Pocahontas County Ramping Up to Celebrate the Bicentennial Anniversary of its Founding

We had heard that Pocahontas County is already planning a huge two hundredth year anniversary celebration of its founding back in 1821. To learn about what is being planned to commemorate this bicentennial, we spoke to Katy Gay, the Coordinator for the year long event.

We asked Katy to tell us a little about herself and how she became involved with the Bicentennial Celebration project.

“I grew up in Pocahontas County and I’ve been away for about twenty-five years and recently returned” said Katy. “Upon returning, I was informed of the position available through AmeriCorps for a Bicentennial Coordinator. I was honored to accept this position planning for the Pocahontas County Bicentennial in 2021.”

Can you tell me a little bit about when the County was formed?

“Absolutely, Pocahontas County was formed in 1821. It was property that was detached from the counties of Bath, Pendleton and Randolph. Huntersville was established as the County Seat. The official bicentennial birthday for Pocahontas County is December 21st, 1821,and we are going to begin celebratory events in 2021. The Pocahontas County Bicentennial will be a year-long celebration and we have many premier events and projects planned. We’re going to have a drama series –the Sage of Pocahontas; the Cass Play; we are going to have a special reading of the Bill creating Pocahontas County; a portrayal of Pocahontas, which will be a K through 8th Education event around the County; we are going to have oral histories; guest speakers at the High School; there will be time capsule placement; Bicentennial quilts; and we are going to be doing a big Bicentennial Arts Project for celebrating the Bicentennial –of which eight large trout icons will be placed around the County.”

Can you tell us about how all this got started?

“The Commission was formed in 2017, and there’s about twenty members that got together and brainstormed and decided to create this event.”

Will there be more information posted about this celebration?

“More information about the Pocahontas Bicentennial Celebration will be available at ‘celebratepocahontas200.com’ -the website is be up and running hopefully by mid June. And also be on the lookout for a Facebook and Instagram.”

Is there any help you may be looking for from the public at this time?

“I am currently running PSA (Public Service)announcements through AMR and am looking for individuals who want to contribute photos or letters –historical documents- pertaining to the history of Pocahontas County.”.

“There’s a lot of work that’s been done, and this is going to be one of the biggest Bicentennial Celebrations the State has ever seen.”

Thank you Katy, we are all looking forward to it.

Story By

Tim Walker

Tim is the WVMR News Reporter. Tim is a native of Maryland who started coming to Pocahontas County in the 1970’s as a caver. He bought land on Droop Mountain off Jacox Road in 1976 and built a small house there in the early 80’s. While still working in Maryland, Tim spent much time at his place which is located on the Friars Hole Cave Preserve. Retiring in 2011 as a Lieutenant with the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland, Tim finally took the plunge and moved from Maryland to his real home on Droop Mountain. He began working as the Pocahontas County Reporter for Allegheny Mountain Radio in January of 2015.

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