SUSAN TREGONING PHOTOGRAPHY
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From Boomtown to Ghost Town: The Rise and Fall of Thurmond, West Virginia

10/10/2023

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The Thurmond Train Depot is located at the New River's edge, in the Y, between where the railroad tracks merge. The station is positioned directly in front of the bustling mainline, while the nearby spur line follows Dunloup Creek on the right side. The spur utilizes the Southside Junction Railroad Bridge to connect with the mainline and shares the crossing over the New River with a one-lane automobile bridge. The bridge is one of Thurmond’s most important historic features since it was the construction of the bridge across the New River that officially established Thurmond as a town.
Deep in the heart of Fayette County in southern West Virginia lies an eerie reminder of a bygone era – Thurmond, West Virginia. Today, a ghost town with a population of 5 (in 2020), it was one of the greatest and most infamous railroad towns along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad at the turn of the century. 

Thurmond stands frozen in time, nestled on the banks of the majestic New River. Its dilapidated buildings and crumbling infrastructure offer visitors a haunting glimpse into its prosperous past from when steam trains traveled the rails and coal was king. At its zenith, Thurmond boasted a bustling population and was home to many businesses that catered to locals and passing travelers.

Today, however, only memories wander through the abandoned streets as a reminder of the transient nature of prosperity. Amidst the natural wonders of 
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Thurmond's ghostly presence serves as a poignant testament to the unstoppable march of progress and time's ability to reclaim even the most vibrant communities.

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    I am the 8th photographer in 4 generations of my family. Back in 2006, my husband accepted a job traveling, and I jumped at the chance to go with him. 

    I blog about long scenic drives and places that I find interesting around the United States.


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  • Home
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