Did you know that in the mid to late 1800s, a major stagecoach stop was located in western Upshur County? It was in Calloway, one of the small trading centers that were dotted along the more traveled routes cutting through the wooded hillsides of this area. From all research, it appears Calloway was located slightly south of present FM 49, jut about a mile east of Little Mound Baptist Church.

While there is no evidence of its existence today, it was once a thriving way station for settlers moving west. At one time, its population exceeded 300 people, which was quite large for the time period.

Among some of the earliest settlers in Calloway was the Cranfill family. Tom Cranfill remained in Calloway, where he raised a large family. Seventh-generation descendants stil call this area home; some not even realizing their kinship to this well-known settler.

Calloway has sparked much interest in researching the ancestors and descendants of the first settlers of this area of western Upshur County.

Many of these researchers, along with other western Upshur County researchers, are participating in a Genealogy Swap Meet, during the annual Blackstone Ridge Country Gathering on April 17.

Everyone researching their ancestors from this area is invited to attend and set up a family history table where they can compare research, and share documents and pictures. Scanners and printers will be available at the private research room, on the property. It will be open for the day.

As always, the Country Gathering is open to everyone. It is made possible by The Gilmer Mirror, Triple C Services, Holmes Concrete and Pipe, Austin Bank and Blackstone Ridge Small Engine Shop.

Many describe the day as an old fashioned reunion of those interested in this area’s past and present. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to spend the day enjoying local talent on the bandstand, along with quilt auctions, Puppets for Jesus, mountain music by Just Friends, cowboy skits and the Confederate Living History Area. Guest speaker for the day is Ron Wade of Longview.

Starting at 6 p.m., a FREE Bluegrass Concert will be held. This year, it will feature The Coleman Brothers and The Lone Star Boys, The Brushy Creek Boys, and Nickelville Road.

The event is located on FM 49 about nine miles west of Gilmer, between Little Mound and Hopewell. Since it is an outdoor show, it will be held weather permitting. For more information, please call 903-725-7314.

Visit Blackstone Ridge online at www.blackstoneridge.com.



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