Rio, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rio, West Virginia
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 Rio, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Rio, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Hampshire |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1545756 |
Rio (pronounced RYE-O) is a small, unincorporated community in southern Hampshire County, West Virginia. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, but it still has a name and people living there. Rio is located near the border with Hardy County. It sits where two roads, Augusta-Ford Hill Road and Delray Road, meet in the beautiful North River Valley. In the year 2000, about 154 people lived in Rio.
What's in a Name?
The name "Rio" comes from the Spanish word for "river." It was chosen because the North River flows right through the center of the community.
You might think "Rio" would be pronounced "Ree-Oh," like in Spanish. However, the people who live in Rio, West Virginia, say it as "Rye-Oh."
The community almost had a different name! According to the history book of Hampshire County, people first thought about naming it Oxford. But there was already a town called Oxford in another county. Then they considered the name Richardson, but that didn't stick either. Finally, they decided to name the town after a natural landmark in the valley, choosing "Rio" for the river.
The Famous Rio Turtle
One of the most well-known landmarks in Rio is the Rio Turtle. This is a large rock formation in the North River that looks just like a turtle! Over many years, local residents have painted the rock to make it look even more like a turtle, often giving it a green shell. The Rio Turtle is a beloved natural landmark and a fun sight to see in the town.
Places to Visit in Rio
Rio has a few interesting spots to check out:
- Rio Turtle: You can find this famous rock formation about 2.5 miles west of Rio on Augusta-Ford Hill Road (also known as County Route 53).
- Old Rio Schoolhouse: This historic building is located right in Rio on Delray Road (West Virginia Route 29). It's a reminder of the community's past.
- Ebenezer Lutheran Church: This church is also in Rio, on Augusta-Ford Hill Road.
- God's Pavilion Church: Another church located in Rio on Augusta-Ford Hill Road.
- Rio Fun Fair and Parade: If you visit around the 4th of July weekend, you might catch the annual Fun Fair and Parade, which takes place at the Old Schoolhouse.
