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One of the Largest Diamonds Found in WV?

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One of the Largest Diamonds Found in WV?

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Read this article to learn this fascinating story!!!

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Diamonds don't exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally here in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928. Geologists are still at a loss to explain how it got there, and speculation has never died down.

The Punch Jones Diamond-also known as the Horseshoe Diamond -remains the largest alluvial diamond ever discovered in North America and the third largest found on the continent overall.

According to the late historian Shirley Donnelly, the gem was unearthed while Grover C. Jones, Sr., and his son William, better known as "Punch," were pitching horseshoes on a vacant lot along Rich Creek near their home in Peterstown.

"When Punch pitched his horseshoe, it struck a bright object in the hole," Donnelly wrote in a Feb. 23, 1974, column, Yesterday and Today, in The Beckley Post-Herald.

"When dug out, it proved to be a rounded, faceted, glassy mass. It was about three-quarters of an inch in diameter," Donnelly said.

"Although he had expressed the wild notion that he had found a diamond, it was several years before the stone was actually determined to be a diamond."

Punch carried the rock home and stowed it in a box in the tool shed. Fifteen years later, however, he presented it to geology professor Roy J. Holden at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now Virginia Tech, who examined the stone and declared that it was, in fact, a diamond.

"It is my opinion that this is a diamond," Donnelly quoted Holden as having determined. "It is of good color and appears to be comparatively free from imperfections. It is the largest one ever found in the eastern United States."

The Jones diamond was later exhibited at the Smithsonian, where Donnelly saw it, observing that its hardness was "such that a corner of the crystal readily scratches sapphire and a crystal face of carborundum.

"In the air, the high refractive power of the stone is indicated by the brilliance and the distribution of transmitted light. Under X-rays it shows an opalescent blue fluorescence."

The bluish-white 34.48-carat diamond measures five-eighths of an inch across and 12 diamond-shaped faces.

From 1944 to 1968, it was on display at the Smithsonian, after which it was returned to West Virginia and was exhibited intermittently at the State Fair of West Virginia.

The Jones family owned the diamond until the early 1980s, when it was auctioned through Sotheby's of New York. According to a recent uncited account at Wikipedia, the gem was sold to an agent representing a lawyer in an undisclosed east Asian country.

As to how the gem could be found in southern West Virginia, far from any diamond-bearing rocks, several theories have been propounded, but perhaps none will ever be proven.

Read also: Little-known facts about West Virginia's ancient moundbuilders

Donnelly seemed convinced that the diamond was transported by a bird. Holden speculated that it was washed there from a distant upstream source over millions of years.

"Alluvial diamond" is the term used to describe diamonds that have been removed from the primary source, most often Kimberlite, by erosion over millions of years, and deposition in a new environment such as a river bed, an ocean floor, or a shoreline.

It's also possible that someone might have dropped the rock or left it there. Native Americans benefitted from transcontinental trade routes, and archaeologists note that gems have been found in prehistoric burials, though never has the discovery of such a gem as the Punch Jones Diamond otherwise been documented.

Geologic mystery in Monroe County visible only from the air

Unbeknownst to many residents of the Greenbrier Valley in southern West Virginia, a six-mile crack in the surface earth has been hiding beneath their feet. Visible only from the air, the "Monitor Lineament" is one of the strangest landforms in this scenic landscape of bluegrass pastures, vanishing brooks, and healing springs. Read the full story here.
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Rare, mysterious diamond found in 1928 in West Virginia - West Virginia Explorer

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Diamonds don't exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally here in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928. Geologists are still at a loss to explain how it got there, and speculation has never died down.

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Take a paper copy to complete this unless absent- then complete digitally and submit.

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Watch to learn more about Summers County

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On the Road in West Virginia: Our 55 Counties

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Click here to learn about Mercer County.

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On the Road in West Virginia: Our 55 Counties

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Can you believe, the small town of Bramwell, WV was once one of the wealthiest cities in the country. Click here to read more.

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Welcome to our county, where you'll find four distinct historic towns overflowing with genuine Appalachian charm!

First up is Bramwell, known as the "millionaires' town" during the coal boom. Take a stroll along its mansion-lined street and delve into the town's lavish past on a walking tour. Don't forget to visit the rail depot museum for a deeper dive into its fascinating history.

