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Keyser was
originally called Paddy Town after Patrick McCarty, son of one of
the original settlers. With the coming of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad in 1852, the destiny of the area changed from a quiet
rural community to a thriving industrial center.
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The name was changed to New Creek
Station and then to New Creek. In 1861 the Civil War came rumbling
through the valley. Fort Fuller was built on the present site of
Potomac State College, and Fort Piano entrenchments were
established on New Creek Mountain. Because of the importance of
the railroad the town changed hands 14 times.
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At the time West
Virginia became a State in 1863 there was some contention between
Piedmont and New Creek (Keyser) over the location of the County
Seat. As an inducement to have the County Seat located in New
Creek (Keyser), local businessmen, the Davis brothers, donated an
acre of land for the courthouse which was built in 1867 and is
still in use today.
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In 1874 the town was incorporated as "Keyser"
to honor William Keyser, Vice President of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. Supposedly the action was intended to gain favor to ensure that
the B&O would move all rail operations from Piedmont to Keyser.
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