Capon Springs, West Virginia Explained

Capon Springs, West Virginia
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:West Virginia#USA
Pushpin Label:Capon Springs
Pushpin Label Position:left
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:West Virginia
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Hampshire
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population As Of:2000
Population Total:95
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:Eastern (EST)
Utc Offset:-5
Timezone Dst:EDT
Utc Offset Dst:-4
Coordinates:39.1361°N -78.4844°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP codes
Postal Code:26823
Area Code:304
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID

Capon Springs is an unincorporated community in Hampshire County, West Virginia, United States. According to the 2000 census, the Capon Springs community has a population of 95.[1]

It is located on Capon Springs Road (West Virginia Secondary Route 16) along Capon Springs Run. Originally known as Frye's Springs after its discoverer Henry Frye, and later established as the Town of Watson in 1787, the town was renamed for its medicinal spring.[2] The springs were believed to carry such healing power that half an acre sold for $900 in gold in the late 18th century. After West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863, it had to pay Virginia for the loss of the springs during Reconstruction. The historic Capon Springs & Farms resort is located here and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable people

Herman Guy Kump (1877–1962), 19th Governor of West Virginia, and American educator Arthur R. M. Spaid (1866–1936) were born in Capon Springs.

Historical names

Capon Springs and its post office have been known by several varying names throughout its history, which include:

  • Cacapehon Spring
  • Cacapon Springs
  • Frye's Springs
  • Fryes Spring
  • Fryes Springs
  • Watson
  • Watson Town
  • Watsontown
  • Watsonville

Historic sites

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.downloadzipcode.com/WV/26823/ Capon Springs, West Virginia ZIP code profile
  2. Book: Kenny, Hamill. West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains. 1945. The Place Name Press . Piedmont, WV. 154.