Historical Summary

cache_2569826604Narrows was settled around 1778, some thirty years after the first migrants from Pennsylvania arrived in Giles County, via the Great Wagon Trail along the New River.  Narrows’ founding families were the French, McKensey, Hale, and Hare families.

They all settled near the confluence of Wolf Creek and the New River to take advantage of its strategic position during the river transportation era.  Most of southern Narrows (the northern and southern portions of he Town are bisected by the New River) was owned by the Hale family, perhaps the wealthiest of the fouding families.  Original land grants to the Hale family, dating as far back as 1793, are still in the possession of the Hale family.

cache_2569838904During the Civil War period, Narrows served as a strategic location for Confederate troops defending the Dublin-Bristol rail line from sabotage attempts by Union soldiers.  The Confederate troops were stationed on Tannery Hill, which afforded them a vantage point in three directions.

Although Narrows did not acquire a railroad connection until 1884, its strategic location as a military “chokepoint” enabled Confederate troops to stem the movements of the Union Army (moving east and west) by capitalizing on this natural “gap” in the mountain chain.

cache_2569844804During the Reconstruction Era, Narrows began to flourish.  In 1873, the community’s first U.S. Post Office opened, serving as a vital communication link between Dublin and White Sulphur Springs.  During that time, consideration was given to changing the name of the town’s post office to “Intermont”.  However, this proposal was quickly rejected for two reasons.  First, the developing township would also have to assimilate to the name.  Second, another Virginia community already held prior claim to the name.

In 1890, Narrows’ first church was established.  It was Methodist, although all faiths worshipped there until a new church was built in 1922 on Main Street to accommodate the rapid growth of the Town.

The economic boom of the Reconstruction Era provided Narrows with a greater ability to serve its citizenry.  In the field of public safety, cache_2569850304for example, fire protection was furnished by the Union Tanning Company.  The Union Tanning Company was the largest local employer of that time and the most capable of providing the required manpower for firefighting.

After the Town’s water company was organized in the early 1920’s, the Town assumed the responsibility of firefighting.  Although portable hose reels were still purchased from the tannery, small fire houses were constructed in key points in Narrows and the first volunteer fire company was formed to use the newly installed equipment.  During the 1930’s, the Town’s first fire truck was purchased and the police chiefe was also placed in charge of fire services.

cache_2571354904Coupled with the provision of fire safety service, Narrows recognized the need to protect the “public interest and welfare” through excellence in the body politic.  For example, the Town Charter, which was granted by the General Assembly on March 14, 1904, was amended in 1948 to provide for its first Town Manager.

Since that time, development standards such as zoning and subdivision ordinances have been adopted.  Furthering the need to safeguard the public interest, a local planning commission was organized to regulate escalating development concerns.

cache_2571360404Giles County and Narrows both experienced growth when the Norfolk and Western railway was constructed during 1884 and 1885.  Giles County’s population, for instance, increased by nearly 50 percent.  It went from 5,870 in 1880-1881 to 8,794 in 1884-1885.  As with any transportation center, industrial growth was soon to follow.

In 1880 and 1881, before the arrival of the railroad in Narrows, the only businesses in town were a flour mill, one doctor’s office, and a general merchant.  After the railroad connection in the mid-1880’s, two saw mills were erected.  Soon after, in 1910, a third mill located on Walkers Creek was purchased by two Narrows residents, Herbert Hale and George Bane.  The men moved the mill to Wolf Creek.  The mill provided electricity for the Town’s lights between 1915 and 1916.

cache_2571359404The first municipal building was constructed in Narrows in 1921.  It was a two-story, concrete block structure that stood where the present parking lot is now located.  The present brick municipal building was erected in 1950.

The first bank to open in Narrows was the First State Bank of Narrows, which opened its doors on September 19, 1905.  Prior to the bank’s opening, Narrows residents had to travel to Pearisburg, the County seat, to conduct their banking business.

cache_2571545804The first one-room public school in Narrows was instituted in 1872 by Benton Hobbs.  In the mid-1980’s, the school took over the old Methodist Church building on Monroe Street and built a second story.  In 1908, a new building made of concrete blocks was constructed on a hill overlooking the town between Hill and College Streets.  It included the first high school.  A brick building was erected around 1925 adjacent to the block building.

A new Narrows High School was built on Monroe Street in 1931, serving until the present high school was built in 1961.  The brick building on the hill remained an elementary school until it burned on Christmas Day in 1941.  The fire forced some of the grades into temporary quarters until the present elementary school was completed in 1949 on land purchased from the Dr. Coburn family.

cache_2571546704Prior to the construction of U.S. Route 460 sixty years ago, U.S. Route 100 served as the primary road to West Virginia.  Route 100 ran through the downtown area in a curved fashion, giving vehicle occupants many different views of the town and surrounding topography.

Unfortunately, when U.S. Route 460 was constructed, it significantly reduced the traffic flow in the downtown area, thus greatly impacting the retail and service sector in the central business district.  As a result, very little in the downtown landscape changed until the mid-1990’s and with the creation of an enterprise zone.

Historical Features

Despite the rich history surrounding the development of Narrows, official documentation and preservation of historic structres has not occurred on a large scale.  What research has occurred indicated that the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register does not provide any official listing for the Town of Narrows.  Several sites do offer themselves as potential “local” historic sites, such as the Civil War site described earlier, and the MacArthur House, which is currently being used as an inn.  Likewise, the first Union Tannery site has the potential for lacal and regional promotion.  There are two additional primary “points of interest” which have marketing potential as tourist sites.

