Pendleton County, West Virginia

Pendleton County
County
Pendleton County Courthouse
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of West Virginia
West Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°41′N79°22′W / 38.68°N 79.36°W / 38.68; -79.36
Country	United States
State	West Virginia
Founded	May 1, 1788
Named for	Edmund Pendleton
Seat	Franklin
Largest town	Franklin
Area
• Total	698 sq mi (1,810 km2)
• Land	696 sq mi (1,800 km2)
• Water	2.1 sq mi (5 km2)  0.3%
Population  (2020)
• Total	6,143
• Estimate  (2021)	6,142
• Density	8.8/sq mi (3.4/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	2nd
Website	www.pendletoncounty.wv.gov

Pendleton County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,143, ^[1] making it the second-least populous county in West Virginia. Its county seat is Franklin. ^[2] The county was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1788 ^[3] from parts of Augusta, Hardy, and Rockingham counties and was named for Edmund Pendleton (1721–1803), a distinguished Virginia statesman and jurist. ^{[4] [5]} Pendleton County was strongly pro-Confederate during the American Civil War; however, there were pockets of Unionists who supported the state government in Wheeling. ^[6]

Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest point in the state and in the Alleghenies, its elevation being 4,863 feet. Parts of the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests are also located in Pendleton County.

History

By the 1740s, the three main valleys of what became Pendleton County had been visited and named by white hunters and prospectors. One of the hunters, a single man named Abraham Burner, built himself a log cabin about a half mile downstream of the future site of Brandywine in 1745. He was the county's first white settler. A local historian recorded that:

The site ... [was] on the left bank of the river, and near the beginning of a long, eastward bend. From almost at his very door his huntsman's eye was at times gladdened by seeing perhaps fifty deer either drinking from the steam or plunging in their heads up to their ears in search of moss. ^[7]

By 1747, immigrants were impinging on the (future) borders of Pendleton from two directions: the larger community was mostly Germans moving up the valley of the South Branch Potomac; the lesser consisted mainly of Scotch-Irish moving northwest from Staunton up into the headwaters of the James River. In an April 1758, surprise raid of Fort Seybert and nearby Fort Upper Tract occasioned by the French and Indian War (1754–63), most of the 60 white settlers sheltering there were massacred by Shawnee and Delaware warriors and the forts were burned.

Pendleton County was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1788 from parts of Augusta, Hardy, and Rockingham counties and was named for Edmund Pendleton, a distinguished Virginia statesman and jurist. Pendleton County was split between Northern and Southern sympathies during the American Civil War. The northern section of the county, including the enclave in the Smoke Hole community was staunchly Unionist. In June 1863, the county was included by the federal government in the new state of West Virginia against the wishes of many of the inhabitants. That fall, Union General W.W. Averell swept up the South Branch valley, and destroyed the Confederate saltpetre works above Franklin. ^[8]

In the months following the state's establishment, West Virginia's counties were divided into civil townships, with the intention of encouraging local government. This proved impractical in the heavily rural state, and in 1872 the townships were converted into magisterial districts. ^[9] Pendleton County was divided into six districts: Bethel, Circleville, Franklin, Mill Run, Sugar Grove, and Union. Except for minor adjustments, these magisterial districts remained largely unchanged until the 1990s, when they were consolidated into three new districts: Central, Eastern, and Western. ^[10]

Pendleton County and the surrounding area were hit by severe flooding in November 1985. At Franklin, the county seat, the South Branch of the Potomac crested at 22.6 feet, more than fifteen feet ^[i] above flood stage in the shallow riverbed. ^[11] Sixty-two people were killed in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, in what became known as the "1985 Election Day floods" in Virginia, or the "Killer Floods of 1985" in West Virginia. According to the National Weather Service, thirty-eight of the deaths occurred in Pendleton and Grant Counties, West Virginia. ^[11] Twenty-two people were killed in Virginia, and there was one fatality each attributed to the flooding in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Geography

Germany Valley lies west of North Fork Mountain

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 698 square miles (1,810 km²), of which 696 square miles (1,800 km²) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) (0.3%) is water. ^[12] It is the fifth-largest county in West Virginia by area.

Major highways

• US 33
• US 220
• WV 28
• WV 55

Adjacent counties

• Grant County (north)
• Hardy County (northeast)
• Rockingham County, Virginia (east)
• Augusta County, Virginia (south)
• Highland County, Virginia (south)
• Pocahontas County (southwest)
• Randolph County (west)

National protected areas

• George Washington National Forest (part)
• Monongahela National Forest (part)
• Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (part)
• United States National Radio Quiet Zone (part)

National Natural Landmarks

• Germany Valley Karst Area
• Sinnett-Thorn Mountain Cave System

Economy

Pendleton County's economy consists mainly of small to medium-sized farms and small businesses. Most of these are in Franklin, the county's only incorporated town. The North Fork Valley, on the western side of the county, has a number of businesses that cater to tourists who come for the area's outdoor recreation opportunities. These include motels, restaurants, and guide services. In recent years, maple syrup has emerged as a major growth industry in the county. Dry Fork Maple Works, the state's largest maple sugaring operation, is based in Pendleton County (though its sugaring operation occurs mainly in neighboring Randolph County). ^[13]

The county is also home to a number of non-profits whose reaches extend well beyond the county lines. These include Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, Future Generations and Future Generations Graduate School, The Mountain Institute, and Mountain Springs Farm and Heritage Center.

