Helvetia is located at the headwaters of the Buckhannon River in
southwest Randolph County. In October of 1869, a six person
scouting party visited the area. The first thirteen immigrants
arrived in the small isolated valley in December of that year. By
1880 the number of residents was 407. In addition to farmers and
herdsmen, there were stonemasons, carpenters, painters; wagon,
watch, hat and cheese makers; musicians, teachers, ministers and
doctors. The timber industry began when the Chemical-Helvetia
Railroad was built in 1915. The railroad supplied the Buckhannon
Chemical Company, near Selbyville, with hardwoods until the mid
1920's. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad came to nearby Pickens in
1892. Logging, which has had many ups and downs, continues to be
a major part of the local economy. Since World War II, coal
mining has also played a major part in the economy of Helvetia.
Telephone service began in 1912 and electricity arrived in 1939.
After World War II, the roads to Mill Creek and French Creek were
paved. The first settlers established a German Evangelical
Reformed Church in 1873. That church became Zion Presbyterian
Church in 1947. The Hütte Restaurant was opened in 1967 and
Helvetia celebrated its Centennial in 1969. Tourism has developed over the
years since the '69 Centennial.
Beekeeper Inn Library, Museum
Go to Helvetia Fair Page
Return to Woodman's Helvetia Page 1
