Summers County

Early settlers arrived in the Summers County region as early as 1770. For decades however, growth in the county was limited to self-sufficient family farms because the region was so remote.

Summers County was created in 1871 from parts of Greenbrier, Fayette, Mercer and Monroe counties. The construction of the railroad in 1868 was the largest economic boost the county ever had because it allowed both people and goods to be transported in and out of the area.

In recent decades the area has become a strong tourist and recreational draw because of the facilities offered at Pipestem State Park.

Hinton is the county seat and is located at the confluence of the Greenbrier and New rivers. It was founded in 1831 by John Hinton.

Source: The 55 West Virginias: A guide to the State's Counties, by E. Lee North, Published by The West Virginia University Press.

Population: 12,999
Land in square miles: 361
Number of people per square mile: 36
More facts from the 2000 Census