History of Paw Paw, WV
Paw Paw… “The Town So Nice They Named It Twice”
Paw Paw is one of those places people like to call a “backwater” or “hillbilly” town. To outsiders, it may seem as if we’ve been lost to time—or forgotten—but anyone who visits knows better.
Settled around 1800 and incorporated on April 8, 1891, Paw Paw takes its name from the Asimina triloba, a native tree producing a sweet, custard-like fruit. The pawpaw was reportedly a favorite of George Washington, and it still grows along the riverbanks today.
From Canal Town to Mountain Hideaway
Nestled between the Potomac River and the mountains of Morgan County, Paw Paw has a story as winding and rich as the C&O Canal that helped shape it. Once a bustling hub for transportation and trade, the town has seen railroads, riverboats, and even a tunnel that changed the course of American engineering.
A Town Built on Transportation
- The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal brought commerce and travelers in the early 1800s.
- The Paw Paw Tunnel, completed in 1850 after 14 years of labor, remains a remarkable engineering feat at over 3,100 feet long.
- The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad arrived in 1838, connecting Paw Paw to Washington, D.C., and beyond. By the 1930s, six trains a day passed through town.
The Tannery Boom
- In 1869, a major leather tannery opened, eventually employing over 200 workers and producing durable belt leather.
- The tannery remained central to Paw Paw’s economy until its closure in 1951.
Life Along the Canal
- Paw Paw was home to boatmen, merchants, and families whose livelihoods centered on the canal.
- Today, the town’s layout, architecture, and stories reflect this rich heritage.
A Town of Many Stories
Paw Paw’s history is sometimes presented narrowly, highlighting only select chapters. While every story deserves recognition, no single perspective can represent the full town.
Our history was shaped collectively—by farmers, merchants, railroad and canal workers, business owners, artisans, homemakers, veterans, and families both old and new. Their stories overlap and inform one another, creating the town we love today.
We tell Paw Paw’s story because it is true—not because it fits a trend or marketing strategy. Visitors don’t come for a curated narrative—they come to experience a real town, rich in history, community, and charm.
Read the full editorial: A Town of Many Stories →
Timeline Highlights
A few key milestones in Paw Paw’s history:
- 1800: First settlers arrive along the Potomac River.
- 1830s: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal brings commerce and connectivity.
- 1838: Baltimore & Ohio Railroad arrives.
- 1850: Paw Paw Tunnel completed.
- 1861: Civil War Era
- 1869: Leather tannery opens.
- 1891: Town is incorporated.
- 1930s: Six trains per day pass through the depot.
- 1951: Tannery closes, marking the end of an industrial era.
- 2010s–Present: The town thrives as a welcoming, authentic community.
Modern Community & Traditions
Paw Paw isn’t just history—it’s living, breathing community.
- Memorial Day Parade & Car Show: Celebrating veterans and community for over 65 years.
- Pawpaw Festival WV: A September celebration of the native fruit, with tastings, music, crafts, and educational talks.
Learn more about modern traditions →
Why Paw Paw Matters
Paw Paw’s charm comes from its people, history, and the continuity between past and present. Visitors can walk the old towpath, explore the historic tunnel, or enjoy local festivals and community events.
This is a town built by many hands and hearts—complex, authentic, and deeply loved by those who know it.
“Come visit and experience Paw Paw for yourself.”