9 Ways To Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Pocahontas County

On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday! Whether you’re interested in history, culture or small-town festivities, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. 

1. Attend First Fridays in Marlinton  

Few things capture the spirit of America quite like spending time in a small town. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at First Fridays at Discover Junction in Marlinton from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 3.

The theme, “Happy 250th Birthday, America,” will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence and free birthday cake. The evening will include live music from the 249th Army Band, a distinguished wind ensemble composed of members of the West Virginia Army National Guard. The 40-piece band performs a variety of music, including ceremonial, patriotic and seasonal selections.

There will also be a hands-on activity led by artist and foundry educator, Caroline Hanson. Design personalized sand molds with textures, names and symbols, then watch a live foundry pour as molten aluminum is cast into custom aluminum stars. 

2. The America250 Mural 

One of the most visible ways Pocahontas County is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary is through its America250 Mural Project. More than 80 Pocahontas County High School students and several staff members came together to create the mural, which celebrates 250 years of American history while highlighting what makes this corner of West Virginia unique.

The artwork features the Gaudineer Knob spruce forest, the Green Bank Observatory and a biking trail, showcasing the natural beauty, innovation and outdoor recreation that define Pocahontas County. The mural will soon be installed on the historic Rivertown building in Marlinton. 

3. Celebrate at 4,848 Elevation 

Spend the Fourth of July weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The festivities begin on July 3 with live music from Josh Pantry at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The celebration continues on July 4 with performances by Stalnaker Hill, Creek Can’t Rise, Hillbilly Biscuit and Bootleg Dynasty, along with the family- and dog-friendly Ruff Race.

Mountain bikers can also take part in the Hotdogs and Handlebars race, part of Snowshoe’s beginner-friendly downhill mountain bike series.

4. Get a Taste of America 

Take a culinary tour of the nation at Appalachia Kitchen’s Seven-Course Taste of America Wine Dinner on July 5 at 6 p.m. This farm-to-table experience pairs locally sourced seasonal ingredients with six American wines, presented by Appalachia Kitchen’s James Beard-nominated chef and sommelier.

The menu includes chilled cucumber soup with Eroica Riesling (WA), fried green tomatoes with Frank Family Chardonnay (CA), antipasto with Stoller Pinot Noir (OR), trout roulade with Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (CA), watermelon sorbet, a rack of lamb with Louis M. Martini “The Gryphon” Cabernet Sauvignon (CA) and raspberry cheesecake bites with Gruet Sauvage Blanc de Blancs (NM). Reservations are available online.

5. Enjoy the Day In a Historic Town 

Spend part of your holiday in the historic town of Cass at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. On July 4, the park naturalist will lead educational programs highlighting the region’s natural and cultural history.

During the afternoon, explore stream invertebrates and river ecology and play a round of bird bingo. Later in the evening, stop by the Cass Company Store for tie-dyeing, then gather at the pavilion for a campfire. Marshmallow sticks are provided, but guests should bring their own s’mores supplies.

6. Visit the Site of a Pivotal Civil War Battle 

Among the many events that have shaped the nation’s history, the Battle of Droop Mountain stands out as a defining moment for Pocahontas County. Fought on November 6, 1863, the battle was one of the largest and most brutal Civil War battles in West Virginia, ending with a Union victory.

Today, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park — West Virginia’s oldest state park, established in 1928 — features hiking trails, a museum with battlefield artifacts and an overlook tower with sweeping views of the Little Levels Valley. The park is also part of the Civil War Discovery Trail. 

7. Discover the Legacy of Pearl S. Buck

Visit the birthplace of one of the country’s most influential literary voices, Pearl S. Buck. Born in Hillsboro in 1892, Buck went on to become the author of “The Good Earth,” receive the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and become the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.

Although she spent much of her life abroad, her West Virginia roots remained an important influence on her life and work. Today, her family home operates as a museum and is open for tours from Memorial Day Weekend through the last weekend of October. 

8. Experience One of America’s Quietest Places 

Established in 1956, the Green Bank Observatory was the first national astronomy observatory in the United States. Its scientists have contributed to numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the first unambiguous detection of a radio recombination line in 1965.

The observatory sits within the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area where radio signals are restricted to prevent interference with scientific research. Visitors are asked to turn off cell phones and other wireless devices upon arrival, making Green Bank one of the few places where quiet still means quiet. 

Take time during the holiday weekend to tour the observatory, explore the science center and hike or bike nearby trails.

9. Follow the Quilt Trail of Pocahontas County

Celebrating America’s 250th is also about honoring the traditions and stories passed down through generations. Launched in 2013 to commemorate West Virginia’s 150th birthday, the Quilt Trail of Pocahontas County features 19 quilt patterns displayed on barns throughout the county.

These colorful works of public art are more than decorative. Many of the patterns date back to the 19th century and are believed to have conveyed secret messages during the Civil War. During this time, quilting served as both a practical skill and a subtle form of expression, allowing women to communicate their beliefs and support causes important to them.

Plan Your Trip

From attending small-town celebrations and firework displays to exploring American history, art and scientific discoveries, there are many ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Pocahontas County. Request a free Adventure Guide to start planning your trip.