The History of Paw Paw, West Virginia
Paw Paw, West Virginia…”The Town So Nice They Named It Twice”.
Paw Paw is one of those places people like to call a “backwater” or “hillbilly” town. It seems as if we’ve been lost to time or, perhaps, forgotten. At least to outsiders.
Paw Paw is said to have been settled in 1800, but it wasn’t incorporated until April 8, 1891. It was named after the Asimina Triloba, or the “pawpaw”, a wild native tree that bears a strange green fruit that tastes something like a mango/banana hybrid custard. It is said to have been a favorite of George Washington, who reportedly frequented the area. The fruit matures in the early fall but has a very short time from ripe to mush.
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, this small town has seen railroads, riverboats, and even a tunnel that changed the course of American engineering.
A Town Built on Transportation
Paw Paw’s roots trace back to the early 1800s, when the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal brought commerce and travelers to the region. The town’s namesake tunnel—the Paw Paw Tunnel—was completed in 1850 after 14 years of labor. At over 3,100 feet long, it remains one of the most impressive engineering feats of its time.
The arrival of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1838 transformed Paw Paw into a vital stop along the line. By the 1930s, six trains a day passed through the depot, connecting the town to Washington, D.C., and beyond. The Paw Paw Pullman car, dedicated in 1948, even ran on the Capitol Limited route to Chicago.
The Tannery Boom
In 1869, Paw Paw became home to a major leather tannery, which would grow into one of the largest of its kind in the world. By the 1930s, the tannery employed over 200 workers and processed more than 500 hides a day. It was known for producing durable belt leather—so tough, in fact, that a shipment lost at sea during World War I was salvaged 17 years later in perfect condition. The story was so remarkable it became the subject of a Lowell Thomas radio broadcast titled 17 Years Under the Sea.
The tannery remained a cornerstone of Paw Paw’s economy until it closed in 1951, marking the end of an industrial era that had shaped the town for nearly a century.
Life Along the Canal
During the canal’s heyday, Paw Paw was home to boatmen, merchants, and families who made their living from the waterway. The canal brought not only trade but also culture and connection to the outside world. Today, remnants of that era can still be seen in the town’s layout, architecture, and stories passed down through generations.
A Name with Native Roots
The town is named after the pawpaw fruit, a native tree that grows along the riverbanks and produces a sweet, custard-like fruit. Indigenous peoples and early settlers alike prized the pawpaw for its flavor and nutrition. The name is a nod to the land’s natural abundance and the people who first called it home.
Paw Paw Today: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present
Though the canal boats, locomotives, and tannery whistles have long since faded, Paw Paw remains a place where history echoes through the mountains. Visitors can still walk the old towpath, explore the historic tunnel, and imagine the rhythm of mules and trains that once passed through the valley. Today, this quiet, close-knit community thrives with a deep appreciation for its roots—honoring its past while embracing the peace, beauty, and simplicity of small-town life.
Memorial Day Parade & Car Show
For over 65 years, Paw Paw has honored its veterans and community spirit with the William H. Norton Memorial Day Parade—one of the town’s most cherished traditions. Held each May, the event includes:
- A classic car, truck, and tractor show with trophies and prizes
- Food and craft vendors lining the streets
- A wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service at the town square
- A lively parade through town, complete with music, floats, and local heroes
It’s a day of remembrance, celebration, and small-town pride that brings together generations of families, visitors, and veterans. Whether you’re here for the chrome, the community, or the cause—it’s a can’t-miss Paw Paw tradition
The Pawpaw Festival
Each September, the town comes alive for the Pawpaw Festival WV, a celebration of the native fruit that gave Paw Paw its name. Held at the Municipal Park, the festival features:
- Fresh pawpaw tastings
- Live music and local food vendors
- Craft booths and kids’ activities
- Educational talks on foraging, cultivation, and town history
It’s a joyful, family-friendly event that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate Appalachian culture, community spirit, and the sweet fruit that started it all