Millionaire Homes Tour - Historic Preservation Month Event
May 11, 2013 |
Nestled along the banks of the Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia is the historic town of Bramwell. Once considered the richest town in the United States for its size, Bramwell was home to multiple millionaires in the early 20th century. Bramwell, settled in 1885 by the largest holder of coal lands in the Pocahontas Coalfield, the Flat Top Coal Land Association, flourished with businesses, a busy train station, and a glowing social life. Incorporated in 1888 and constructed in 1893, the Bank of Bramwell was once the richest in the United States for its size. It reportedly financed projects outside the town, including the Burning Tree Country Club in Washington, D.C. In the early 1930’s when the nationwide depression hit, it was felt hard in the coal industry contributing to the closing of the wealthy Bank of Bramwell. Along Main Street you’ll find buildings that once housed coal company offices, dry good and grocery stores at different times, which now offer quaint specialty shops, antiques and a cafe. The Corner Shop, once known as the Bryant/Newbold Pharmacy, has reopened and is reported to have been the third drug store in the United States to carry Chanel No. 5 perfume. The Coal Heritage Interpretive Center, which serves as a museum of coal mining history, is located in a replica of the train depot that served the community in the town’s heyday. The depot is where Norfolk and Western trains stopped at the station fourteen times daily.
The prosperous decades have faded, but legendary tales of grandeur and Victorian charm continue to enchant visitors who discover Bramwell today. Public tours are conducted twice yearly; the second Saturday in May and the second Saturday in December as well as group tours for 20 or more participants.
Join us for the self-guided spring tour of Historic Bramwell – May 11, 2013.
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Tickets: $15.00/person and may be purchased the day of the tour at the Bramwell Presbyterian Church. Reservations are not required. Tours conducted rain or shine.
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| Location Information |
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Bramwell, WV |
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| Contact Information |
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Kmorris@visitmercercounty.com |
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