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Originating almost a quarter of a century prior to the Civil War, Mercer County, West Virginia was named
for General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero. The county has been a crossroads for many events, including the Civil War and the establishment of an industrial economy after the war ended. When two mighty railroads, the Norfolk & Western and The Virginian, began shipping coal and timber to the once-agrarian area, Mercer County blossomed into one of the five most highly populated counties of the
Mountain State. In 1671, colonial explorer Robert Fallam described what would become Mercer County in his journal as "a pleasing tho' dreadful sight to see the mountains and hills as if piled one upon another." Despite extreme challenges, residents of
Mercer County developed a spirit of pride, independence, strength, and genuine fellowship that today makes the region a warm and friendly place to call home. As legend holds, even the notorious outlaw Frank James was so overwhelmed by the hospitality he received in Mercer County in 1882 that
he decided to pass on robbing the Bank of Princeton and, instead, robbed a bank in a neighboring county.
About the author
Local historian and author William R. "Bill" Archer has assembled this fascinating volume of vintage photographs and informative text to celebrate Mercer County's rich and colorful history. A tribute to the valuable heritage of the community, this pictorial retrospective will provide readers with a unique view into the past that will capture the minds and hearts of longtime residents and newcomers alike.
