Thurmond Today

The Thurmond Depot is now a seasonal visitor center and the town of Thurmond is still incorporated.

NPS / Louise McLaughlin

Thurmond Walking Tour Stop 10

The town of Thurmond thrived through the early decades of the 20th century. But the Great Depression and changes to transportation began Thurmond's decline. The 1930s marked the growth of America's love for the automobile. Across the country, new roads were built and old ones were improved. Fewer people travelled by train instead choosing the more convenient automobile. Within the next few decades, Thurmond faced even more challenges. The coal mines in New River Gorge began to dry up. Mines closed, people moved out, and Thurmond was no longer needed as a major coal shipping town.

In the 1940s, railroad companies began the switch from steam to diesel locomotives. Although some companies like the C &O Railway tried to keep steam, eventually they had to make the switch. By the 1960s, the C&O had completely switched to diesel electric locomotives. Thurmond was a steam town. It's railyards, infrastructure, and crew specialized in servicing steam locomotives. With this change, Thurmond's structures and workers became obsolete.

Over the years, Thurmond's businesses left and its residents moved away. In the 1990s, New River Gorge National River received buildings and land at Thurmond. The National Park Service restored the Thurmond Depot as a visitor center in 1995.

Today, the National Park Service maintains over 20 historic structures in Thurmond. The Thurmond Depot is open as a seasonal visitor center in the summer and fall. In 2003, the National Park Service began a stabilization program which continues today. This includes repairs, removal of vegetation, drainage improvement, and exterior restoration work. Historic upkeep continues at the depot to maintain its vintage 1900s appearance.

Thurmond remains a place where people travel and make memories. Amtrak has a flag stop at Thurmond on their Cardinal route. The town is still incorporated. The mayor and city council still meet to pass ordinances and make decisions about the future of the town. Every year the town hosts a reunion for former residents. Together they recall the days of their youth in a town that was once the heart of New River Gorge.