Aurora is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in southeastern Preston County, West Virginia, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 201.[3] Aurora is located on U.S. Route 50 between the Maryland state line and the town of Rowlesburg. Cathedral State Park is located to the east of Aurora's post office.
Aurora, West Virginia | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Location in Preston County and the state of West Virginia. | |
| Coordinates: 39°19′27″N 79°33′16″W / 39.32417°N 79.55444°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Preston |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.109 sq mi (5.46 km2) |
| • Land | 2.109 sq mi (5.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,644 ft (806 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 201 |
| • Density | 95/sq mi (37/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1556729[2] |
History
editAurora was originally a German settlement. The town was originally called Salem and later Mount Carmel. Its current name was suggested because of the town's high altitude. One of the original settlers to the area was John Stough, a Lutheran minister. The primary industries throughout the early and mid-19th century were farming and timber. In the late 1880s, the town became known as a resort area as the result of several large hotels which were built in the area. Some of these featured casinos, pools, and concert halls. In the 1930s an artist colony formed in the nearby Youghiogheny Forest area.
Located near Aurora are the Brookside Historic District, Gaymont and the Red Horse Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[4][5]
References
edit- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Aurora, West Virginia
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 5/06/13 through 5/10/13. National Park Service. May 17, 2013.
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