Independence, Preston County, West Virginia Explained

Independence
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:West Virginia#USA
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within the state of West Virginia
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:West Virginia
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Preston
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population As Of:2000
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:Eastern (EST)
Utc Offset:-5
Timezone Dst:EDT
Utc Offset Dst:-4
Elevation Ft:1181
Coordinates:39.3931°N -79.8717°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP codes
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1540661

Independence is an unincorporated community in Preston County, West Virginia, United States, adjacent to the town of Newburg.

Independence was home to a public primary school. During the 1950s and 1960s the community hosted the popular “Watermelon Days,” which provided amusement and entertainment for much of Preston and Taylor counties.

Watermelon Day was highlighted by the arrival and departure of various B&O trains. Popular among the residents was nearby swimming at Fortney’s Mill. Today the children of Independence attend Preston County Public Schools.

The community's name commemorates Independence Day.[1]

Notable person

Notes and References

  1. 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. 324.