In the late 1700s and early 1800s, pioneers began settling in the area they called ‘‘the Ford’’ because it was a place where travelers could cross the river.

The 1985 flood devastated the downtown, leading many businesses to move to the higher Hays City neighborhood at the main highway intersection.

Its small frame building, covered in pressed metal, is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Glenville has a golf club and recreation center, among several other facilities built at the old county poor farm.

[6] In 1885, the Glenville Crescent first published Ellen King’s poem, ‘‘The West Virginia Hills,’’ which later became the official state song.

A late season tropical storm named Juan moved North leaving abundant moisture over the Southeast.

By November 4, a large area of rain began to form from the Western North Carolina to Southern West Virginia.

The storm's center slowly moved north, over central West Virginia.

Rainfall rates of 3 to 6 inches in 12 hours were observed over the headwaters of the Potomac, Greenbrier, and Little Kanawha rivers.

Shopkeepers attempted to save their stock by piling sandbags up to stop the water, but to little avail.

36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As early as 1833, a high school was established in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

[6] In 1950, folklorist Patrick Gainer established the West Virginia State Folk Festival at the college.

[6] It has been held each June since then, making it one of the two oldest such events in the United States.

[15] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.