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Capon Springs, West Virginia facts for kids

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Capon Springs, West Virginia
Capon Springs, West Virginia is located in West Virginia
Capon Springs, West Virginia
Capon Springs, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Capon Springs, West Virginia is located in the United States
Capon Springs, West Virginia
Capon Springs, West Virginia
Location in the United States
Country United States
State West Virginia
County Hampshire
Population
 (2000)
 • Total 95
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
26823
Area code(s) 304
Main House Capon Springs WV 2004
Main House at Capon Springs Resort.
Octagon House Capon Springs WV 2004
The Octagon House from Capon Springs Road.

Capon Springs is a small, unincorporated community in Hampshire County, West Virginia, United States. An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. In 2000, about 95 people lived here.

The community is located on Capon Springs Road (West Virginia Secondary Route 16), next to Capon Springs Run. It was first called Frye's Springs after Henry Frye discovered it. Later, in 1787, it became the Town of Watson. The town was eventually renamed for its special spring. People believed the spring water had healing powers. Because of this, a small piece of land (half an acre) near the springs sold for $900 in gold in the late 1700s!

After West Virginia became a separate state from Virginia in 1863, it had to pay Virginia for the loss of these valuable springs. The famous Capon Springs & Farms resort is found here. This historic resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical site.

Famous People from Capon Springs

Some notable people were born in Capon Springs. These include:

  • Herman Guy Kump (1877–1962): He was the 19th Governor of West Virginia. A governor is the elected leader of a state.
  • Arthur R. M. Spaid (1866–1936): He was an American educator, meaning he worked in teaching and schools.

Past Names of Capon Springs

Old Red Store Capon Springs WV 2004
The Old Red Store & Post Office.

Over time, Capon Springs and its post office have been known by several different names. This often happens when communities grow or change. Here are some of the names it has used:

  • Cacapehon Spring
  • Cacapon Springs
  • Frye's Springs
  • Fryes Spring
  • Fryes Springs
  • Watson
  • Watson Town
  • Watsontown
  • Watsonville

Historic Places to See

Capon Springs has several historic sites that are important to its past. These include:

  • Capon Springs: This refers to the natural springs themselves, located on Capon Springs Road (CR 16).
  • Octagon House: A unique eight-sided house, also found on Capon Springs Road (CR 16).
  • Old Red Store: This building served as a store and post office. It's located at the corner of Capon Springs Road (CR 16) and McIlwee Road (CR 16/1).
  • Ms. Bessie's Bungalow: Another historic building on Capon Springs Road (CR 16).

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Capon Springs (Virginia Occidental) para niños

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