Orleans Cross Roads, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orleans Cross Roads
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Amtrak's Capitol Limited speeds through Orleans Cross Roads in 2010.
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 Orleans Cross Roads
Location in West Virginia
Orleans Cross Roads
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Morgan |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555273 |
Orleans Cross Roads is a small, quiet community in Morgan County, West Virginia. It's an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's part of the wider county. This little place sits right next to the Potomac River, nestled on the side of a hill called Sideling Hill.
Contents
Where is Orleans Cross Roads?
Orleans Cross Roads is located in the eastern part of West Virginia. It's found on the western side of Sideling Hill, a long mountain ridge. The community is right by the Potomac River, which forms part of the border between West Virginia and Maryland.
Natural Surroundings
A small mountain stream called Rockwell Run flows through the area. This stream is fed by natural springs and eventually empties into the Potomac River. The landscape around Orleans Cross Roads is very scenic, with hills and the river nearby.
Getting There
You can reach Orleans Cross Roads by taking Orleans Road (which is also known as County Route 18/1). This road connects to Cacapon Road (West Virginia Route 9) through another road called Detour Road (County Route 18). It's a bit off the main highways, making it a peaceful spot.
A Look Back in Time
Orleans Cross Roads has a cool history, especially because of its connection to trains.
The Railroad Connection
Long ago, this community was an important stop on the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This railroad was one of the first major railways in the United States, and it helped connect many towns and cities. The train station here was known as Orleans Road Station. Imagine trains chugging through, carrying goods and people!
Post Office and Community Life
Besides the train station, Orleans Cross Roads also had its own post office. This was a big deal because it meant people in the community could send and receive mail easily. The community and its post office were often called Orleans Cross Roads or Orleans Crossroads. These services helped the community grow and connect with the outside world.
What's There Today?
Even though the train station and post office are no longer operating, Orleans Cross Roads is still a place where people live today.
Historic Church
One of the most notable buildings in the community is the historic Orleans Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was built way back in the 1850s, which makes it over 170 years old! It stands as a reminder of the community's past and its long history.
