Unearthing West Virginia's Hidden Gems: Traversing the Wild and Wonderful Appalachian Frontier

In the heart of Appalachia, lies a state that defies expectations and brims with historical odditiesWest Virginia. Embracing its friendly nature amidst an idyllic rural landscape, this mountainous terrain tells tales of enchanting wilderness while offering a serene escape to all who visit.

As Pulitzer Prizewinning historian Robert Caro would have it, There is no land like it. And indeed, there isn'tfor West Virginia possesses quirky details that define both its recent history and distant past. Let us embark on a journey through time as we unravel some hardtobelieve facts about this magical corner of America.

1. The Mummies of Philippi (44 North Main Street, Philippi, WV 26416): Tucked away in the Barbour County Historical Museum rests an unusual exhibitone featuring two mummified human remains known as Farmer & Brown (Mayer @barbourcohistmuseum). Preserved by eccentric FrenchAmerican inventor Graham Hamrick in 1888 using his secret embalming formula inspired by ancient Egyptian techniquesand immortalized symbolically by Edgar Allan Poe in Some Words With A Mummythese curiosities draw visitors from far and wide seeking answers to their cryptic origins.

2. Mothman Chronicles (401 Main Street Point Pleasant WV 25550): For fans of John Keel's bookturnedfilm The Mothman Prophecies, Point Pleasant stands out as home to one bizarre creaturethe elusive Mothman (@mothmanmuseum). Soaring into folklore during sightings between 196667 preceding Silver Bridges collapse under mysterious circumstancesan event cast into poetry via Ruth Ann Musicks wordpainting sonnetsthis legendary figure has been commemorated yearly at the Mothman Festival since September 2002, now symbolizing resilience of the everstriving Appalachian spirit.

3. The Dinsmore Homestead's Movable Walls (2575 Burlington Pike, Burlington WV 41005): Imagine a house engineered with walls that slide effortlessly to create varied room sizes suitable for different occasionstruly an architectural innovation at its finest! Such was the ingenuity of James Dinsmore in 1842 when constructing his eponymous homestead (@DinsmoreMuseum), reminiscent of Virginia Woolfs Orlando flitting through stately homes reflecting societys evolving norms. Today, this living National Historic Landmark offers insights into antebellum culture and tradition while revealing the progressive mindset that shaped West Virginia's early years.

4. Helvetia: A Hidden Swiss Village (Route 46 off Route 20 near Buckhannon, WV): In the depths of Appalachian wilderness lies a picturesque village like no otherHelvetia (@helvetiawv). Founded in 1869 by immigrants seeking solace from political turmoil back home, Helvetia preserves Swiss heritage through community dances celebrating Fasnachtan event magical enough to inspire Hans Christian Andersens fairytalesand culinary delights such as roesti enjoyed during Maple Syrup Festival each springtime. With charming houses nestled between tranquil hillsides and lush meadows coloring scenes so vividly Van Gogh wouldve swapped southern France for Randolph County in a heartbeatyoull find yourself ensnared by this enchanting gem!

So pause awhile amidst these wondrous attractions steeped in local lore and embrace West Virginias fascinating pastthe hidden world behind our wild frontier awaits discovery! Delve deep into Appalachia's bestkept secrets and experience history unfolding before your very eyes within its misty mountains.

Social Media & Resources:

@barbourcohistmuseum Barbour County Historical Museum

@mothmanmuseum Mothman Museum

@dinsmoremuseum Dinsmore Homestead

@helvetiawv Helvetia, West Virginia

#WestVirginia #Appalachia #history #travel