Aurora

History of Aurora

Aurora traces its origins to the summit of Cheat Mountain, where Reverend John Stough established the first settlement in 1787. John Wheeler relocated to Aurora in 1800, followed by several other families who settled nearby. Initially known as Salem and later renamed Mount Carmel, the town eventually adopted the name Aurora due to its high altitude.

Aurora Today: What Makes Us Unique

cathedral state parkCathedral State Park

Located on the summit of Cheat Mountain, Aurora is a prime spot for visitors attracted to its high altitude and crisp, clean air, gentle rolling mountains and deep forests. Designated a National Natural Landmark, Cathedral State Park is West Virginia’s largest old-growth forest and is home to one of the largest stands of virgin hemlock in the state. Hiking through the 133-acre park offers miles of trails, original photography opportunities against endless varieties of flowers and trees.

sheepFarming

Preston County boasts over 1000 small family farms. Farming and timber have been part of the solid foundation of Aurora. Dairy farms, beef cattle, crops, and sheep farms are all located in this area. Local foods are abundant in Aurora and around Preston County. 

The logging companies in the Aurora area and around Preston County responsibly harvest trees for the hardwoods industry and maintain the natural forests in the area.

jacobs ladderJacob’s Ladder

Drawing its name from the area's high altitude, Jacob's Ladder addiction treatment community is nested in the gentle rolling mountains, forest, and pasture of Aurora. The unique setting allows for historical farming and forestry practices to be integral pieces of the healing allowed for here. The Netflix documentary, “The Recovery Boys” was filmed here.

brookside innBrookside Inn

Built near the turn of the nineteenth century as part of a resort complex for those seeking to escape the busy city life of the East Coast, the Brookside Inn maintains the hospitality, spirit and traditions of those times. The cozy retreat is on the National Register of Historic Places.

aurora schoolAurora School

Aurora is proud of its Aurora School, which serves students in prekindergarten through eighth-grade.

 

Population

Total Population

196

Population
Growth Rate

-0.52%

Median Age

53

Diversity Index

7.900

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Housing & Income

Households

83

Total Housing Units

92


Owner Occupied

70

Renter Occupied

13

Vacant

9

Median Home Value

$169,231


Average Home Value

$190,357

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.51%

Income Projection

Median Household

$52,681 $53,377


Average Household

$60,501 $67,543


Per Capita

$25,620 $28,998

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Workforce

Total Businesses

13

Total Employed

60

Workers 16+

93

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

17

2024 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

16

2024 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

4

Employed

9

2024 Building Matl / Garden Equip

N

Businesses

1

Employed

9

2024 General Merchandise Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

7

2024 Admin / Support / Waste Mgmt

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

5

Some
High School

6

Graduated
High School

76

Associates
Degree

1

Bachelor's
Degree

13

Graduate
Degree

12

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

0

Non-Resident Commuters

27

Drive Alone

68

Carpooled

25

Public

0

Work At Home

0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26
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