Hawks Nest, West Virginia facts for kids
Hawk's Nest is a famous peak located on Gauley Mountain in Ansted, West Virginia, USA. It's also the home of Hawks Nest State Park. Imagine cliffs that rise super high, about 585 feet (178 meters), above the amazing New River!
For a long time, this spot has been a popular stop for travelers. Back in the day, people traveling on the James River and Kanawha Turnpike would pause to enjoy the incredible views of the river below. Today, the Midland Trail, which is part of U.S. Route 60, follows a similar path. There's plenty of parking at the state park's overlook, so visitors can easily enjoy these stunning sights for free. Even famous English writer Harriet Martineau, who visited in the 1830s, thought the view at Hawk's Nest was almost as breathtaking as Niagara Falls! She also shared a story that John Marshall, who later became a very important judge, might have been one of the first European-American explorers to find this spot when he was young.
What's in a Name? The Story of Hawk's Nest
The name "Hawk's Nest" comes from the many fish hawks (also known as ospreys) that used to live on these huge cliffs. They built their nests there, making it a true hawk's home!
However, things changed when the railroad started building through the area. Between 1869 and 1873, there was a lot of blasting and construction. Sadly, because of all the noise and disturbance, the hawks left their nests and never returned. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was finally finished in this area on January 29, 1873. A special ceremony was even held at the new Hawk's Nest Station to celebrate!
The Hawk's Nest Tunnel Project
Near Hawk's Nest, there was a big project to build a hydro-electric power plant. This project involved digging a long tunnel, about three miles (4.8 kilometers) long. It started in 1927 and was built by a company called Union Carbide.
During the tunnel's construction, the air became filled with tiny bits of silica dust from the rocks. Unfortunately, many workers were not given special masks to protect their lungs, even though the managers wore masks when they came to inspect the site. Because of this, many workers, especially poor and African American laborers, became very sick. They developed a serious lung disease called silicosis, which sometimes caused them to become ill and pass away very quickly, even within a year. This sad event became known as the Hawk's Nest Incident.
Fun Things to Do at Hawk's Nest State Park
Today, Hawk's Nest State Park is a fantastic place to visit and explore! It offers many fun activities for families and adventurers:
- A nature museum where you can learn about the local wildlife and environment.
- A nine-hole golf course for those who enjoy a round of golf.
- A comfortable 31-room lodge where visitors can stay overnight.
- Exciting jetboat rides on the New River, giving you a unique view from below the cliffs.
- Awesome hiking trails that let you explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