North Bank Archeological Site

Research indicates that the Town of Narrows contains one archeological site, which is located on the north bank of the New River, just east of the State Route 61 bridge.  This site, described as prehistoric in nature, has yielded a number of remarkable discoveries including: pottery shards, archaeologically-significant mussel shells, flint implements, and stone chips.  However, studies of the site are incomplete at the present, and its real significance remains undetermined.

Mill Dam

Generally regarded as the most aesthetically appealing and valued asset of Narrows, Mill Dam signifies the indomitable spirit and strength of the community.  The dam, originally built before the Civil War to provide power for a flour mill, rightfully takes its place as the cornerstone of Narrows’ history.  Throughout the twentieth century, the Town has rallied around the dam’s preservation and today it survives as testimony to Narrows’ preserverance and dedication.

Falling into a state of disrepair in 1930, the Kingrea brothers purchased the land and restored the mill to its original design.  Unfortunately, the mill deteriorated with the passage of time and was eventually dismantled in the 1960’s.  However, in 1985 a large break occurred in the dam which led to the drainage of the pond and, to some degree, the pride of the community.  Recognizing its importance, a community-wide effort was undertaken in 1986 to rebuild the dam and preserve it for the enjoyment of future generations.  The $30,000 cost of rebuilding the dam was complemented by significant dedication of volunteer labor and funds.

Narrows Driving Tour
Driving toward Narrows on Rt. 460, one travels beside the New River, which flows north into West Virginia. The Town of Narrows is named for the geological feature (“The Narrows”) where the New River is at its most narrow point between Peters and East River Mountains. The first settlers arrived in the area in 1778.

1. As you enter the town limits, turn onto Rt. 61 at the Rt. 460 stoplight. Follow Rt. 61 across the 11Randall W. Fletcher Memorial Bridge spanning the New River. The latest of three bridges that have been constructed here, this bridge was dedicated on November 23, 2013, and named for a local veteran who was a tireless contributor to the community.

2. At the end of the bridge, to the left is the 12 Norfolk and Western Depot. N&W came to Narrows in 1864 and locals still tell stories of riding the rails – especially on the renowned steam engine, J611.

3. Back on Rt. 61, drive under the railroad overpass and turn right on Lurich Road for approximately .2 miles to 13 Camp Success, the locale of Civil War encampments. This 8.5 acre, primitive campground allows tent campers and picnickers to enjoy the beauty of both Wolf Creek and the New River.

4. Returning to the Rt. 61/Lurich Rd. intersection, turn right onto Rt. 61. The historic 14 MacArthur Inn is on the left. This structure opened in 1942 as the Hotel General MacArthur – the first U.S. building named for the World War II general. The building was used in many different ways over the years, but has been restored and operates again as an inn.

5. Past the Inn is 15 Anna’s Restaurant on the right. For over 20 years, Anna’s has served the area with delicious, country cooking and hosted the regular Thursday night Ole Time Music Jam.

6. Across the street from Anna’s is 16 Centennial Park and “The Mural of Narrows”. The park was dedicated in honor of the town’s centennial in 2004. The mural, portraying “NARROWS va…NATURALLY!”, was added in 2013 by S. S. “Brick” Marunich, a Vietnam combat veteran, prolific artist, and Narrows resident.

7. Continue along Rt. 61 to its intersection with Kimberling to the 17 Veterans Memorial Park. This important memorial was constructed by the local Veterans’ of Foreign Wars and many dedicated volunteers. It serves to honor all branches of service and allows quiet reflection on the sacrifice of our veterans.

8. Across from the Veterans Memorial is 18 Wolf Creek Mill Dam and Mill Pond better known as the Duck Pond.

9. Next on the left at the Mary Street intersection, sits the old Narrows High School building. The football field is still used, but today the building has been repurposed as the town’s 19 Community Center. The current high school is now located on the other side of the New River.

10. Return back along Rt. 61 East and turn right onto Main Street/Rt. 100 (across from Anna’s). On the right, across from the Post Office, is the home of 20 Right Turn, Clyde Brewing Company – a micro-brewery. Next door to the brewery is Narrows Gift Shop and Art Gallery, a nonprofit retailer showcasing the talents of over 30 local artists, authors, artisans, and craftsmen.

11. Continuing up Main Street/Rt.100 approximately .3 miles, turn right on Northview Street. Follow Northview approximately 3 blocks, turn right onto College Street, then the next left on Poplar Street. Continue on Poplar Street for .8 miles to the stop sign and turn right on the gravel road (through the open gate) to the parking area for 21 Mill Creek Nature Park.

12. This 40-acre park adjoins the Jefferson National Forest and offers miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Hikers will find four Mill Creek waterfalls of varying sizes along the trails and fishermen can cast for native trout in this pristine water. An easy hike beside Mill Creek from the parking area brings one to the reservoir location where a section of the original stone dam from the late 1700s can still be seen.

13.Returning back to Main Street/Rt. 100 turn right, following the main original curving road (before Rt. 460 was built) toward the Town of Pearisburg through Bluff City. Or, take a left on Main Street, returning to Rt. 61, and cross the New River back to Route 460.

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Narrows, named for the narrowing of the New River that flows past it, is a town in Giles County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,029 at the 2010 census.