Sugar Grove Station, an electronic listening post for the National Security Agency, is located near the southeast corner of the Pendleton County. ^[14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1790	2,452		—
1800	3,962		61.6%
1810	4,239		7.0%
1820	4,846		14.3%
1830	6,271		29.4%
1840	6,940		10.7%
1850	5,795		−16.5%
1860	6,164		6.4%
1870	6,455		4.7%
1880	8,022		24.3%
1890	8,711		8.6%
1900	9,167		5.2%
1910	9,349		2.0%
1920	9,652		3.2%
1930	9,660		0.1%
1940	10,884		12.7%
1950	9,313		−14.4%
1960	8,093		−13.1%
1970	7,031		−13.1%
1980	7,910		12.5%
1990	8,054		1.8%
2000	8,196		1.8%
2010	7,695		−6.1%
2020	6,143		−20.2%
2021 (est.)	6,142	[15]	0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census [16] 1790–1960 [17] 1900–1990 [18] 1990–2000 [19] 2010–2020 [1]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 6,143 people and 2,299 households residing in the county. There were 3,666 housing units in Pendleton County. The racial makeup of the county was 95.1% White, 1.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 0.9% of the population.

Of the 2,299 households, 59.2% were married couples living together, 21.3% had a female householder with no spouse present, 16.8% had a male householder with no spouse present. The average household and family size was 3.16. The median age in the county was 50.8 years with 18.9% of the population under 18. The median income for a household in the city was $61,738 and the poverty rate was 16.3%. ^[20]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,196 people, 3,350 households, and 2,355 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile (4.6 people/km²). There were 5,102 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (2.7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.34% White, 2.12% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. 0.89% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,350 households, out of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 25.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.80% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 17.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 101.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,429, and the median income for a family was $34,860. Males had a median income of $25,342 versus $16,753 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,805. About 8.00% of families and 11.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.60% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,695 people, 3,285 households, and 2,179 families residing in the county. ^[21] The population density was 11.1 inhabitants per square mile (4.3/km²). There were 5,132 housing units at an average density of 7.4 per square mile (2.9/km²). ^[22] The racial makeup of the county was 96.2% white, 1.9% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.9% of the population. ^[21] In terms of ancestry, 30.1% were German, 8.1% were American, 7.3% were Irish, and 6.4% were English. ^[23]

Of the 3,285 households, 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.7% were non-families, and 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.80. The median age was 47.3 years. ^[21]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,323 and the median income for a family was $49,613. Males had a median income of $38,190 versus $23,243 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,401. About 11.0% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 22.2% of those age 65 or over. ^[24]

Politics

United States presidential election results for Pendleton County, West Virginia ^[25]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	2,687	78.45%	680	19.85%	58	1.69%
2020	2,782	76.03%	820	22.41%	57	1.56%
2016	2,398	73.69%	729	22.40%	127	3.90%
2012	2,095	64.34%	1,074	32.99%	87	2.67%
2008	2,035	59.94%	1,310	38.59%	50	1.47%
2004	2,146	60.55%	1,381	38.97%	17	0.48%
2000	1,996	61.97%	1,172	36.39%	53	1.65%
1996	1,431	43.26%	1,591	48.10%	286	8.65%
1992	1,589	44.35%	1,626	45.38%	368	10.27%
1988	1,901	54.27%	1,595	45.53%	7	0.20%
1984	2,047	58.19%	1,464	41.61%	7	0.20%
1980	1,677	47.86%	1,724	49.20%	103	2.94%
1976	1,554	42.48%	2,104	57.52%	0	0.00%
1972	2,207	63.88%	1,248	36.12%	0	0.00%
1968	1,687	46.50%	1,643	45.29%	298	8.21%
1964	1,296	34.16%	2,498	65.84%	0	0.00%
1960	1,930	48.41%	2,057	51.59%	0	0.00%
1956	1,959	49.49%	1,999	50.51%	0	0.00%
1952	1,859	48.29%	1,991	51.71%	0	0.00%
1948	1,592	44.93%	1,944	54.87%	7	0.20%
1944	1,838	45.78%	2,177	54.22%	0	0.00%
1940	1,977	42.18%	2,710	57.82%	0	0.00%
1936	1,800	40.45%	2,637	59.26%	13	0.29%
1932	1,502	37.11%	2,530	62.52%	15	0.37%
1928	1,710	47.09%	1,921	52.91%	0	0.00%
1924	1,462	41.68%	2,037	58.07%	9	0.26%
1920	1,581	46.51%	1,814	53.37%	4	0.12%
1916	888	40.87%	1,276	58.72%	9	0.41%
1912	475	22.75%	1,162	55.65%	451	21.60%

