Pocahontas, VA: Conceptual Redevelopment Plan for the Fuel Building: Executive Summary

Abstract

Pocahontas, Virginia, once a thriving center of coal mining in Tazewell County, is today a community deeply engaged in preserving its rich history. This report summarizes the conceptual vision for the revitalization of the historic Fuel Building, a notable structure within the Pocahontas Historic District.

Located near the heart of Pocahontas, the Fuel Building was once part of the bustling industrial infrastructure that powered the town’s mining operations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though no longer in active use, the building stands as a testament to the town’s legacy as the first coalfield town in Virginia, and as a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience that defined the region’s workforce and way of life.

Spearheading efforts to preserve and reinterpret Pocahontas’ historical assets is Historical Pocahontas Incorporated (HPI), a dedicated community group that has long advocated for the conservation of the town’s architectural and cultural heritage. Their continued leadership and collaboration with local and state partners have been crucial in shaping the vision for the Fuel Building and other significant structures in the area.

This report outlines Pocahontas’ historic significance, the background of the Fuel Building, and the collaborative planning process underway to develop a meaningful and sustainable future for this site—one that respects the town’s coal mining roots while creating new opportunities for education, tourism, and community engagement.