Bower, West Virginia facts for kids

Bower was once a small community, or what we call an "extinct town," located in Braxton County, in the state of West Virginia. When we say "extinct," it means that the town no longer exists as an active community today. It's like a ghost town, where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly gone. The U.S. government's Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) still lists it as a "populated place," even though it's no longer active.

What Was Bower?

Bower was a small settlement that had a brief but important history. Many small towns like Bower grew up around specific industries or services. For Bower, a key part of its story was its post office.

History of Bower

The community of Bower got its name from a man named Henry Bower. He was an important official who worked for the railroad. Often, towns would be named after people who helped establish them or were significant figures in the area's development.

A post office was opened in Bower in 1906. Having a post office was a big deal for a small community. It meant people could send and receive letters, packages, and stay connected with the outside world. It also showed that there were enough people living there to need such a service. The post office served the community for many years, but it eventually closed its doors in 1941. After the post office closed, the community likely saw fewer people living there, and over time, it became an "extinct town."