Communities

Climbing near Ketterman, West Virginia

Towns

• Franklin (county seat)

Magisterial districts

Current

• Central
• Eastern
• Western

Historic

• Bethel
• Circleville
• Franklin
• Mill Run
• Sugar Grove
• Union

Census-designated place

• Brandywine

Unincorporated communities

• Big Run
• Brushy Run
• Cave
• Cherry Grove
• Circleville
• Dahmer
• Deer Run
• Dry Run
• Entry
• Fame
• Fort Seybert
• Harper
• Judy Gap
• Ketterman
• Kline
• Macksville
• Miles
• Mitchell
• Moatstown
• Monkeytown
• Moyers
• Mozer
• Oak Flat
• Oak Grove
• Onego
• Propstburg
• Riverton
• Ruddle
• Seneca Rocks
• Simoda
• Sugar Grove
• Teterton
• Upper Tract
• Zigler

Historic places

Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Pendleton County, West Virginia

The following sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Site	Year Built	Address	Community	Listed
Ananias Pitsenbarger Farm	19th century	3576 Dry Run Road, Franklin	Dahmer, near Franklin	2011
Bowers House	late 19th century	Brandywine-Sugar Grove Road	Sugar Grove	1985
Circleville School	1930s	81 Price Way, Circleville	Circleville	1995
Cunningham-Hevener House	late 19th century	US 220	Upper Tract	1985
Franklin Historic District	19th-20th centuries	US 33, Main Street, South Branch Potomac River, and High Street	Franklin	1986
McCoy House	1848	17 South Main Street, Franklin	Franklin	1982
McCoy Mill	early 19th century	293 Thorn Creek Road, Franklin	Franklin	1986
Old Judy Church (Old Log Church)	early 19th century	US 220	near Petersburg	1976
Old Propst Church	late 18th century	CR 21/9	Brandywine	1986
Pendleton County Poor Farm	early 20th century	US 220	Upper Tract	1986
Priest Mill	early 20th century	Off US 220, near Low-Water Bridge	Franklin	2000
Sites Homestead (Wayside Inn)	early 19th century	Seneca Rocks Visitor Center	Seneca Rocks	1993

Gallery

• 
  Pendleton County Courthouse
• 
  Seneca Rocks
• 
  Solomon's Chapel, one of the many smaller churches in Pendleton County, West Virginia
• 
  Mount Joel Schoolhouse in Simoda West Virginia

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Pendleton County, West Virginia
• Pendleton County Schools
• Thorn Creek Wildlife Management Area

Footnotes

1. At Franklin, flood stage begins at only seven feet.

References

1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. "Early History of Pendleton County". Archived from the original on June 13, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
4. "Pendleton County". West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
5. "West Virginia: Individual County Chronologies". West Virginia Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2003. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
6. Pendleton County History, Dr. Robert Jay Dilger, Director, Institute for Public Affairs and Professor of Political Science, West Virginia University. "Early History of Pendleton County". Archived from the original on June 13, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
7. Morton, Oren F. (1910), A History of Pendleton County, West Virginia, Franklin, West Virginia. Reprint (1974) by Regional Publishing Company, Baltimore, pp 31-32.
8. West Virginia Writers Project (1940), Smoke Hole and Its People: A Social-Ethnic Study; Charleston, West Virginia: State Department of Education; Reprinted (pp 101-132) in: Shreve, D. Bardon (2005), Sheriff from Smoke Hole (and Other Smoke Hole Stories), Fredericksburg, Virginia: The Fredericksburg Press, Inc, pg 118.
9. Otis K. Rice & Stephen W. Brown, West Virginia: A History, 2nd ed., University Press of Kentucky, Lexington (1993), p. 240.
10. United States Census Bureau, U.S. Decennial Census, Tables of Minor Civil Divisions in West Virginia, 1870–2010.
11. West Virginia Gazette: "Remembering the '85 floods" (D. White) November 4, 2010
12. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
13. "Maple syrup pouring out of West Virginia". West Virginia Press. December 8, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
14. e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. (2015). "Sugar Grove Naval Station." e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. Accessed January 28, 2016.
15. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021" . Retrieved October 18, 2022.
16. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
17. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
18. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
19. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
20. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
21. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
22. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
23. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
24. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
25. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 28, 2018.

External links

• Guide to Pendleton County
• Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce
• Pendleton County Economic & Community Development Authority
• Pendleton County Schools
• Visit Pendleton County

38°41′N79°22′W / 38.68°N 79.36°W / 38.68; -79.36