Cass
Logging Town with a Living Railroad
Cass was a company town built by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company in 1901. Loggers and their families lived here while harvesting the surrounding spruce forests. When the timber was depleted, the town was abandoned. Today, the original Shay locomotives still climb to the top of Bald Knob, and visitors can stay in restored company houses.
The Logging Era
Cass was built to house workers at the largest sawmill in West Virginia. The company owned everything - homes, stores, and the railroad that hauled logs down from the mountains. At its peak, the mill processed 125,000 board feet per day.
Preservation
When logging ended in 1960, West Virginia purchased the town and railroad. The Shay geared locomotives, designed for steep mountain grades, still operate on the original track, carrying tourists instead of timber.
Timeline
- 1901 - Founded West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company built the town
- 1942 - Peak Wartime demand increased production
- 1960 - Mill Closed Timber exhausted, operations ceased
- 1963 - State Park West Virginia acquired the property
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: May through October
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: Half day
Admission: Train tickets required
Quick Facts
- Original Shay locomotives still operate
- Visitors can rent restored company houses
- The railroad climbs to 4,842 feet elevation
Location
Address: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass, WV 24927
Coordinates: 38.4015, -79.9285