Fort Spring, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Spring, West Virginia
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 Fort Spring, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Fort Spring, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Greenbrier |
| Elevation | 1,637 ft (499 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1539161 |
Fort Spring is a small community in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States. It's located right next to the Greenbrier River. This area was once an important part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway train route. The community got its name because it used to export a lot of limestone from a place called Snowflake Quarry.
History of Fort Spring
Fort Spring was first known as "Mann's Ferry." The name "Fort Spring" comes from an old settler fort that used to be here. Sadly, this fort has been lost to history. A rock cliff nearby is called 'Wilson's Bluff' after a family who lived there long ago.
Ancient Discoveries
A famous person named Colonel John Stuart lived in this area. He found bones of an Ice Age sloth, called Megalonyx jeffersonii. He even sent these bones to Thomas Jefferson, who later became a U.S. President! Colonel Stuart also noticed there were caves in the area with saltpetre. Saltpetre was used to make gunpowder in the past.
Unique Landscape
The land around Fort Spring is very interesting. It has a mix of karst topography, which means it has limestone rocks and caves. There are also riparian floodplain areas near the river. You can see ancient riverbeds and farmlands mixed with forests. People in Fort Spring get their drinking water from wells or cisterns.
Fun Activities in Fort Spring
Thanks to recent efforts to promote tourism in West Virginia, Fort Spring is now a popular spot for outdoor adventures. Many people like to start their kayak or boat trips here. They can then paddle down the Greenbrier River to the nearby town of Alderson. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
