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SHADEWOOD SPRINGS RESORT PROPOSED - A Grantsville Vision In 1898 |
| (04/26/2026) |
| By Bob Weaver A resort near Grantsville was proposed in 1898, the project barely getting off the ground. Shadewood Springs was linked to the coming of the Little Kanawha Railroad through Calhoun, a project which ended in bankruptcy in the early 1900s. The railroad would have connected Parkersburg with Braxton County, to be built along the river. Some grading and bridge building was done. An ad for the resort said "The finest water in West Virginia is to be found on the Calhoun county fair grounds, and an endless quantity, and an analysis of its properties show it to be the best and most health-giving water in the country." "Dr. T.B. Camden pronounces it to be the best found anywhere. It has already effected marvelous cures." The fairgrounds referred to in the story was likely located below Grantsville near the mouth of Leafbank. "Near these springs Mr. Jerome Hardman and Judge Reese Blizzard have laid out a new town, and platted the land off into eligible building lots," says a newspaper account. It was projected that a splendid new hotel would be built, with baths and fountains arranged. Mr. C.H. Shattuck has already contracted for five of these lots. James Capehart as many more, Dr. Camden for several, and other parties will invest at once, promised the promotional article. "The moment the first cross tie is spiked in the bounds Calhoun county, on the Little Kanawha Railroad extension, all this work will be commenced, and Parkersburg will then have at her doors a health-giving resort, second to none in the world, where the sick can come to be cured and where the well can come to enjoy themselves." That day did not come. RESEARCH NORMA KNOTTS SHAFFER |
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