Published: July 05, 2008 11:13 pm      

Sophia heritage tourism

Town focusing on rich cultural history, authentic experiences to attract visitors

Phyllis Rose believes a new opportunity is coming for the Town of Sophia.

“With the opening of the new ATV trail system off Tams Mountain near Sophia, I think we are going to see an increased number of visitors and tourists coming here,” said Rose, one of the town’s building commissioners. “Sophia has so many historical sites and stories from the past. I think Sophia is well placed to take advantage of it.”

The new ATV trail system — Burning Rock Off-Road Park — opened on the Fourth of July. The 8,000-acre trail system was carved out of a once-thriving coal mining area.

“We are focusing on several renovation projects and want to take advantage of the trend toward heritage tourism,” she said. “The state’s Division of Tourism recognized heritage tourism as an important trend for tourism in West Virginia. In its three-year comprehensive plan, the need for product and community development were cited as important to developing the heritage tourism industry.”

Rose says surveys have shown cultural heritage tourism is growing faster than any segment of the tourism industry.

“There are people who want to see historical places, like old coal camps,” she said. “We may be used to seeing them, but people from other parts of the country and world are fascinated by all of it.”

Rose said the former Phillips Motor Co. showroom on Main Street is undergoing renovations.

“The inside is being rebuilt and it will also receive a new roof,” Rose said.

The old service station building next to it has been demolished to make room for a coal heritage museum.

“It will also have a retail building on the back of that lot,” she said.

The town recently put a new red metal roof on the former Chappy’s Esso Station that opened in Sophia in 1925.

“It’s a historical site and we still have the original Esso sign that was at the station,” Rose said. “In 1925, the Sophia mayor filled up his model-T Ford at that station, according to its historical records.”

Rose says the station was important to the citizens during that time period.

“Anyone coming from this area going to the Winding Gulf area would fill up at that station,” she said. “At one time in the Winding Gulf area there were 55 or more coal camps. In each coal camp, there was up to 300 houses. It has been several generations since then, so if you estimate the numbers of people with a heritage and history connected to this area it would be in the thousands, if not millions.”

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Fred and Dayle Watts come to Sophia each year from Florida to visit family.

“This is such a beautiful place,” Fred said. “The people are so friendly and there is so much history here.”

Dayle agreed.

“I love these small towns that are so rich in history,” she said. “It’s like taking a trip back in time when we visit here.”

Rose said Sophia was known as the “front door” to Winding Gulf, which was known as the “smokeless coal capital of the world.”

“This area was named that during World War II,” she said.

Rose said some people don’t realize that Robert C. Byrd Drive continues through Sophia to Stotesbury.

“Stotesbury is the childhood home of West Virginia’s living legend, Sen. Robert C. Byrd,” she said. “He graduated from Mark Twain High School before coming to Sophia to work. He was also married in Sophia.”

Rose said cultural heritage tourism is traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.

“Today, more and more travelers are seeking emotionally rewarding vacations and getaways,” she said. “Your heritage tourist is looking for authentic experiences that gives them the opportunity to learn about other cultures and history. Many people have roots that connect them to this area, but many were forced to leave. Many of those same people now like to come back and bring their families to learn about their roots and see where their family came from.”

Three other buildings on Main Street are getting facelifts, according to Rose, including the laundry mat and two vacant buildings.

“We are also restoring the exterior of our City Hall and moving a mountainside to make room for more parking,” Rose added. “We recently finished a new police station, which is attached to City Hall.”

The town is also working on its circa 1930s scout cabin.

“It will be moved to the former location of Sophia Elementary School,” Rose said. “That will be a centerpiece to a playground and recreation area, which includes a walking park and skate park. The steps are being restored. It will be beautiful. It will be completely surrounded by trees.”

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As far as heritage tourism opportunities for Sophia, Rose says the ATV trail system is only one part.

“With a large part of travelers visiting friends and family in the Sophia area, we also want to take a closer look at the reunions market,” she said. “Thousands and thousands of people are out there with roots to this area and we want them to consider having their reunions in a place that has historical significance to their families.”

The town was incorporated in 1912 and is already working on its centennial celebration.

“That will be a great 100th birthday party and everyone is invited,” Rose said.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com