Bramwell, West Virginia was settled in the late 1800’s by wealthy coal mine owners. The mine owners and area residents prospered through the early and mid 20th Century. At one time Bramwell was considered the richest small town in America, having as many as 19 millionaires and their families living here. (The highest number of millionaires per capita in the United States). So many millionaires lived here that the local high school was called the Bramwell Millionaires.
So much coal was moved through the area that the Bramwell Depot was one of the busiest stations in Southern West Virginia. The original depot was demolished in the 1950’s, but in the early 1990’s a replica of the old depot was constructed as part of the West Virginia Coal Heritage Trail.
Be sure to visit the museum for much interesting history. Of the three railway cars parked here, I found the tobacco car the most interesting. I have never seen one before and I don't know how the tobacco was carried but I suspect it was pallets of tobacco “hands”, i.e. tied bundles.
Also be sure to explore Bramwell with The Million Dollar Tour adventure lab.
For you Waymark hunters, there is one here. I think it is the Depot itself. I didn't look for a marker.
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/15/2016 5:19:06 PM
Waymark Code: WMTN3Q
The cache is very small, so BYOP.