Next, we have Bluefield, once dubbed "Little New York" for its impressive skyline. When the summer sun gets mighty hot, quench your thirst with a cool and refreshing cup of lemonade - a beloved tradition since the late 30s. And if you're a train enthusiast or a keen photographer, you're in for a treat at the bustling rail yard along Princeton Avenue.

Princeton is another gem, proudly showcasing its rich railroad heritage and captivating tales from the Civil War era. Immerse yourself in the local museums and have a firsthand look at the last remaining Civil War structure in town. And make sure you don't skip out on the lively art scene in downtown Princeton, where the historic murals gracefully blend with the vibrant spirit of modern creativity.

Last but not least, Athens carries the weight of history with its longstanding architecture and the presence of Concord University since 1872. Take a scenic drive along Route 20, surrounded by beautiful farmland and a breath of fresh air. Before reaching Pipestem Resort State Park, make a pit stop at Athens, the gateway to outdoor adventures.

Today, all four towns are part of our Certified Arts Community, infusing our heritage into a unique creative character. Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of our Uniquely Appalachian county!

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Uniquely Appalachian Towns Welcome to our county, where you'll find four distinct historic towns overflowing with genuine Appalachian charm! First up is

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Click to learn about The Greenbrier Resort

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Click to learn more about the bunker underneath The Greenbrier

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Click to see image of the front view of the resort.

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Read through to learn about 20 of the best things the Tamarack has to offer.

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Anyone who's driven through southern West Virginia has seen it. That red roofed round-about building that kind of looks like a landing spot for when the mother ship comes to down to get us.
Or maybe it's a crown. Or a flower.

Actually, when viewed from above, the Tamarack building itself is a structured representation of its own logo, a geometric design within an invisible quilt square. It's a beautiful work in and of itself. Inside the building, though, is what really matters.

Here are 20 reasons why Tamarack is always worth a visit:

1. Tamarack houses art from all 55 counties in West Virginia.
2. The Greenbrier Resort runs the kitchen, which means you're walking in to pretty much the greatest cafeteria that's ever existed.
3. There are artisan made foods, candy, jellies, and sauces from all around the state.
4. There is an information desk to answer questions right as you walk in (brilliant!)
5. There's live music, for free, almost every week.
6. Kids like the small playground on the south side of the building (where they can't break anything).
7. Music from all over the Mountain State is for sale.
8. Also, handmade instruments of all kinds are for sale.
9. They have a ton of books written by, for, and about West Virginians.
10. There's a pretty good selection of out-of-the-ordinary WVU and Marshal items.
11. Tamarack has a large and extensive gallery of fine art, if that's your thing, if it's not, after visiting the gallery it will be.
12. The glass objects section is easy to spend money in.
13. You'll see some of the most amazing woodwork of your life.
14. Toys have their own section; all of them are handcrafted.
15. If you find the perfect WV keepsake and can't take it with you - they'll ship it to you.
16. The conference space is beautiful & well equipped, large enough to host nearly any event.
17. The theater screens movies and slideshows from around the state.
18. It's the perfect (only?) place for eating ice cream while looking at art.
19. It's round, so once you look at everything, you're back where you started.
20. It's a showcase of the art, music, dance, flavor, tradition, and pride that makes West Virginia wonderful.

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20 Reasons Why Tamarack Really IS The Best Of West Virginia - Visit Southern West Virginia

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Anyone who's driven through southern West Virginia has seen it. That red roofed round-about building that kind of looks like a landing spot for when the mother ship comes to down to get us. Or maybe it's a crown. Or a flower.

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Interested in going skiing? Check out Winterplace Ski Resort!

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Please Select The Date Of Your Visit

Season Passes For 2022/23 Are On Sale Now!

Season Passes For 2022/23 Are On Sale Now!

Please Select The Date Of Your Visit

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BOOK A GROUP

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Winterplace Ski Resort | Voted #1 place to learn to ski and snowboard in the South East! | Home

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Check out this park; located on the border between Mercer and Summers counties.

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History

Pipestem Resort State Park gets its name from the native pipestem or meadowsweet plant. Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as shafts for tobacco pipes. For generations, the descendants of Scotch, Irish and English farmers farmed the relatively flat plateau on the east side of the Bluestone River Gorge. The land was rich in beauty but poor in jobs. In the 1960s, West Virginia received financial assistance to buy property to create a park that would attract visitors who could help grow the local economy. The park was built with grants provided by the Area Redevelopment Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the administration of President John F. Kennedy. The park officially opened on Memorial Day 1970.

