Independence, Preston County, West Virginia

For other places with the same name, see Independence, West Virginia.

Independence
Unincorporated community
Independence Location within the state of West Virginia Show map of West Virginia Independence Independence (the United States) Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 39°23′35″N79°52′18″W / 39.39306°N 79.87167°W / 39.39306; -79.87167
Country	United States
State	West Virginia
County	Preston
Elevation [1]	1,181 ft (360 m)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
GNIS feature ID	1540661 [1]

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. ^[2]

Notable person

• Alexander Strausz- Hungarian-American soldier, architect and settler.

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Independence, Preston County, West Virginia
2. Kenny, Hamill (1945). West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains. Piedmont, WV: The Place Name Press. p. 324.