Bulltown, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bulltown, West Virginia
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 Bulltown, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Bulltown, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Braxton |
| Elevation | 791 ft (241 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 11452 |
Bulltown is a historic place in Braxton County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an extinct town, meaning people no longer live there. The area is recognized by the Geographic Names Information System as a populated place.
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Exploring Bulltown's Location
Bulltown is found at 38°47′19″N 80°33′59″W / 38.78861°N 80.56639°W. This location is part of the Little Kanawha River Valley. The river's water flows through this area.
Nature and History in Bulltown
The Bulltown Historical District is home to the Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area. This area protects nature and wildlife. Bulltown is also a significant site from the American Civil War. You can find seven graves of Confederate soldiers here. There are also old Union trenches. A Historic Center helps visitors learn about the past.
Outdoor Fun at Bulltown
The Weston-Gauley Bridge Turnpike Trail runs through the park. It is a great place for hiking. There is also a public camping area near the lake. This makes Bulltown a fun spot for outdoor adventures.
The Story Behind the Name: Chief Bull
Bulltown gets its name from a Delaware Native American leader. He was known as 'Chief Bull'. He was also called 'Capt. Bull', 'Honest John', and 'Brother Gideon'.
Chief Bull's Journey
In 1763, Chief Bull and about 50 of his people arrived in the area. They had traveled from a prison in the New York colony. They first camped near the Cheat River for a few weeks. Then, they moved up the Monongahela River. They set up a temporary camp near what is now Fairmont, West Virginia.
Settling in Bulltown
The following spring, Chief Bull's group moved again. They settled near the present-day Bulltown, West Virginia. This spot was along the Little Kanawha River. They built 20 cabins and a council house there. This place became known as Chief Bull's old camp. They lived peacefully with the pioneer settlers for a time. Later, the Delawares moved further west. They went to the White River and then to the Mississippi. Today, some of their descendants still live in West Virginia.
Bulltown's Historic Area Today
The Bulltown Historic Area is a special place. It includes the battlefield from the Battle of Bulltown in 1863. There is a visitor center with exhibits. These exhibits teach about the town and the battle.
Preserving Old Buildings
You can also see several 19th-century log homes and other old buildings. Many of these buildings were moved here by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This happened when Burnsville Lake was created. The Cunningham House and Outbuildings and the Union Civil War Fortification are important. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This helps protect them for future generations.
