Thurmond Historic District
Thurmond, WV
A former railroad boomtown wedged into the New River Gorge, now a quiet row of weathered buildings beside active tracks. Drive the narrow road down, stop at the depot museum, and keep clear of the rails.
Thurmond grew after a rail connection at Dunloup Creek was agreed with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) in 1892. The town became an important hub for coal transport and a refueling stop for steam locomotives. Its population peaked at about 462 in 1930. It had two hotels, including the 100-room Dun Glen (opened in 1901, destroyed by fire in 1930), and two banks.
With the switch from steam to diesel locomotives, the town lost its importance. Since the late 1980s the National Park Service has been buying properties to preserve Thurmond as a living history museum. By 2020 the town had only five residents, making it the smallest municipality in West Virginia. The restored C&O passenger depot now serves as a visitor center of the national park, and the whole townscape is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Trains still run, so always keep away from the tracks.
- Nearest town
- Thurmond, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.9577, -81.0805
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hilltop SunriseMotorhome stopover4 mi from Thurmond Historic District · 2 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Arrowhead Bike Farm CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Thurmond Historic District
- Little Beaver State Park CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Thurmond Historic DistrictTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lake Stephens RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Thurmond Historic District · 100 pitchesMotorhomes
- Summersville Lake RetreatMotorhome stopover21 mi from Thurmond Historic District · 65 pitchesTentsMotorhomes
- Burning Rock CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Thurmond Historic District
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Thurmond Historic District?
Thurmond Historic District is in Thurmond, WV, at GPS 37.9577, -81.0805. It is about 7 mi from Fayetteville.
Can you camp near Thurmond Historic District?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stone Cliff Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Thurmond Historic District?
Places worth a stop nearby: Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park (7 mi), New River Gorge Bridge (8 mi), Grandview (9 mi) and Hawks Nest State Park (11 mi).
When is the best time to visit Thurmond Historic District?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)