % Thursday % Other % Roadway Characteristic Friday % % Straight and Level Unknown % Saturday % Straight and Grade % Traffic Control Functioning % Straight at Hillcrest % Sunday Yes % Curve and Level % Month No % January % Curve and Grade % file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_1of4.htm[12/23/ :07:33 AM]

157 Unknown % Curve at Hillcrest % February % Reported By Straight and RoBing % March % State Police %Sag Curve % April % City Police %Unknown % May % Sheriff % June % Other % July % August % September % October % November % December % Time of Day (By Hour) AM % 1.86 % 1.24% 0.62% 2.48% 0.62% 1.86 % 6.21% 2.48% 2.48% 5.59% 5.59% PM % 3.73% 6.21% 4.97% 9.32% 9.32% 7.45% 559% 4.35% 4.35% 3.73% 3.11% Monday, March 28, 2005 Page 1 of 4 file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_1of4.htm[12/23/ :07:33 AM]

158 West Virginia Division of Highways Traffic Engineering Division Summary of Crashes Occurring along: Midland Trail- US 60 Cabell County Accidents: County Route 2960 Injury Accidents: Injuries: Cabell US Date Range 01/01/2002 to 12/31/ Milepost Range Fatal Accidents: 10 Property Damage Only Accidents: 1790 Fatalities: 10 Manner of Collision Roadway Surface Condition Lighting Condition Rear End %Dry %Daylight % Head On %Wet %Dark % Sideswipe Same Dir %Snow %Dark, Artificial Light % Sideswipe Opp. Dir %Ice %Dusk % Rear to Rear %Muddy %Dawn % Single Vehicle Crash %Haz. Materials %Unknown % Weather Access Conflict %Other % Condition Left and Right Turn %Unknown %Clear % Left Turn % Pavement Marking Visibility Cloudy % Right Turn %Yes %Raining % Other %No %Fog I Smog % Unknown %Unknown %Snowing % Traffic Control Device Road Type Sleeting % Stop Sign % Asphalt %Hailing % Traffic Signal % Concrete %Crosswinds % Yield Sign % Brick %Unknown % Officer, Flagman % Gravel % Day RR Gates, Signals % Dirt % Monday % Construction Zone % 0.03% Tuesday % Other 1 School Zone % Wednesday % Unknown % None % Thursday % Other % Roadway Characteristic Friday % % file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_2of4.htm[12/23/ :07:38 AM]

159 Unknown % Straight and Level Straight and Grade % Saturday % Traffic Control Functioning Straight at Hillcrest % Sunday % Yes % No % Unknown Curve and Level % Month Curve and Grade % January % % 0.07% February % Curve at Hillcrest 2 Reported By Straight and Rolling % March % State Police % Sag Curve % April % City Police % Unknown % May % Sheriff % June % Other % July % Time of Day (By Hour) August % September % October % November % December % AM % 0.88% 0.68% 0.84% 0.68% 0.57% 125% 328% 3.07% 3.07% 5.03% 6.01% PM % 8.04% 7.03% 10.88% 9.02% 9.19% 6.99% 3.61% 3.14% 3.14% 2.23% 1.66% Monday, March 28, 2005 Page 2 of 4 file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_2of4.htm[12/23/ :07:38 AM]

160 OCR Document West Virginia Division of Highways Traffic Engineering Division Summary of Crashes Occurring along: Midland Trail- US 60 Kanawha County Accidents: County Route 2865 Injury Accidents: Injuries: Kanawha US Date Range 01/01/2002 to 12/31/ Milepost Range Fatal Accidents: 22 Properly Damage Only Accidents: 1981 Fatalities: 26 Manner of Collision Roadway Surface Condition Lighting Condition Rear End %Dry %Daylight % Head On %Wet %Dark % Sideswipe Same Dir %Snow %Dark, Artificial Light % Sideswipe Opp. Dir %Ice %Dusk % Rear to Rear %Muddy %Dawn % Single Vehicle Crash %Haz. Materials %Unknown % Access Conflict %Other % Weather Condition Left and Right Turn %Unknown %Clear % Left Turn % Pavement Marking Visibility Cloudy % Right Turn %Yes %Raining % Other %No %Fog I Smog % Unknown %Unknown %Snowing % Traffic Control Device Road Type Sleeting % Stop Sign %Asphalt %Hailing % Traffic Signal %Concrete %Crosswinds % Yield Sign %Brick %Unknown % Officer, Flagman %Gravel % Day RR Gates, Signals %Dirt % Monday % Construction Zone % Other % Tuesday % School Zone % Unknown % Wednesday % None % Thursday % file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_3of4.htm[12/23/ :07:42 AM]

