Welcome To Grantsville West Virginia

Grantsville, the seat of Calhoun County, is nestled on a bend in the Little Kanawha River. It is served by State Highways 5 and 16, approximately 47 miles to Parkersburg.

The first native settlers in central West Virginia were the Mound Builders, also known as the Adena people. Remnants of their civilization have been found throughout northern West Virginia, with many artifacts found in the Northern Panhandle.

Grantsville was established in 1865, but not incorporated until 1896. It was named in honor of General Ulysses S. Grant. Calhoun County is named for South Carolina politician John C. Calhoun, and was created in 1856 from Gilmer County.

Grantsville's climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70s and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30s. The warmest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 85.8 degrees. The coldest month is January with an average minimum temperature of 22.3 degrees. The annual average precipitation is 45.3 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with July averaging about 4.9 inches.

There's plenty to see and do in the area. The West Fork Park in Arnoldsburg plays host to the annual Molasses Festival; while Mt. Zion Park hosts the annual Ox Roast. Calhoun is home to the annual Ramp Festival in April, the West Virginia Wood Festival in June, the Bluegrass Festival in May, another Bluegrass Festival in August, the West Virginia Molasses Festival in September and the Octoberfest Celebration. Also, the Hometown Country Christmas Craft show is sponsored by, and held in the county court house the first week of December.

Calhoun County is home to one of the last 500 drive-in theaters in the nation, Mt. Zion Drive-In. Calhoun also has one of the largest genealogy collections in the state, housed at Calhoun County Library. The library is also home to the "West Virginia Room" which includes books on West Virginia, and by West Virginians. Calhoun is also home to Heartwood in the Hills, a school for the creative arts.

Public primary schools in Grantsville include the Pleasant Hill Elementary School and Calhoun Gilmer Center. Regional colleges and universities include West Virginia University at Parkersburg, West Virginia State College, Ohio University - main campus, Fairmont State College, Hocking Technical College, West Liberty State College and West Virginia University.

Hospitals and medical centers in and near Grantsville include Minnie Hamilton, Roane General Hospital, Braxton County Memorial Hospital and Healthsouth Western Hills Rehab Hospital.

The Little Kanawha River provides many recreational opportunities in the area. Calhoun County is home to 5 public parks. They include the Upper West Fork Park in Chloe, which provides free rough camping and camping hookups. There's also the Mt. Zion Park and West Fork Park in Arnoldsburg with camping and a walking trail. The Calhoun County Park includes hiking and bicycle trails, and is home to Heritage Village, a collection of historic buildings moved to the location then renovated to period history. Wayne Underwood Park in Grantsville is the county's newest park, and includes a paved walking trail, pavilion and picnic tables. Parks within 100 miles of Grantsville include the Bluestone National Scenic River, the National Scenic River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, the Summersville National Recreation Area, the New River Gorge National River, the National River and the Friendship Hill National Historic Site.

We've only given you a small sample of the many amenities offered by our area. Come on by our United Country office soon and let us show and tell you more. If you're looking for your freedom - you'll find it here!