Have you ever wondered how certain landmarks and natural wonders got their names? Well, let me tell you the surprising story behind the name of the New River, West Virginia’s most famous landmark.

Contrary to its name, the New River is not actually "new" at all! In fact, it is one of the oldest rivers in the United States, with a history spanning over millennia.
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So, how did it come to be known as the New River?
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A fur trading expedition sent by Colonel Abraham Wood in 1671 was the first recorded exploration of the river. At one point, potential names of the New River being seriously considered were "Wood River" and "Wood's River" after the colonel.
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Nevertheless, the name "New River" (perhaps a reference to a new river that was not on the Fry-Jefferson map of Virginia or a nod to an Indian name meaning "new waters") was the one that eventually stuck, becoming the moniker by which the river would be known for centuries to come.
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As time passed, settlements grew along the New River, and it played a crucial role in the development of the surrounding regions.
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It provided a lifeline for early settlers, serving as a water source, transportation route, and power source for mills and factories.
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The New River became ingrained in the lives and identities of the communities that flourished along its banks.
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So, the next time you find yourself marveling at the beauty of the New River (perhaps with a little getaway?), remember the surprising story behind its name (can you imagine if the name “Wood River” had actually stuck?!). It reminds us that history is full of fascinating tales, waiting to be discovered and shared. And in this case, a famous river that’s anything but “new” continues to flow through time, carrying with it the stories and dreams of countless generations.

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New River, West Virginia 25085, USA