Pettyjohn, Marion County, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pettyjohn, Marion County,
West Virginia |
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 Pettyjohn, Marion County,
West Virginia Location in West Virginia
Pettyjohn, Marion County,
West Virginia Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Marion |
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS ID | 1718190 |
Pettyjohn was a small, historic place in Marion County, West Virginia, United States. It was known as an unincorporated community. This means it was a settlement that didn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it was part of the larger county.
What Was Pettyjohn?
Pettyjohn was more than just a name on a map. It was a busy little hub in its time. The community had several important features that helped people live and trade. These included a ferry, a place to make salt, a mail drop, and a trading post.
Who Founded Pettyjohn?
Pettyjohn was founded in 1776 by a brave frontiersman named Captain David Morgan. He was an important figure in the early history of West Virginia. Morgan was known for exploring and settling new lands. He built many houses in the area, and one of them was in Pettyjohn.
Life in Early Pettyjohn
Life in Pettyjohn revolved around its key services.
- Ferry: A ferry was like a small boat that carried people and goods across a river. This was super important for travel before bridges were common.
- Salt Works: Salt was a very valuable resource back then. It was used to preserve food, especially meat. A "salt works" was a place where salt was made, often by boiling salty water from underground springs.
- Mail Drop: This was where people could send and receive letters. It connected Pettyjohn to other communities.
- Trading Post: A trading post was like a general store. People could trade furs or other goods for supplies they needed, like tools, cloth, or food.
These features show that Pettyjohn was a vital spot for settlers in the late 1700s. It provided essential services for people living on the frontier.
