West Virginia Hills by Jeff Ellis

Showing posts with label Jackson County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jackson County. Show all posts

Monday, April 26, 2010

Jackson County, West Virginia


Major Highways

Interstate 77
U.S. Highway 33
West Virginia Route 2
West Virginia Route 34
West Virginia Route 62
West Virginia Route 68
West Virginia Route 87


Jackson County, West Virginia is my home. This is where I grew up, on the Ohio River in the small town of Ravenswood. Like many young people, when I lived here I couldn't wait to leave. When I moved away, I couldn't wait to move back. While I was away, there was always a sense that this was my home, this is where my roots attach me to the earth. I missed the Ohio River, and the Mid-Ohio Valley. I missed the rolling hills and the mountains. I missed the friendliness of the people. I missed everything about this place.

After being away for nearly twenty-five years I moved back home to Ravenswood, where I live in a house that sits at the river's edge. From my front deck I have an unobstructed view of the river in both directions, and on the opposite bank is a beautiful view of the wooded hills in rural Meigs County, Ohio.

Immediately I set about exploring the area surrounding Ravenswood, and seeing again those places I used to go when I was a kid. I expanded my explorations to include all of Jackson County by taking drives along the many country roads crisscrossing the county. Here I see the beauty of this place that I missed so much. My soul feels at peace in this place, and I absorb the beauty, the sights, sounds, and smells of all that I find here, all that I have forgotten over the years, and know that finally I am home.