I am aware of the stickied WV photo thread... but this will be a rather detailed look at Elkins... and I don't want to bog down that thread. These photos were taken 2 and a half years ago (I updated the population figures). I am a Pennsylvanian who has always loved WV and enjoy exploring its towns and cities. My photography hobby is "urban documentation", examining the "sense of place". I will share several other WV towns in the near future.
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Elkins (pop. 7,094) is the seat of Randolph County (29,405) and is located in north-central West Virginia about 145 miles south of Pittsburgh and 135 miles northeast of Charleston WV at the intersection of US-33, US-219 and US-250. Elkins has an urban cluster population of 11,061. The city is situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet amidst the Allegheny Mountains just outside the Monongahela National Forest.
Located along the Tygart River, Elkins was founded in 1890 by railroad tycoons who developed the Central West Virginia and Pittsburgh Railway. Elkins grew as a center of rail transportation, coal mining, timbering and manufacturing. Today, Elkins exists as an important jumping-off point for the countless outdoors recreation opportunities nearby. Liberal arts college Dave & Elkins is located here.
traveling through the mountains from Buckhannon to Elkins... golly there was some gorgeous scenery along the way
the weather turned dreary as I descended into Elkins... here's some industrial grit
tourist train through the mountains
yard sales were popular in Elkins too... though Buckhannon was surely the epicentre of West Virginia yard sale culture
urban decay
another abandoned school
some impressive buildings... founded rather late in 1890... Elkins must've grew up quick
a mansion on Davis & Elkins' campus overlooking downtown
a caged building
there appeared to be a handful of interesting restaurants downtown... but not a creature was stirring...
maybe these rail enthusiasts will patronize downtown's businesses after the ride
I stumbled across a rather interesting festival in their lovely city park
The Augusta Heritage Festival is a celebration of traditional "American" musical styles... such as bluegrass, zydeco, and folk...
I then ascended the hill to the campus of Davis & Elkins... which was founded in 1904
two hilltop mansions form part of the campus
a little treat for all of you who love dorky modernist architecture... the Eshleman Science Center (1972)
HQ of the Monongahela National Forest
I then discovered some really great residential areas
The Randolph County Courthouse was completed in 1907
I loved Elkins. It is one of my favorite spots in West Virginia!