Cass, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cass
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Census-designated place (CDP)
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Main Street in Cass
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 Cass
Location in West Virginia
Cass
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Pocahontas |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.790 sq mi (2.05 km2) |
| • Land | 0.790 sq mi (2.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 38 |
| • Density | 48.1/sq mi (18.57/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Cass is a small, historic town in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It sits right by the Greenbrier River. In 2020, only about 38 people lived there. The town was started in 1901. It was named after Joseph Kerr Cass, who helped create a large paper company.
Contents
The Story of Cass: A Company Town
Cass began in 1901 as a special town for workers. These workers cut down trees on Cheat Mountain for the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. It was known as a "company town" because the company owned most of the homes and businesses.
How Logs Became Lumber
Trains brought the cut logs from the mountain to Cass. Here, the logs were processed at a big mill. They were turned into wood for paper and hardwood floors. This wood was then sent and used all over the United States.
Life in Early Cass
Skilled workers lived in Cass with their families. They worked in the wood mill or fixed the train engines. Their homes were 52 white houses, neatly lined up on a hill. These houses were south of the general store.
Changes Over Time
The wood mill closed in 1960. But Cass found a new purpose! In 1963, the state bought the old logging railroad. They turned it into a fun train ride for visitors. This train takes people into the huge Monongahela National Forest.
Later, in the 1970s, the state bought most of Cass. This was to create the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Sadly, the old mill burned down in 1982. In 1980, Cass became a historic place. This means its old buildings are important to history.
Cass Today: A Park and a Community
Today, Cass is a popular place for tourists. It has a general store where you can buy things. There's also a restaurant and a history museum. About 20 of the old houses have been fixed up for visitors to stay in.
The Scenic Railroad Adventure
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park starts in town. It takes you to Whittaker Station, which is halfway up the mountain. Here, you can see a restored camp where loggers used to live. The train then continues up to Bald Knob. This is the third highest peak in West Virginia.
Sometimes, the trains also go to the ghost town of Spruce, West Virginia. A small number of homes in Cass are still privately owned. However, the State of West Virginia owns most of the land and buildings.
Outdoor Fun in Cass
Cass is also the starting point for the Greenbrier River Trail. This is a long trail perfect for biking and walking. It follows the path of the Greenbrier River.
Population of Cass
Cass has always been a small community. Here's how its population has changed:
- 2010: 52 people
- 2020: 38 people
See also
In Spanish: Cass (Virginia Occidental) para niños
