Mountaineer Business Network

Ride Along with the Arson Brothers, we're checking out the sights in and around Weston, WV!

Weston, West Virginia, has a rich and fascinating history, with its origins tied to early settlement, the development of transportation, and its status as a key point in the state's growth. Here’s a detailed look at the history of Weston:

Early Settlement:

 

• Weston was originally settled in the late 18th century. It was initially part of the larger area of Lewis County and became an important settlement in the western part of the state. Its strategic location along the West Fork River made it an ideal spot for early settlers who needed access to water and fertile land for agriculture.
• The town is believed to have been named after John Weston, an early settler who contributed to the establishment of the area. By the early 1800s, Weston had begun to grow as a small community.

 

Growth and Development in the 19th Century:

• Weston’s location along the West Fork River was key to its early growth. The river provided transportation for goods and a water source for farming. By the mid-1800s, the town had grown into a small but thriving community with a population that was steadily increasing.
• A major development that spurred Weston’s growth was the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, which reached the town in 1856. This connected Weston to larger transportation networks, facilitating trade and commerce, and led to the development of the town as a regional transportation hub. The railroad made Weston more accessible and contributed to its status as an important location for the timber industry, which flourished in the region.

 

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum:

• One of the most significant historical landmarks in Weston is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which opened in 1864. It was originally designed as a state-of-the-art facility for people with mental illnesses, and it became one of the largest and most advanced psychiatric hospitals of its time. The asylum operated for over 130 years before it closed in 1994.
• The asylum is a focal point of Weston’s history and has become a symbol of both the town’s historical significance and its role in mental health care during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The building itself is a remarkable example of Romanesque Revival architecture, and today it serves as a major tourist attraction, offering tours and events to educate visitors about the history of mental health care and the asylum’s past.

 

The Civil War and Its Aftermath:

• During the Civil War, Weston was located in a border region, with both Union and Confederate forces moving through the area. However, Weston itself did not see large-scale battles. Despite this, the war had an impact on the town’s economy and infrastructure. Many residents of Weston supported the Union, and the town became a Union stronghold in a divided state.
• After the war, the town saw continued growth, especially as timber and coal industries began to expand in the region. The population increased, and Weston continued to develop as a center of commerce, transportation, and industry.

 

20th Century:

• Weston, like many towns in West Virginia, experienced both growth and decline throughout the 20th century. The timber industry, once a primary economic driver, began to diminish, and the decline of railroads in the mid-1900s also affected the town’s economy.
• However, Weston remained a key hub for the region, and in the mid-20th century, the development of the Stonecoal Lake and Sutton Lake areas provided new recreational opportunities, attracting visitors to the area for boating, fishing, and camping.
• The town’s economy shifted toward government services, healthcare, and small businesses. Despite economic changes, Weston remained an important part of Lewis County.

 

Present Day:

• Today, Weston is a small, historic town with a population of around 4,000 people. The town still retains much of its historical charm, with numerous 19th-century buildings, including the courthouse, churches, and homes. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is perhaps the most famous landmark, drawing visitors interested in both its architectural significance and its history.
• Weston also serves as a center for local government, education, and commerce in Lewis County. The town is home to Weston State Hospital, though the original asylum building no longer functions as a psychiatric institution.
• The town is also part of the Mountain Lakes Region, surrounded by natural beauty, which includes outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and boating at nearby lakes.

 

Cultural Significance:

• Weston has long been an important cultural and historical center for the region. It was once the site of the West Virginia State Fair and has maintained a connection to traditional Appalachian culture through festivals, arts, and local traditions.
• The town also celebrates its history with events such as the Weston Christmas Parade and other community-centered activities that highlight the town’s sense of heritage and pride.

 

Conclusion:

Weston’s history is a fascinating blend of early settlement, industrial growth, and cultural significance. From its role as a transportation hub to its association with the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and its connection to the timber and coal industries, Weston represents a microcosm of the broader history of West Virginia. Today, it remains a town that honors its past while looking forward to continued growth and development.

The history of Jane Lew, West Virginia, is deeply connected to the early settlement and development of Lewis County and the broader Appalachian region. Here's a brief overview of its history:
 

Early Settlement and Naming:

 

• Jane Lew was established as a settlement in the early 19th century. The town is named after Jane Lew, the daughter of an early settler, Joseph Holt, who was a prominent figure in the area. The Holt family was one of the first to settle in the region, and Jane Lew's name was chosen to honor the Holt family's contribution to the area's development.

 

Development in the 1800s:

 

• During the 19th century, Jane Lew was primarily an agricultural community. Like much of Lewis County, the economy relied heavily on farming and the natural resources found in the area.
• In the mid-1800s, Jane Lew began to grow as the timber industry and coal mining started to develop in nearby areas, leading to the establishment of roads and railroads connecting Jane Lew to surrounding towns. These transportation links helped Jane Lew's economy and access to resources.

 

The Railroad Era:

 

• The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad played a significant role in the town's growth during the late 19th century. The railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods, especially timber and coal, which were vital to the region's economy.
• The town became a key transportation hub, facilitating the movement of raw materials and connecting it to larger urban centers, which contributed to its growth.

 

20th Century:

 

• The 20th century saw Jane Lew evolve from a small rural community to a more structured town with an increasing population. The advent of modern transportation methods and the rise of the automotive industry meant that Jane Lew became more integrated with the rest of the state and beyond.
• The town remained relatively small but maintained its agricultural and natural resource-based economy throughout much of the 20th century.

 

Present Day:

 

• Today, Jane Lew is a quiet, rural town with a population of just over 400 people. It has become known for its community-oriented lifestyle and proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including Stonecoal Lake and Sutton Lake, which attract visitors for fishing, boating, and hiking.
• The town celebrates its heritage, and there are local efforts to preserve the history of Jane Lew and Lewis County, including the preservation of historical sites like the Holt House, which is named after the early settler family.

 

Cultural and Historical Significance:

 

• While Jane Lew is not as populous or bustling as some larger towns, its historical roots are significant to the broader history of Lewis County. It is a reflection of the larger settlement patterns and industries that shaped the development of West Virginia.
• The town has kept much of its rural charm and remains a small, tight-knit community that honors its past.

Overall, Jane Lew’s history is marked by the early settlement of the region, its connection to the railroad era, and its continued development as part of the agricultural and natural resource-driven economy of West Virginia.


WE ❤️ Jane Lew