Shannondale, West Virginia
Encyclopedia
Shannondale is an unincorporated
census-designated place
in Jefferson County
, West Virginia
, United States
. As of the 2010 census
, its population was 3,358.
and the Appalachian Trail
on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain
. The name Shannondale first appears in public records in January 1740. It referred to a 29120 acres (118 km²) parcel conveyed by Lord Thomas Fairfax to his nephew William Fairfax which contained the once world renown spa and resort, Shannondale Springs.
The modern Shannondale Community in Jefferson County was established in the mid-1950s by Charles M. Johnson, an engineer and real estate broker. He realized the potential of the property surrounding the Shannondale Springs as a retreat for residents of the Baltimore and Washington area. He invited people to come and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River. In 1955, the first road was built in the development then consisting of 2500 acres (10 km²). Three years later, an Adirondack styled lodge, bath house, as well as, an Olympic-sized swimming pool had been constructed, in addition to, the recreational and camping facilities along the river. During that period, many summer vacation homes were built and more than 20 miles (32 km) of rugged road had been put into use. Over time, the developer acquired more than 5000 acres (20 km²) making Shannondale arguably the largest subdivision in the State of West Virginia (in surface area).
In 1961, work commenced on an earthen dam to impound a 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) lake adjacent to and partially surrounding the clubhouse and pool. When it was completed, the lake was the largest in the state owned by a private entity. Building and membership in the community club (membership was concomitant with the purchase of development property) increased dramatically with the lake's completion. By 1970, Shannondale consisted of more than 500 homes, many of which were converted to full time residences, and over 40 miles (64.4 km) of roads. C. M. Johnson remains one of the few developers of "Shannondale style" communities who delivered what was promised to its membership. The club relinquished its private status in 1972 and was bought by a consortium of members in 1978. As a result of changing demographics and the loss of operating capital from land sales, the operation never regained the luster of the years of the late 50's and 60's. The club is now privately owned and was operated as The Mountain Lake Lodge. The Lodge (formerly the Clubhouse) was destroyed tragic fire on June 19, 2003. The investigation into the cause of the conflagration has stalled, likely for good. The surrounding community now consists of more than 1200 homes, most of which are inhabited on a full-time basis. The over 70 miles (112.7 km) of roads present are now maintained by the State of West Virginia.
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
in Jefferson County
Jefferson County, West Virginia
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of 2010, the population was 53,498. Its county seat is Charles Town...
, West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, its population was 3,358.
History
Originally conceived as a respite from the city to be used in the Spring and Summer by urbanites occupying vacation cottages. Shannondale is nestled between the Shenandoah RiverShenandoah River
The Shenandoah River is a tributary of the Potomac River, long with two forks approximately long each, in the U.S. states of Virginia and West Virginia...
and the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...
on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
. The name Shannondale first appears in public records in January 1740. It referred to a 29120 acres (118 km²) parcel conveyed by Lord Thomas Fairfax to his nephew William Fairfax which contained the once world renown spa and resort, Shannondale Springs.
The modern Shannondale Community in Jefferson County was established in the mid-1950s by Charles M. Johnson, an engineer and real estate broker. He realized the potential of the property surrounding the Shannondale Springs as a retreat for residents of the Baltimore and Washington area. He invited people to come and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River. In 1955, the first road was built in the development then consisting of 2500 acres (10 km²). Three years later, an Adirondack styled lodge, bath house, as well as, an Olympic-sized swimming pool had been constructed, in addition to, the recreational and camping facilities along the river. During that period, many summer vacation homes were built and more than 20 miles (32 km) of rugged road had been put into use. Over time, the developer acquired more than 5000 acres (20 km²) making Shannondale arguably the largest subdivision in the State of West Virginia (in surface area).
In 1961, work commenced on an earthen dam to impound a 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) lake adjacent to and partially surrounding the clubhouse and pool. When it was completed, the lake was the largest in the state owned by a private entity. Building and membership in the community club (membership was concomitant with the purchase of development property) increased dramatically with the lake's completion. By 1970, Shannondale consisted of more than 500 homes, many of which were converted to full time residences, and over 40 miles (64.4 km) of roads. C. M. Johnson remains one of the few developers of "Shannondale style" communities who delivered what was promised to its membership. The club relinquished its private status in 1972 and was bought by a consortium of members in 1978. As a result of changing demographics and the loss of operating capital from land sales, the operation never regained the luster of the years of the late 50's and 60's. The club is now privately owned and was operated as The Mountain Lake Lodge. The Lodge (formerly the Clubhouse) was destroyed tragic fire on June 19, 2003. The investigation into the cause of the conflagration has stalled, likely for good. The surrounding community now consists of more than 1200 homes, most of which are inhabited on a full-time basis. The over 70 miles (112.7 km) of roads present are now maintained by the State of West Virginia.