Elkins, WV photo tour (Charleston, Buckhannon: sales, apartments, how much)

[Evergrey]

I am aware of the stickied WV photo thread... but this will be a rather detailed look at Elkins... and I don't want to bog down that thread. These photos were taken 2 and a half years ago (I updated the population figures). I am a Pennsylvanian who has always loved WV and enjoy exploring its towns and cities. My photography hobby is "urban documentation", examining the "sense of place". I will share several other WV towns in the near future.

...

Elkins (pop. 7,094) is the seat of Randolph County (29,405) and is located in north-central West Virginia about 145 miles south of Pittsburgh and 135 miles northeast of Charleston WV at the intersection of US-33, US-219 and US-250. Elkins has an urban cluster population of 11,061. The city is situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet amidst the Allegheny Mountains just outside the Monongahela National Forest.

Located along the Tygart River, Elkins was founded in 1890 by railroad tycoons who developed the Central West Virginia and Pittsburgh Railway. Elkins grew as a center of rail transportation, coal mining, timbering and manufacturing. Today, Elkins exists as an important jumping-off point for the countless outdoors recreation opportunities nearby. Liberal arts college Dave & Elkins is located here.





traveling through the mountains from Buckhannon to Elkins... golly there was some gorgeous scenery along the way


the weather turned dreary as I descended into Elkins... here's some industrial grit




tourist train through the mountains


yard sales were popular in Elkins too... though Buckhannon was surely the epicentre of West Virginia yard sale culture


urban decay


another abandoned school














some impressive buildings... founded rather late in 1890... Elkins must've grew up quick




a mansion on Davis & Elkins' campus overlooking downtown


a caged building


there appeared to be a handful of interesting restaurants downtown... but not a creature was stirring...






maybe these rail enthusiasts will patronize downtown's businesses after the ride






I stumbled across a rather interesting festival in their lovely city park




The Augusta Heritage Festival is a celebration of traditional "American" musical styles... such as bluegrass, zydeco, and folk...






I then ascended the hill to the campus of Davis & Elkins... which was founded in 1904








two hilltop mansions form part of the campus








a little treat for all of you who love dorky modernist architecture... the Eshleman Science Center (1972)




HQ of the Monongahela National Forest


I then discovered some really great residential areas




The Randolph County Courthouse was completed in 1907


























I loved Elkins. It is one of my favorite spots in West Virginia!

[Chriscross309]

Thank You So Much!!!!!

I loved every second of that, and agree that Elkins is one of my favorite places in WV too!!!!

If you plan on doing Charleston, call me I'll help you out!

[pknopp]

Yep, Elkins is great.

[GottaHerdOn]

A few updates...

The picture tagged "urban decay" was the "Old" high school. It was torn down a few years ago... Some of the bricks were sold as mementos to former alumni... (My entire family lol) I think they made extra parking or something for the football stadium. Which was greatly needed!!!! The 2nd photo of the red brick school is being remodeled and turned into apartments for Seniors.

Great pics.. made me a little homesick

[MustHaveCoffee]

Given that the catalyst that built Elkins is long gone (the Western Maryland Railroad) the town looks remarkably good. And is becoming an East Coast destination for the arts. I have a friend from Vermont who says she drives four hours to Elkins when she gets homesick because it looks so much like her home state (which is a huge compliment given how much she talks about Vermont).

One negative I have with Elkins is that it's sad to see those big ugly windmills on the ridges to the west of town. Who thought that was a good idea???

[GottaHerdOn]

Originally Posted by MustHaveCoffee

Given that the catalyst that built Elkins is long gone (the Western Maryland Railroad) the town looks remarkably good. And is becoming an East Coast destination for the arts. I have a friend from Vermont who says she drives four hours to Elkins when she gets homesick because it looks so much like her home state (which is a huge compliment given how much she talks about Vermont).

One negative I have with Elkins is that it's sad to see those big ugly windmills on the ridges to the west of town. Who thought that was a good idea???

True the Western Maryland Railroad is gone... But the Durbin-Greenbrier Valley Railroad is alive and well shuffling the tourists around.

Railroading in Elkins WBOY 12

Elkins also was lucky enough to have diversified the economy after its initial boom in the early 20th century that it continues well adjusted growth and value appreciation. Is it to the level I'd like..?? No, but I'll take it! I'm glad your friend enjoys Elkins and makes her feel like she's at home

Those windmills... ehhh... I'd rather have those than coal mines in the area... I guess its a trade off. I view them as a sign of progressivism. They create energy that otherwise wouldn't be available, and they're now one of the top 5 biggest tax payers in the county... all without any CO2 generated. You can't really notice them unless you're really looking for them and staring at them and they're not visible from all areas of the town.

[sheena12]

Very enjoyable photo tour. Pretty city with beautiful surroundings.

[MustHaveCoffee]

That's true, windmills do look much better than strip mines!

[WVBurn]

Thank you! This was so enjoyable..Elkins is a favorite of ours..we try to visit often. Your photos are just perfect.

[ButtercupMcToots]

Beautiful pictures!