Davis, W.Va. — The Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has secured a two-acre lot at the corner of Blackwater Falls Road and William Avenue (Route 32) as the future home of the new visitor center. The site is located near the entrance to Blackwater Falls State Park, one of the most visited destinations in the county.
The land was purchased from the Cooper family, who had been working with CVB Executive Director Jessica Waldo for several years to finalize the sale.
“We, four of the descendants of my father, Thomas Randolph Cooper Sr. (1907–1993), who loved Davis and Tucker County all of his life, are honoring his memory by selling part of our real estate to the Tucker County CVB,” said Thornton Cooper. “Members of our extended family have lived in Tucker County since my father’s mother and her parents moved to Davis in 1886, before it was incorporated.”
The CVB initially approached the family to inquire about purchasing the lot.
“We appreciate the efforts of the CVB, which have been professional, persistent, friendly and candid from the beginning,” said John W. Cooper. “Now, we look forward to the construction and opening of the new visitor center. I know my father would be proud to see a part of his legacy become a greeting center for visitors.”
“Our family is excited for the future progress of the Tucker County CVB,” John W. Cooper added. “The new site will provide easy and immediate access to visitors wishing to visit Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis and Thomas.”
The planned facility will be fully accessible and include visitor information services, public restrooms and a small multi-use meeting space. Future phases may include a natural playground and trail connections into town.
“After renting our current space for more than 30 years, the CVB is looking forward to having a place of its own,” Waldo said.
In 2024, the CVB received $1.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito. The CVB is working with the Region VII Planning and Development Council to secure the final funding needed for construction. A groundbreaking ceremony will be announced once funding is finalized.
Charleston-based ZMM Architects & Engineers has been selected as the architectural firm for the project. ZMM has completed several projects in Tucker County, including the Tucker County Courthouse Annex in Parsons.
For more information, visit gettuckered.com, Social Media: Facebook @Tucker County, West Virginia, Instagram @tuckercounty_wv, YouTube @TuckerCountyWV.
The Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit marketing and sales organization whose mission is to promote tourism and advertise Tucker County as a visitor-friendly travel destination.
