Town in West Virginia, United States
Nutter Fort is a town in Harrison County, West Virginia, United States, incorporated in 1923. The town is a southeastern suburb of Clarksburg.
History
The Fort History
Emerging from the turmoil of frontier strife, the Nutter brothers – Thomas, Matthew, John, and Christopher – etched their names into the verdant tapestry of western Virginia. Around 1770, they arrived, securing a 1,400-acre land grant along the meandering Elk Creek in what was then Monongalia County. Driven by a spirit of resilience and seeking refuge from the escalating conflicts, they hewed logs and erected a formidable fort in 1772 with the help of settlers Obadiah and Daniel Davisson. This bastion, destined to become known as Nutter's Fort, stood resolute against the tide of unrest, offering sanctuary to settlers fleeing Native American raids. Its sturdy timbers, crafted with unwavering determination, earned it the moniker of one of the sturdiest fortifications south of the mighty Fort Pitt.
Though the original fort is no longer standing, its foundation and remains serve as a tangible reminder of Nutter's legacy and the town's rich history.
Thomas Nutter
Leading the charge with unwavering courage was Thomas Nutter, a figure who would later wear the mantle of a captain in the Revolutionary Army. His unwavering dedication to defending the fort and the nascent community it sheltered became the town's cornerstone. By 1779, during the tumultuous Lord Dunmore's War, Nutter's Fort stood as a beacon of hope, welcoming those driven from their homes by the fury of conflict. Its sturdy walls echoed with the whispers of prayers and the clanging of steel, forever immortalizing it as a symbol of unwavering frontier fortitude.
This legacy lives on not only in the town's very name but also in the whispers of history that linger around the remnants of the fort itself.[5]
Industrial Growth and Coal Mining
Emerging from its 18th-century origins as a frontier refuge founded by the Nutter brothers, Nutter Fort's fate became intertwined with the neighboring city of Clarksburg in the late 19th century. The construction of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railroad in the 1880s proved pivotal, not only in connecting Nutter Fort to wider networks but also in solidifying its link to Clarksburg, then already a bustling commercial center. This newfound accessibility facilitated the transportation of Nutter Fort's newly discovered coal resources to Clarksburg, fueling its industrial growth and contributing to its emergence as a major regional hub. While Nutter Fort established itself as a prominent coal mining center, its proximity to Clarksburg provided access to essential services and infrastructure, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the two towns. The shared economic prosperity of this era is reflected in the architectural landscape of both communities, showcasing the impact of their interconnected growth. In this way, Nutter Fort's transformation from a rural outpost to an industrial hub cannot be fully understood without recognizing its inextricable ties to its larger neighbor, Clarksburg.
20th Century
The early decades of the century saw a boom in the coal mining industry, which brought prosperity to the town. This era was characterized by the construction of grand homes, bustling businesses, and infrastructure development fueled by coal revenue. However, the latter half of the century witnessed a decline in the coal industry, leading to economic challenges and necessitating diversification efforts. In response to the changing economic landscape, Nutter Fort embarked on a path of diversification. The community explored new industries, expanded business ventures, and focused on education and community development. The West Virginia Blackberry Festival, held from 1996 to 2019, showcased the region's agricultural heritage and fostered community spirit. Additionally, the preservation of historical landmarks, such as the old Roosevelt-Wilson High School, demonstrated Nutter Fort's commitment to its past. Today, Nutter Fort continues to navigate a post-coal economy, embracing industries such as healthcare and technology. The town's focus on education and community development remains central to its vision for a sustainable future. The 20th century in Nutter Fort serves as a testament to the challenges and opportunities faced by many American towns in the face of economic transformation. Its adaptability and enduring spirit continue to shape its path forward.
Blackberry Festival
From 1996 to 2019, the West Virginia Blackberry Festival attracted thousands to Nutter Fort, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage and fostering community spirit. The festival ended with COVID-19 as the main reason for cancellation in 2019 but has not continued since up to 2024.
Demographics
Historical population
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|
| 1930 | 1,825 | | — |
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| 1940 | 1,803 | | −1.2% |
|---|
| 1950 | 2,285 | | 26.7% |
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| 1960 | 2,440 | | 6.8% |
|---|
| 1970 | 2,379 | | −2.5% |
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| 1980 | 2,078 | | −12.7% |
|---|
| 1990 | 1,819 | | −12.5% |
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| 2000 | 1,686 | | −7.3% |
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| 2010 | 1,593 | | −5.5% |
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| 2020 | 1,497 | | −6.0% |
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| 2021 (est.) | 1,478 | [2] | −1.3% |
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2010 census
As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 1,593 people, 743 households, and 436 families living in the town. The population density was 1,874.1 inhabitants per square mile (723.6/km2). There were 826 housing units at an average density of 971.8 per square mile (375.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.4% White, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.
There were 743 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.3% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.74.
The median age in the town was 41.8 years. 19.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
2000 census
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 1,686 people, 793 households, and 470 families living in the town. The population density was 1,902.9 inhabitants per square mile (731.4/km2). There were 860 housing units at an average density of 970.6 per square mile (373.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.75% White, 0.89% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.30% Asian, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.
There were 793 households, out of which 21.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.72.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $30,163, and the median income for a family was $39,318. Males had a median income of $26,855 versus $18,816 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,431. About 11.6% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.
