Walker Hill, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walker Hill, West Virginia
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 Walker Hill, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Greenbrier |
| Elevation | 3,005 ft (916 m) |
Walker Hill is a fascinating place known as a ghost town. It is located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where people once lived and worked, but now it is mostly empty.
Walker Hill was situated right next to another place called Orient Hill. Maps from the USGS showed Walker Hill as late as 1935. This means that by that year, it was still recognized as a place on official maps.
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What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a town that has been abandoned. Most of its buildings are empty. Sometimes, no one lives there at all. These towns often become empty when the main reason for their existence disappears.
For example, a mining town might become a ghost town if the mine runs out of ore. Or, a town on a old road might be abandoned if a new highway is built elsewhere.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
There are many reasons why a town might turn into a ghost town.
- Resource Depletion: If a town grew because of a natural resource, like gold or coal, it might be abandoned when that resource is gone.
- Economic Changes: Industries might move away, taking jobs with them.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, or fires can force people to leave.
- New Transportation Routes: When new roads or railways bypass a town, it can lose its importance.
- Wars or Conflicts: Sometimes, people leave due to dangerous conditions.
Walker Hill's Location
Walker Hill is found in Greenbrier County. This county is in the southeastern part of West Virginia. The area is known for its beautiful mountains and forests.
The town was located just north of Orient Hill. This gives us a good idea of its exact spot on a map. Knowing its location helps us understand the geography of the area.
A Glimpse into History
We know that Walker Hill appeared on maps from the USGS until at least 1935. This suggests that the town was active or at least recognized as a settlement up to that point. After 1935, it likely faded from maps as its population decreased.
Many small towns in West Virginia grew around specific industries. Without more information, it's hard to say exactly why Walker Hill became a ghost town. However, its disappearance from maps points to a decline in its population or importance over time.
