Thomas – As of Saturday May 26 Tucker County residents and visitors can enjoy five new historic interpretation signs along the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail below the Town of Thomas.
The signs are located at important local historic sites where remnants of structures like the former railroad depot, roundhouse, and machine shop are still visible.Before the new signs were installed, these landmarks were easy to miss or misinterpret, but all that has changed. The large, professional signs highlight the existing structures while also providing fascinating photos and text describing what the area once looked like and how the railroad influenced the development of industry and patterns of immigration.
The conservation group Friends of Blackwater created the signs, with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Tucker County Cultural District Authority, and the Tucker Community Foundation. A guided hike to unveil the signs, sponsored by Friends of Blackwater and hosted by Chuck Nichols, and was attended by over 30 people. Friends of Blackwater is planning more local history events throughout the summer. For more information contact Friends of Blackwater at 304-345-7663.