West VirginiaMy hometown is Sistersville.

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Located on the Ohio RiverIt is south of Wheeling and North of Parkersburg

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Sistersville is a small town with less than 2000 people.

Once was a boom townThis town once had over 26,000 people on its banks in the early 1900’s.

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Black Gold, Texas Tea, OilThis was the reason for the population explosion!

The markers explain the story.

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Oil wells use to dot the landscape

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Bustling Train Station in townA train station helped to keep jobs for the population. The photo was taken in 1917.

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Coal was and is mined in the area

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Mining is not a stable industry for the area. Mines have shut down and reopened again, with this repeated pattern through the years. Most miners looked for other work in local factories and other areas of employment. Most mines and factories are closing, never to be reopened.

The town is fading quicklyThere is a steady decline with population, jobs and anything else related to the economy.

2000 Census Information http://www.localcensus.com/city/Sistersville/West_Virginia

Population: 1588 Median Income: $ 26,799

The population trend shows a decrease.

Recent information can be found at the following web address. http://www.city-data.com/city/Sistersville-West-Virginia.html

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Local Business closing/closedSlowly the area and town began to lose businesses and its population. Some factories are still laying off workers.

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Becoming a Ghost Town

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As the oil barons left, the town began to fade.

Most of the buildings pictured are not in use. The buildings are for sale or looking for renters.

Schools can make a town’s identity,but not anymore

One school remains in Sistersville. It is Sistersville Elementary.

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The school is a feeder school for Tyler Consolidated Middle.

More information on the school can be found at the following web address.

http://www.city-data.com/school/sistersville-elementary-school-wv.html

Small Town Schools

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The Main Street (1896 - 1995) was torn down to create a parking lot. The building was not in use for many years and was in bad condition.

Schools were the main stay but could not last. The population has just dwindled to low.

Sistersville High School ClosesThe school was built in 1906 and in 1993 was no more. The school was known for it’s academics. There is a proud Alumni tradition that has a huge reunion every Memorial Day Weekend. Also, the building still stands but used by a local company.

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Tigers Roar No More

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Sistersville High School Championships

Football - 1953, 1964,

1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986,

Golf – 1958, 1959,

This information can be found at the WVSSAC website.

Attractions and Mainstayscan still be found

Sistersville has a rich history dating back to the early 1800’s.

There are many historical buildings

Brick Streets

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

One of four ferry boats that cross the Ohio River

A public golf course: Sistersville County Club

Oil and Gas Festival

Marble Festival

The Wells Inn

Even a local hospital: Sistersville General Hospital

OIL AND GAS FestivalHeld in Sistersville in September, it starts on the the second full week on a Thursday and runs through Sunday. The festival celebrates the oil and gas industry. People bring old engines and talk about their designs.

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Marble Festival

The Marble Festival is held in September, the last full week of the month beginning on Friday.

Sistersville is located in glass and marble-making country which makes this festival possible.

Marble King is a local business in Paden City that the sponsors the event.

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Sistersville Ferry Landing

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The ferry has been in continuous operation for almost 200 years. Gregory S. Hamilton has a website with great pictures of the ferry. A blog by Kristen Rapin has some very nice information about the Sistersville Ferry Boat.

The Wells InnThe hotel is a special place for me. My grandmother worked as the head cook for many years and made wonderful meals.

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The Wells Inn is a luxurious, quaint Historic Hotel with all modern amenities. Each of its 32 rooms are uniquely furnished to recreate the Victorian era. (information provided from the link above.)

Journey Through the StatePlease journey to other small towns located in Wild Wonderful West Virginia. These towns have rich histories just waiting to be explored.

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