West Virginia's Rails
Thurmond, WV

Fred Wolfe writes: "The road down to Thurmond is NOT one lane...and, for a mountain road it's not particularly winding.  It's wide, smooth and well marked."

I recalled it being one lane, but I could be wrong.  Unless you're experienced on mountain roads, I think most people will still find it to be somewhat winding and challenging, but still well worth the challenge. --Daniel
 

In reference to the building with the pulleys on the side, Gene Moser writes: "This structure is the remains of a concrete coaling tower used to replenish the coal bunker of the steam locomotives that went through Thurmond.  It was probably built in the 1920s and contained, when full, between 200 and 300 tons of coal."

 Patty Shepley writes: My husband and I ventured down the 6 miles of winding road to see what Thurmond was all about and must say it was well worth it! A refreshing alternative to the commercialization of American history. Too bad the old hotel isn't still there!

Nancy Miller writes: I went for a long walk down the tracks at Thurmand around 1970, befor the advertising. Facing the town, i walked to the left a good distance down the tracks with my father. There was an elderly black woman living in an old stone house in bad condition ( broken windows etc) She hid behind what was once a window and would not speak. She had a few clothes hanging outside and a pig in the yard. I asked about her once we got to a store and was told that when the miners all left she stayed in this old house all alone, walking out once a month to get her gro. and mail. I have never forgot seeing this elderly thin woman with a bandana tied around her head living so far from anyone all alone. If anyone remembers her i am sure it would be very interesting to know her story. Please respond with a reply.
 

Debra Nelson writes: In response to Nancy Miller: My father and grandparents lived in Thurmond and I would visit mostly in the 60's and 70's. I know a little about this woman, a very interesting figure, I agree. Her name was Mel Seenee (spelling is wrong, I'm sure, but pronounced C-Knee.) She lived in Fire Creek, down the tracks from Thurmond. She would come into town once in awhile with a long pole (I was told to kill snakes) and some dogs. My grandmother always left food for her on her back porch. They didn't talk, just had an understanding. Mel would come and get the food and go on her way. I would see her sometimes, but, as you say, would never speak. This is all I know of her.
 

John Dominic writes: To Nancy Miller... I lived in Charleston in the early 1970's and read about that old woman who lived in a ramshackle house next to the tracks. My friends and I walked those tracks and we found that old brick house. The most of the roof fell in to the first floor, most of the windows had shattered, and there was a fire inside because we could see the smoke from the chimney. It was cold that day. We couldn't see her, so we continued walking away from town. Coming back we did see her. She was hanging olds rags on a clothesline, and her wore old tattered clothes. We said hello, but the only thing she was "I know why you are here." Most of the people in Thurmond had rarely seen her, if at all, and the railroad employees came by to stop and give her food and hand outs. To this day, I can still see her face and hear her haunting voice.