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Onego, West Virginia facts for kids

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Onego
Onego is located in West Virginia
Onego
Onego
Location in West Virginia
Onego is located in the United States
Onego
Onego
Location in the United States
Country United States
State West Virginia
County Pendleton
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
GNIS feature ID 1552388

Onego (pronounced '1 go') is a small, unincorporated community in Pendleton County, West Virginia, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of a larger county.

Onego is located along U.S. Highway 33. It sits where two creeks, Seneca Creek and Roaring Creek, meet. This meeting point is called a confluence. The community is nestled within the beautiful Monongahela National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains, very close to the famous Seneca Rocks.

What's in a Name? The Story of Onego

The name Onego has a few interesting stories behind it. People have wondered for a long time how this community got its unique name.

Possible Origins of the Name

There are a few ideas about where the name Onego came from:

  • Native American Tribe: One idea is that the community might have been named after a Native American tribe that once lived in the area.
  • Narrow Bridge: Another popular story among local residents is about an old bridge. They say a bridge over Roaring Creek was so narrow that only one car could cross at a time. So, people would say "one go" to decide whose turn it was.
  • Seneca Word for Pool: The most likely origin is from the Seneca language. The word Onego is believed to be a Seneca word that means "pool." This makes sense because the community is located at the confluence of two creeks, where pools of water would naturally form.

Exploring the Area Around Onego

Onego is located in a very scenic part of West Virginia, offering many natural attractions.

Monongahela National Forest

The community is inside the Monongahela National Forest. This large forest covers over 900,000 acres. It's known for its beautiful mountains, dense woods, and many streams. The forest is a great place for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature.

Appalachian Mountains

Onego is part of the Appalachian Mountains. This mountain range stretches for thousands of miles across eastern North America. The Appalachians are ancient mountains, known for their rounded peaks and rich biodiversity. They offer stunning views and a habitat for many types of plants and animals.

Nearby Seneca Rocks

Just a short distance from Onego is Seneca Rocks. This is a famous rock formation that stands tall and proud. It's a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking, offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

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