161 OCR Document Other % Roadway Characteristic Friday % Straight and Level % Unknown % Traffic Control Functioning Straight and Grade % Saturday Straight at Hillcrest % Sunday Yes % No % Unknown % Curve and Level % Month % % Curve and Grade % January % Curve at Hillcrest % February % Reported By Straight and Rolling % March % State Police %Sag Curve % April % City Police %Unknown % May % Sheriff % June % Other % July % Time of Day (By Hour) August % September % October % November % December % AM % 1.26 % 1.36 % 1.43% 0.77% 0.77% 1.50 % 3.46% 5.06% 5.06% 4.54% 5.62% PM % 6.98% 7.57% 7.82% 9.11% 8.97% 6.18% 3.87% 3.35% 3.35% 2.27% 1.95% Monday, March 28, 2005 Page 3 of 4 file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_3of4.htm[12/23/ :07:42 AM]

162 West Virginia Division of Highways Summary of Crashes Occurring along: Traffic Engineering Division Midland Trail - US 60 Wayne County County Wayne Date Range 01/01/2002 to 12/31/2004 Route US Milepost Range Accidents: 329 Injury Accidents: 117Fatal Accidents:2 Property Damage Only Accidents: 210 Injuries: 178 Fatalities:2 Manner of Collision Roadway Surface Condition Lighting Condition Rear End %Dry % Daylight % Head On %Wet % Dark % Sideswipe Same Dir %Snow % Dark, Artificial Light % Sideswipe Opp. Dir %Ice 5 152% Dusk % Rear to Rear %Muddy % Dawn 5 152% Single Vehicle Crash %Haz. Materials % Unknown % Access Conflict %Other % Weather Condition Left and Right Turn %Unknown % Clear % Left Turn % Pavement Marking Visibility Cloudy % Right Turn %Yes % Raining % Other %No % Fog I Smog % Unknown %Unknown % Snowing 5 152% Traffic Control Device Road Type Sleeting % Stop Sign % Asphalt %Hailing % Traffic Signal % Concrete % Crosswinds % Yield Sign % Brick % Unknown % Officer, Flagman % Gravel % Day RR Gates, Signals % Dirt % Monday % Construction Zone % School Zone % Other 0 Unknown % 0.00% Tuesday % Wednesday % None % Thursday % Other % Roadway Characteristic Friday % Unknown 5 152%Straight and Level % Traffic Control Functioning Yes % No % Unknown % Straight and Grade % Saturday % Straight at Hillcrest % Sunday Curve and Level % Month % Curve and Grade % January % Curve at Hillcrest % February % Reported By Straight and Rolling % March % file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_4of4.htm[12/23/ :07:46 AM]

163 State Police %Sag Curve % April % City Police %Unknown % May % Sheriff 5 152% June % Other % July % Time of Day (By Hour) August % September % October % November % December % AM % 0.61% 152% 0.30% 0.30% 0.00% 1.82 % 4.26% 2.43% 2.43% 4.86% 6.38% PM % 6.69% 6.99% 11.55% 7.29% 10.94% 7.60% 5.17% 2.13% 2.13% 1.52 % 0.30% Monday, March 28, 2005 Page 4 of 4 file:///c /Users/Public/Documents/Midland/AccidentReport_4of4.htm[12/23/ :07:46 AM]

164 The Midland Trail has always been a road that went somewhere. Since its beginnings, it has been a great American road that led to dreams, schemes and plans that changed lives and made American history. In that great tradition and spirit, we look forward to moving this plan and our Association ahead. Development of sustainable economic entities along the Midland Trail continues to provide tremendous economic and social benefits to the Midland Trail region and to West Virginia. The challenge to be imaginative, to take risks, and to create new projects on a continuing basis characterizes the American spirit and the Midland Trail itself. To this driving personality we add a strong commitment to preservation and to protection of our intrinsic qualities, solid management and relentless marketing. These characteristics are visible in the internationally-known whitewater recreational industry. Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County on the eastern end offer a national rural model for preservation and culture. On our western end, an unprecedented collaborative partnership exists between the Trail Association and the chemical, coal, metal, and river industries. All along the Trail, the cultural diversity of our African, Native American and European histories illuminates the melting pot nature of the Trail and our nation over the last two centuries. Our time as a community group in developing this plan and growing our organization with events like our 15th Anniversary, The Harley Davidson Poker Run and the publication of three MT Destination Guides, and the DayTripper offers important experiences and benefits to our Association and our partners along the Byway. We designed this plan to be both practical as well as visionary. We intend for it to be a multi-purpose document which can be revised and updated as needed. We appreciate the support of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the West Virginia Department of Transportation, WV Division of Tourism, the WV Office of the Governor and the community volunteers and partners who have been integral to this process Collaboration and Partners