| Click Here to see U.S Census Bureau Statistics Upshur County rests in the Allegheny highlands of central West Virginia; its terrain varies from level, to hilly and mountainous.
The Buckhannon River provides drainage for most of the county. The Middle Fork and Little Kanawha River drain smaller areas.
Upshur County is rural in nature with the county seat of Buckhannon its only incorporated community. Buckhannon is the home of West Virginia Wesleyan college, an academically respected liberal arts institution with over 1,622 students.
Volunteerism is flourishing in Upshur County. This commitment to the community is evidenced by the more than 15,000 hours of donated service yearly provided by the 50 members of the county emergency squad.
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LOCATION
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Nearby Metropolitan Area, Distance In Miles
Charleston, WV 117
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CLIMATE
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| Average Elevation: | 1,432 | | Temperature: | Monthly Average | | | | | | | | Annual Average Rainfall: | 49 inches | | Annual Average Snowfall: | 32 inches | | January Average Precipitation: | 2.6 inches | | Prevailing Winds: | from the Southwest | | Land Area: | 354.86 square miles |
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| POPULATION |
| | 2000 | 1990 | | County | 23,404 | 22,867 | | City | 5,725 | 5,909 | | % Nonwhite | 1.8 | | Estimated Population
(within 50 miles) | 116,500 | |
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| LODGING/RETAIL OUTLETS |
| Number of Motels: | 5 | Total Rooms: | 225 | | Number of Hotels: | 1 | Total Rooms: | 39 | | Number of Shopping Centers: | 3 | | | | Number of Department Stores: | 2 | | |
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| COMMUNITY FACILITIES |
| Libraries: | Number: 3 | | | Churches: | Protestant: 92 | Catholic: 1 |
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| MEDICAL |
| Hospitals: | | Beds: | | | Clinics: | | Beds: | | | Doctors: | | | | | Dentists: | | | |
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| PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES |
| Ball Fields: | | Basketball Courts: | 4 | | Bowling: | | Soccer Complex: | 1 | | Pools: | | Tennis Courts: | 16 | | Golf Courses: | | Skating Rinks: | 1 | | Fitness Centers: | | Amateur Theaters: | 1 | | Number of Parks: | | Stadiums: | 2 | | Auditoriums: | | Country Clubs: | 1 | | Museum: | | | |
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| COMMUNICATIONS |
| Newspapers: | Record Delta ; 3 times per week | | | Inter-Mountain ; Daily | | Radio Stations: | WBUC, WBRB, WBTQ, WVWC | | Television Stations: | 1, Channel 3 | | Telecommunications: | Verizon | | Cable Television: | 1 Provider, 65 Channels | | Telegraph Service: | 1 | | Post Offices: | 1 Class C | |
| GOVERNMENT |
| Type of Government: |
| Mayoral with 5 member City Council | | Elected County Commission - 3 Commissioners | | | Sheriff Department Personnel (Full Time): | 9 | | Police Department Personnel (Full Time): | 8 | | Fire Department Personnel (Full Time): | 4 | | Fire Department (Volunteer): | 300+ | | Fire Equipment: | 5 Pumpers, 1 Aerial, 1 Rescue, 2 Rescue Boats, 2 Personnel Carriers | | Fire Insurance Rating: | Class 5 | | Service Provided Industry beyond Corporate Limits or by County: | Water, Waste, Sewer | | Planning Commission: | No | | Industrial Plan Approval: | Yes | | Zoning Regulation: | No |
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| FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS |
| Banks: | 5; Bank One, Belington Bank, Bank of Philippi, First Community, Progressive | | Total Assets: | $529,702,000 | <
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| UTILITIES |
| Electricity | Allegheny Power | | Gas | Allegheny, Hope, and Equitable Gas companies | | Telecommunications | Verizon | | Water | Buckhannon and 4 Public Service Districts (PSD) |
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RECREATION
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In the recently renovated State Wildlife Center located in Upshur County, native animals can be seen in a natural environment. Holly River, Audra, and Stonewall Jackson State Parks lie adjacent to Upshur County. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
West Virginia Wesleyan College provides many opportunities for cultural and sports diversions.
The County has two golf courses, eighteen playgrounds and sixteen tennis courts. There is also a lake for fishing (Stone Coal Lake). Stonewall Jackson Lake is located approximately 20 miles west in Lewis County.
Three major ski resorts, Canaan Valley, Timberline and Snowshoe are located approximately 60 to 80 miles from Buckhannon. Also in the same area is White Grass, a cross country ski resort.
Other recreational activities offered by Upshur County:
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The Upshur County Arts Alliance, a fund raising organization for the arts, provides funds for drama, music, and visual arts and crafts for children and adults. | |
The Upshur County Historical Society, as well as many beautiful old homes, and churches, exist in Upshur County. The society''s goal is to protect and enhance the preservation of these landmarks. They have a summer display for visitors on West Main Street. | |
Pringle Tree Park is a county facility on Rt. 20 North with playground, shelters, boat ramp and picnic area. |
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Indian Camp Park, a 50 acre facility, includes hiking, bicycle paths and bridle trails, camp-sites and cabins, swimming, and boating. | |
Buckhannon City Park, a seven acre picnic area used by community groups and families. | |
Upshur County Park includes double L Olympics size pool, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, an amphitheater, hiking and biking trails, and picnicking pavilions. | |
Camp Buccaneer, a day care opportunity at the Upshur County Park, provides Participants have a full program that makes the camp an attractive alternative to baby sitting. Children are provided with playtime, arts and crafts, story time and free time. It fills an important need in the supervision of children of working parents. | |
Upshur County Youth Camp, a quasi-public recreation area with playing fields, group camping areas, swimming pool, cabins, and foot trails. Used primarily as a retreat for various youth groups, such as 4-H and high school band camp, etc. | |
The Christmas Craft Show, a two-day show traditionally held the weekend following Thanksgiving, attracts thousands from around the state. It was originally created as an outlet for local crafts people, but now crafts people come from several surrounding states. Held in conjunction with this event is a local craft show at the Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School. | |
The three day West Virginia Strawberry Festival is held in May. The Grand parade is one of the best in the Eastern United States. Children can enjoy the carnival, while the adults take in the arts/crafts, quilt show, car show, entertainment and shopping. The warm welcome and unforgettable experience makes Buckhannon the best way to begin your summer. Go to: www.wvstrawberryfestival.com | |
The Upshur County Fair takes place annually during the month of July. The fair features a talent show, children's pageant, car show and local music groups. The fair hosts the state woodchopper's championship, featuring top lumberjacks. | |
West Virginia''s Largest Yard Sale. Come visit us for a three day event in August and hunt for treasures at hundreds of yard sales throughout the county. 8 am to 4 pm. | |
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