Gad, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gad
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 Gad
Location in West Virginia
Gad
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Nicholas |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Gad is a fascinating place in Nicholas County, West Virginia, United States, but you won't find it on a modern map. That's because Gad is a ghost town, meaning it no longer exists as a living community. Its story is tied to the creation of a large lake.
What Was Gad?
Gad was once a small town located along McKee's Creek in West Virginia. Like many small communities, it had homes, possibly a store, and people living their daily lives. It was a part of the local landscape for many years.
Why Did Gad Disappear?
The town of Gad was purchased by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This government group builds and manages many public works projects, like dams and lakes. They bought the land where Gad stood to create Summersville Lake. This large lake was built to help control floods and provide recreation.
The construction of Summersville Lake was a big project. The lake officially opened on September 3, 1956. When the lake filled up, the entire area where Gad used to be was covered by water.
Where is Gad Now?
Today, the original site of the town of Gad is located deep under the waters of Summersville Lake. If you visit the lake, the old town site is near the marina. It's a unique example of how nature and human projects can change a landscape forever.
How Did Gad Get Its Name?
It is believed that the community of Gad was named after a local family. This family's last name was Gadd. Many towns and places get their names from the people who first settled there or were important in the area's history.