Nature Center

The Nature Center at Pipestem Resort State Park provides opportunities for children, young and old, to explore the wonders of our backyard and beyond. Interpretive activities and programs are available year-round.

Click here to view the full list of Nature Center activities.

Dining

The Bluestone Dining Room at McKeever Lodge is a full-service restaurant offering breathtaking views of the Bluestone Gorge. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mountain Creek Dining Room at the Mountain Creek Lodge is known for its unique menu and high-quality presentation. This relaxing riverside location, accessible only by the park's popular aerial tramway. Mountain Creek Lodge is open for overnight reservations on Friday and Saturday nights only beginning May 26 through October 28 in 2023. The Mountain Creek Dining Room will not be open in 2023.

at McKeever Lodge is a quick-service dining option for families on the go, or for anyone looking for a place to kick back and relax after a long day of adventure. At Black Bear, you'll find specialty pizzas, as well as a wide selection of craft and local draft beer. View the Black Bear Grill and Lounge Black Bear Grill and Lounge Menu. Open Thursday and Friday 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tramway Sweets & Treats at the Canyon Rim Center is a 1950s themed soda shop and ice cream parlor with sundaes, shakes and other desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Tramway Sweets & Treats overlooks the stunning Bluestone Gorge and tramway down to Mountain Creek Lodge. Open Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Shopping

Everything you need for the perfect vacation is right here, plus a little extra.
Pro Shop - Features logoed golf apparel and unique golf merchandise. Open daily from 7:00 a.m to 7:30 p.m.
Expressions of McKeever Lodge - Features logo apparel, art glass, West Virginia roasted coffee and specialty gifts. Open daily 24/7.

Campground Store - Features staple products, supplies and groceries to make your stay more convenient and enjoyable.

Reflections at Canyon Rim - Offers a wide selection of souvenirs, West Virginia glassware, gifts and souvenirs. Please note: The Reflections at Canyon Rim gift shop will temporarily move to the Blue & Gold Room in the 18-hole championship pro shop complex located near McKeever Lodge. Open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mountain Artisan Center - Features West Virginia hand-crafted merchandise.

Recreation Center Specialty Shop - Features logoed apparel, recreation equipment, disc golf and archery supplies.

Mountain Creek Outfitters - Offers outdoor adventure apparel and gear. Open same hours as the aerial tramway.

Serenity Spa

Treat yourself to massages, facials, waxing and nail services at Pipestem Resort's Mountain Serenity Spa.

For a full list of services, click here.

Make your reservation today by calling 304-466-1800 ext. 735. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins based on availability.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Bluestone Turnpike Trail

Distance: 8.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Canyon Rim Trail

Distance: 0.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

River Trail

Distance: 5.25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

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Find your wilderness vacation, at Pipestem! An aerial tram, pool, cabins, trails and golf are just some of the things to do. Find your adventure here!

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Watch this preview of the movie, "October Sky", which takes place in McDowell County.

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October Sky Official Trailer #1 - (1999) HD

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Click to learn more about the New River Gorge Bridge

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Why the New River Gorge Bridge Was Built

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Want to get a glimpse into Bridge Day?? Watch this!!

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Adventures on the Gorge in the New River Gorge in WV

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Adventures on the Gorge in the New River Gorge in WV. Specializing in whitewater rafting, ziplining, and all outdoor adventures!

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Want to know more about Bridge Day? Click below to read all about it!!

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Click to read Steve Harvey's Biography. Born in Welch, WV (located in McDowell County)

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Author from McDowell County. Click here to read about one of her famous books.

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Read 176 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Annadel, West Virginia, was a small town rich in coal, farms, and close-knit families, all...

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Click on this link to learn more about the famous author from McDowell County. Don't forget to click on the books tab to see his collection of books!

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Homer H. Hickam, Jr. was born on February 19, 1943, the second son of Homer and Elsie Hickam, and was raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960 and from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1964 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Hickam served as a First Lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967-1968 where he won the Army Commendation and Bronze Star medals. He served six years on active duty, leaving the service with the rank of Captain.

