In the 19th and 2oth century, the rugged and beautiful land where Bear Rocks Preserve now stands was the site of unchecked logging and cattle grazing. Over time, a mighty red spruce and hemlock forest diminished until only a few scrawny red spruce trees remained. Thankfully, conservationists in West Virginia recognized the splendor of Bear…
Prior to the 1900s, the state of West Virginia was home to hundreds of water-powered grist mills. West Virginia residents would cart bags of grain and corn to the mills to be transformed into flour that could be used for cooking and baking. If money was short, it was not uncommon for customers to trade…
When most people think of spas, they envision posh, exclusive resorts frequented by the rich and famous. Berkeley Springs, West Virginia—which is widely considered to be the location of America’s first spa—is home to an accessible, affordable state park which features several mineral-rich mountain springs. For as little as $32, visitors can soak in pristine…
On a chilly November night in 1966, two couples were driving towards a World War II munitions plant that West Virginia locals referred to as the TNT area. Both couples spotted a frightful winged creature with eyes that flashed red when exposed to light. The couples claimed that a large, menacing creature with a sizable…
