Shanks, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shanks, West Virginia
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Old Shanks Store and Post Office
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 Shanks, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Shanks, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Hampshire |
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
26761
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| Area code(s) | 304 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1555598 |
Shanks is a small, unincorporated community in Hampshire County, West Virginia. Being "unincorporated" means it's not an official city or town with its own local government. In the year 2000, about 800 people lived in Shanks.
Where is Shanks Located?
Shanks is found in the eastern part of West Virginia. It's located east of a town called Romney. A major road, U.S. Route 50, also known as the Northwestern Turnpike, goes right through the community. Shanks is also situated near the eastern side of South Branch Mountain.
The center of Shanks is where U.S. Route 50 meets Allen Hill Road. You can find Shanks Roadside Park just west of the community, right along U.S. Route 50. The North Fork Little Cacapon River also flows through this area.
How Did Shanks Get Its Name?
The community of Shanks was named after Abraham Shank. He was an early postmaster, which means he was in charge of the local post office. He was also a merchant, someone who owned a store and sold goods in the area.
Historic Places to See
Shanks has a few interesting historic sites that tell us about its past:
- Elmo Barnes House: This house is located on Allen Hill Road South.
- Old Shanks Post Office: You can find this historic building where U.S. Route 50 meets Allen Hill Road North.