Hickam has been a writer since 1969 after his return from Vietnam. At first, he mostly wrote about his scuba diving adventures for a variety of different magazines. Then, after diving on many of the wrecks involved, he branched off into writing about the battle against the U-boats along the American east coast during World War II. This resulted in his first book, Torpedo Junction (1989), a military history best-seller published in 1989 by the Naval Institute Press.

In 1998, Delacorte Press published Hickam's second book, Rocket Boys: A Memoir, the story of his life in the little town of Coalwood, West Virginia. It became an instant classic. Rocket Boys has since been translated into eight languages and also released as an abridged audio book and electronic book. Among it's many honors, it was selected by the New York Times as one of its "Great Books of 1998" and was an alternate "Book-of-the-Month" selection for both the Literary Guild and Doubleday book clubs. Rocket Boys was also nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as Best Biography of 1998. In February, 1999, Universal Studios released its critically-acclaimed film October Sky, based on Rocket Boys (The title October Sky is an anagram of Rocket Boys). Delacorte subsequently released a mass market paperback of Rocket Boys, re-titled October Sky. October Sky reached the New York Times # 1 position on their best-seller list.

Mr. Hickam's first fiction novel was Back to the Moon (1999) that was also simultaneously released as a hardcover, audio book, and eBook. It has also been translated into Chinese.

The Coalwood Way (2000), a memoir of Mr. Hickam's hometown he calls "not a sequel but an equal," was published by Delacorte Press and is available in abridged audio, eBook, large print and Japanese. It was an alternate "Book-of-the-Month" selection for Doubleday book club. His third Coalwood memoir, a true sequel, was published in October 2001. It is titled Sky of Stone (2001). An associated book about Coalwood was published in 2002, a self help/inspirational tome titled We Are Not Afraid: Strength and Courage from the Town That Inspired the #1 Bestseller and Award-Winning Movie October Sky.

Mr. Hickam is also the author of a popular series of novels that feature Josh Thurlow, a Coast Guard officer during World War II. The series began with The Keeper's Son (2003), and then continued with The Ambassador's Son (2005) and The Far Reaches (2007). To meet the requests from publishers for a Young Adult series, Homer also wrote his Helium-3 novels titled Crater, Crescent, and Crater Trueblood and the Lunar Rescue Company. These two series have been heavily praised by critics and readers as have Homer's novel about a coal miner's wife in Red Helmet, and a thriller set in modern-day Montana titled The Dinosaur Hunter.

His latest work, published in October, 2015, is the critically acclaimed novel Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his Wife, and her Alligator.

While working on his writing career, Mr. Hickam was employed as an engineer for the U.S. Army Missile Command from 1971 to 1981 assigned to Huntsville, Alabama, and Germany. He began employment with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1981 as an aerospace engineer. During his NASA career, Mr. Hickam worked in spacecraft design and crew training. His specialties at NASA included training astronauts on science payloads, and extravehicular activities (EVA). He also trained astronaut crews for many Spacelab and Space Shuttle missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope deployment mission, the first two Hubble repair missions, Spacelab-J (the first Japanese astronauts), and the Solar Max repair mission. Prior to his retirement in 1998, Mr. Hickam was the Payload Training Manager for the International Space Station Program.

In 1984, Mr. Hickam was presented with Alabama's Distinguished Service Award for heroism shown during a rescue effort of the crew and passengers of a sunken paddleboat in the Tennessee River. Because of this award, Mr. Hickam was honored in 1996 by the United States Olympic Committee to carry the Olympic Torch through Huntsville, Alabama, on its way to Atlanta.

Mr. Hickam has received many awards and honors. Among them are the prestigious University of Alabama's Clarence Cason Award and the Appalachian Heritage Writer's Award for his memoirs and fiction. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Literature from Marshall University.

Mr. Hickam is married to Linda Terry Hickam, an artist and his first editor and assistant. They love their cats and share their time between homes in Alabama and the Virgin Islands.

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Homer H. Hickam, Jr. was born on February 19, 1943, the second son of Homer and Elsie Hickam, and was raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960 and from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1964 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering.

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Watch to learn more about Wyoming County

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On the Road in West Virginia: Our 55 Counties

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Watch to learn more about Monroe County.

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On the Road in West Virginia: Our 55 Counties

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Click and scroll down to learn about different places you can visit in Wyoming County.

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Click on this image and zoom in to see an aerial view of The Greenbrier Resort

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Watch to learn more about John Henry.

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How John Henry Became an American Folk Hero