Silver and Gold: Recapping 2024 – A Year of Reflection and Celebration in Pocahontas County, WV

As 2024 comes to a close, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, stands proud of its heritage, community spirit, and its local institutions. The past year was particularly special as it marked several Gold and Silver Anniversaries of significant institutions that have shaped the county’s identity. 

A Year of Celebration: Gold and Silver Anniversaries

The highlight of 2024 for many in Pocahontas County was the observance of the 50th and 25th anniversaries of institutions and discoveries that have helped define our county. These anniversaries have offered a series moment for locals and visitors alike to reflect on the county’s past, and celebrate its rich cultural tapestry from science to nature to literature to drama and music.

1. 25 Years of the Pocahontas County Opera House

The 25th Anniversary Season of the Pocahontas County Opera House began on September 28th, 2024. Originally built in 1910 by lumberman and publisher of the Marlinton Messenger, J. G. Tilton, Marlinton was the epicenter of the region’s lumber business at the time. Appropriately, the Opera House continues to serve as a cultural hub for the community, but now as the epicenter of the Arts. The Opera House has long been a place for local theater productions, concerts, square dances. Its spacious confines have hosted a bevy of community gatherings like the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner, Christmas craft fairs, and even weddings. This year, the Opera House marks 25 years with a fantastic slate of performances and has put together its first ever playbill for each half of the season. The silver season resumes on February 15th, 2025 with its annual Opry Night: Story Sessions Live. 

2. 50th Anniversary of the Allegheny Trail

2024 also marked the 50th anniversary of the Allegheny Trail, a 311-mile-long hiking trail that winds 86 miles through the scenic mountains of Pocahontas County. The trail has become a cherished part of West Virginia’s outdoor landscape, from its Northern Terminus is located on the Mason Dixon Line along the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border to its Southern Terminus on Peters Mountain where it abuts the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The trail offers hikers of all types and skill levels a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Allegheny Highlands. 

Since its inception in 1974, the Allegheny Trail (abbreviated ALT) has been a testament to the volunteer based West Virginia Scenic Trail Association’s commitment to preserving its natural environment while providing outdoor enthusiasts with an unforgettable adventure. It traverses some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, including two state forests, miles of rugged ridgelines, and serene valleys, making it a key destination for nature lovers and backpackers.

The 50th anniversary celebrations included special events, group hikes, and educational programs to honor the trail’s history and the dedicated volunteers who have helped maintain it over the years. As the Allegheny Trail continues to grow in popularity, this milestone reminds us of the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations to explore and enjoy.

3. The 50th Anniversary of Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort

For visitors to Pocahontas County, Snowshoe Mountain is synonymous with peak outdoor adventure, particularly during the winter months. Over the weekend of December 19th-21st, 2024, Snowshoe celebrated the 50th anniversary of its transformation from a small ski area into a world-class resort. Over the years, Snowshoe has evolved to include a wide variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to world class mountain biking, hiking, and music festivals like 4848. The anniversary was commemorated with special events, such as anniversary-themed ski runs, nostalgic gatherings of past staff and visitors, and family-friendly celebrations throughout the resort.

4. 50th Anniversary of the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum

2024 also marked the 50th anniversary of the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum, a historic site dedicated to the life and legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning author. Located in the heart of Pocahontas County, the museum offers a glimpse into the early life of Pearl S. Buck. Pearl’s groundbreaking novels, including the Pulitzer Prize winner of 1932, The Good Earth, brought global attention to the struggles and triumphs of Chinese peasants and other marginalized communities.

The museum has played a crucial role in preserving Buck’s legacy, and this year’s anniversary celebrations highlighted her contributions to literature and social justice. Special events, including guided tours, literary readings, and lectures on Buck’s impact, were held throughout the year. The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum remains an important cultural asset for the county, not only celebrating the life of a remarkable woman but also reminding visitors of the power of storytelling to bring about social change.

As we reflect on 50 years of this treasured museum, it serves as both a reminder of Pocahontas County’s rich literary history and a testament to the enduring impact of Pearl S. Buck’s work on the world stage.

5. 50th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Black Hole by Green Bank Observatory

In 2024, the Green Bank Observatory celebrated the 50th anniversary of a groundbreaking moment in the field of astronomy—the discovery of a supermassive black hole ‘Sagittarius A*’ at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This momentous event helped solidify the Green Bank Observatory’s reputation as a premier research facility, contributing to our understanding of deep space and the mysteries of the universe.

In 1974, researchers at the observatory, using its powerful radio telescopes, detected the first verifiable evidence of a black hole, an astronomical phenomenon that has since fascinated scientists and the general public alike. The observatory’s role in this historic discovery has not only placed Pocahontas County on the map in terms of scientific research but also sparked further innovations in space exploration.

To commemorate this incredible milestone, Green Bank hosted special events throughout the year, including public talks, telescope tours, and exhibitions showcasing the history of the discovery and the cutting-edge research that continues to take place at the observatory today. As the county celebrates this 50th anniversary, it is a reminder of Pocahontas County’s unique position at the forefront of scientific discovery, continuing to inspire curiosity about the universe for generations to come.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

As we look to the future, Pocahontas County is poised for another year of growth, innovation, and reflection. While the county continues to honor its over 200 year old history, it also embraces the opportunities that lie ahead, including further development in sustainable tourism, continued support for its small businesses, and a focus on community wellness.

2025 promises to be a year of new adventures, as the county continues to shine as a beacon of natural beauty, community spirit, and cultural richness. With these 50th anniversaries of 2024 behind us, Pocahontas County is ready to embark on the next chapter of its storied journey, inviting visitors and residents alike to experience all the magic this special place has to offer.

Conclusion

Pocahontas County, West Virginia, has experienced a remarkable 2024, full of nostalgia, celebration, and community pride. As the county continues to celebrate its past while looking to the future, it remains a shining example of what makes small towns across America so special: a deep connection to history, a love for the land, and a commitment to community.

Here’s to another year of progress, pride, and celebration in Pocahontas County!