Aurora, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aurora, West Virginia
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Red Horse Tavern
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Location in Preston County and the state of West Virginia.
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Preston |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.109 sq mi (5.46 km2) |
| • Land | 2.109 sq mi (5.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,644 ft (806 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 201 |
| • Density | 95.31/sq mi (36.80/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1556729 |
Aurora is a small community in West Virginia, United States. It is an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's also a census-designated place, which is an area the government defines for counting people.
Aurora is located in the southeastern part of Preston County. In 2010, about 201 people lived there. You can find Aurora along U.S. Route 50, a main road that connects it to the Maryland state line and the town of Rowlesburg. A beautiful natural area called Cathedral State Park is also very close to Aurora.
History of Aurora
Early Beginnings
Aurora was first settled by people from Germany. The community had different names before it became Aurora. First, it was called Salem, and later, it was known as Mount Carmel. The name Aurora was chosen because the town is located very high up in the mountains.
One of the first people to settle in this area was John Stough. He was a Lutheran minister. For many years, during the early and mid-1800s, the main jobs in Aurora were farming and cutting down trees for timber.
Aurora as a Resort Town
In the late 1880s, Aurora became a popular place for vacations. Several large hotels were built there. These hotels offered fun things like swimming pools and places for concerts. Some even had casinos. People would come to Aurora to relax and enjoy the mountain air.
Later, in the 1930s, a group of artists decided to live and work in the nearby Youghiogheny Forest area. They formed a special artist community there.
Historic Places Nearby
Several important historical places are located near Aurora. These include the Brookside Historic District, a place called Gaymont, and the Red Horse Tavern. These sites are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their special history and are protected.
See also
In Spanish: Aurora (Virginia Occidental) para niños
