Kanawha Gateway Heritage Area
The Kanawha Gateway Heritage Area is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 to support projects that encourage heritage education and tourism. Through tourism, we hope to foster economic development in the Kanawha Valley. Increased tourist and visitor activity will create jobs in hospitality and related fields. The overall aim is to promote and preserve the area’s unique culture and history.
Buffalo Library
After breaking ground in the fall of 2009, construction of the new Buffalo Public Library has been moving along nicely. Being put under-roof in the early spring of 2010, the exterior of the future library is being bricked and the interior is ready for painting. The Putnam County Career Center has provided invaluable support to the project, including framing the walls at the school and installing the rough plumbing prior to pouring the interior slab. Much of the work has been completed by volunteers. Plans are to have the library open to the public in the late fall of 2010.
Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail
The Kanawha Gateway has received a notice to proceed from the West Virginia Department of Transportation in order to begin a corridor management plan for the Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail. The goal is to have the “Trail” become part of the national scenic byway system. The primary route will follow WV Route 62 from I-64 at Nitro to Point Pleasant and return to I-64 on WV Route 817, formerly US Route 35. The CMP will be completed in-house by the Kanawha Gateway under the direction of a regional steering committee.
The Hoge House
The Historic Hoge House, listed on the national historic register, was originally built in 1837 and was the home of Putnam County’s first judge. Judge Hoge lived in the home from the 1850’s until his death in 1882. The house was relocated to its present site, behind the Putnam County Court House, in 2001. The Kanawha Gateway is helping with various stages of its renovation.
Buffalo/WV Route 62 Welcome Center
The Buffalo Welcome Center opened in May 2008. The Rivers to Ridges Heritage Area byway runs by the Buffalo Welcome Center. The center contains information about the town of Buffalo, tourism in West Virginia, and examples of local artisan work. We hope to have the Welcome Center open regulary staring spring 2010 from 10-4pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Bike Trails
We are working on mapping mountain biking and hiking trails at Putnam County Park in Eleanor. We plan to also create a map of road cycling routes in Mason and Putnam Counties. Know of a good biking or cycling route? Send us an e-mail and let us know.
Hometown Park
An Americorps NCCC team and Hometown residents worked together to develop a park with picnic tables, swings and seesaws on WV Rt. 62. It is getting good use by the community and the community has chipped in to help maintain the park. Over 500-feet of subsurface drain was installed to help with some of the wet areas that have limited use. Early planning is underway to determine the feasibility of installing a new restroom.
Heritage Corps
The Kanawha Gateway is hoping to recruit a small group of 16-18 year olds to form the first Heritage Corps. The Corps will assist with various projects, including upkeep of the Buffalo/WV Rt. 62 Welcome Center, and will have the opportunity to learn more about interpreting the region's culture and history.