The New River Gorge area is full of wonderful, dreadful, exciting, and unusual stories. The geology of the gorge tells a story that dates back millions of years. There are stories of disasters, both natural and man-made. Floods, droughts, blights, coal mine explosions, and fires have all been a part of its history, as has the story of the struggle of the people making a life in this rough and rugged land. There are many positive stories too - the beauty of the area, the plants and animals that thrive in the gorge, and most of all the people who lived, worked and played here. From the Native Americans that hunted, fished and traveled the gorge to the children that visit the park today, people have made stories that they will remember and pass on. New River Gorge National River protects not only the natural resources of the park, but also the stories. By collecting and saving oral histories, photographs, artifacts, and records, the park hopes to keep these stories alive and help people create their own New River Gorge stories. Mining and Industrial Disasters
Learn about the coal mining disasters at Layland, Red Ash, and Rush Run in New River Gorge and other industrial disasters. Batteaux on the New
Long before the coming of the whitewater rafting industry, commerce along the New River was carried out by long, flat bottomed batteaux. John Henry & the Coming of the Railroad
Construction of the Great Bend Tunnel on the C&O Railway just south of New River Gorge spawned the legend of John Henry. Berry Holler & the Big Branch Trail
Discover this popular hiking trail through the stories of Bertha Huffman, who grew up on Big Branch. Arrowheads of the Past and Present
Learn more about the history of Native Americans in New River Gorge. History of Native Americans
Learn about the history of Native Americans in the Lower New River region. West Virginia Mine Wars
The West Virginia Mine Wars were a series of labor struggles in the 1900s that saw coal miners fight for their right to unionize. |
Last updated: September 27, 2023