Pre-Colonial History
The first native settlers in West Virginia's Potomac Highlands were the
Mound Builders, also known as the Adena people. Remnants of the Mound Builder's civilization have been found throughout
West Virginia. In 1722 the Iroquois surrendered their claims to land in the eastern panhandle.
Colonial Virginia History
John Lederer, a German physician and explorer employed by Sir William Berkeley,
colonial governor of Virginia, is believed to be the first Englishman to set foot in present-day Mineral County.
He explored the area in 1669. The first recorded grants of land in West Virginia are made to Isaac and John Van
Meter in 1730. This was in the Frankfort district of Mineral County. In 1749 the first frontier fort, Fort Ohio,
is built at Ridgeley. Fort Ashby is constructed in 1755, and is the last standing unit in the chain of forts built
under the orders of George Washington. Fort Sellers was built near present day Short Gap, and Fort Cocke near Headsville.
In 1750 a frontier Blockhouse, New Creek Blockhouse, was built about 1 mile west of New Creek to protect local
settlers. Prior to 1738 the present Orange County, Virginia, situated on the cast side of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
included all of Virginia west of the Blue Ridge. In that year, the Virginia Assembly passed an act dividing this
territory into two counties: Frederick and Augusta. Hampshire County was formed from those two counties in 1753
Virginia State History 1776 to 1863
Ultimately Hardy County in 1785 and part of Morgan County in 1820 were formed
from Hampshire County.
West Virginia History 1863 to Present
It was not until after West Virginia became a state in 1863 that the present
Mineral County came into existence. Mineral County was created in 1866 by an Act of the West Virginia Legislature
from the existing Hampshire County. The name was selected due to the vast reserves of minerals, especially coal.
--Wikipedia.org
