Elkwater, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elkwater, West Virginia
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 Elkwater, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Elkwater, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Randolph |
| Elevation | 2,123 ft (647 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1551046 |
Elkwater is a small place in Randolph County, West Virginia, in the United States. It's called an unincorporated community because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
You can find Elkwater along U.S. Route 219 and West Virginia Route 55. It sits right next to the Tygart Valley River. It's about 5.6 miles (9 km) southwest of a town called Huttonsville.
The name Elkwater comes from a nearby stream called Elkwater Fork creek.
History of Elkwater
Elkwater During the Civil War
Elkwater played a part in the American Civil War, which happened from 1861 to 1865. This war was fought between the northern states (called the Union) and the southern states (called the Confederacy).
In the summer of 1861, a military base called Camp Elkwater was built here. It was a strong fort with artillery, which are large guns used in warfare. This camp was built by the Union army in what was then western Virginia.
About 3,000 Union soldiers were sent to Camp Elkwater in September 1861. These troops were led by General Joseph J. Reynolds. Their mission was to stop the Confederate forces, led by General Robert E Lee, after a battle known as the Battle of Cheat Mountain.
