Lake Shawnee, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lake Shawnee, West Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
 Lake Shawnee, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Lake Shawnee, West Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Mercer |
| Elevation | 2,077 ft (633 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 & 681 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1557242 |
Lake Shawnee is a small, unincorporated community located in Mercer County, West Virginia, in the United States. It can be found along U.S. Route 19, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of the city of Princeton.
Contents
The Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
Lake Shawnee is best known for its abandoned amusement park, which closed in 1966. This park was built on land with a long and sometimes sad history.
A Look at the Land's History
The area where the amusement park stands was once an old Native American burial ground. Later, in 1783, it became a farm owned by the Clay family. During that time, there were conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, and sadly, some members of the Clay family died on the land.
Building an Amusement Park
In the 1920s, a businessman named Conley T. Snidow bought the old Clay farm. He decided to turn it into an amusement park, hoping to create a fun place for families to visit. The park featured rides and attractions for people of all ages.
Unfortunate Accidents at the Park
While the park was open, several unfortunate accidents occurred. For example, a young girl was hit by a truck near a swing ride, and a boy drowned in the park's swimming pond. These incidents contributed to the park's mysterious reputation.
The Park Today
Today, the rides and structures of the Lake Shawnee Amusement Park are still standing, but they are abandoned and falling apart. Because of its history and the accidents that happened there, many people believe the site is "cursed" or "haunted." Around Halloween, special tours are offered for those brave enough to explore the abandoned park.
