Shannondale, West Virginia

Shannondale is an unincorporated community in Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States, originally conceived as a respite from the city to be used in the Spring and Summer by urbanites occupying vacation cottages. Shannondale is nestled between the Shenandoah River and the Appalachian Trail on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain. The name Shannondale first appears in public records in January 1740. It referred to a convert|29120|acre|km2|0|sing=on parcel conveyed by Lord Thomas Fairfax to his nephew William Fairfax which contained the once world renown spa and resort, [http://www.shannondale.org/foss Shannondale Springs] .

The modern [http://www.shannondale.org Shannondale Community] in Jefferson County was established in the mid-1950s by Charles M. Johnson, an engineer and real estate broker. He realized the potential of the property surrounding the Shannondale Springs as a retreat for residents of the Baltimore and Washington area. He invited people to come and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River. In 1955, the first road was built in the development then consisting of 2500 acres (10 km²). Three years later, an Adirondack styled lodge, bath house, as well as, an Olympic-sized swimming pool had been constructed, in addition to, the recreational and camping facilities along the river. During that period, many summer vacation homes were built and more than convert|20|mi|km|0 of rugged road had been put into use. Over time, the developer acquired more than convert|5000|acre|km2|0 making Shannondale arguably the largest subdivision in the State of West Virginia (in surface area).

In 1961, work commenced on an earthen dam to impound a 65 acre lake adjacent to and partially surrounding the clubhouse and pool. When it was completed, the lake was the largest in the state owned by a private entity. Building and membership in the community club (membership was concomitant with the purchase of development property) increased dramatically with the lake's completion. By 1970, Shannondale consisted of more than 500 homes, many of which were converted to full time residences, and over convert|40|mi|km of roads. C. M. Johnson remains one of the few developers of "Shannondale style" communities who delivered what was promised to its membership. The club relinquished its private status in 1972 and was bought by a consortium of members in 1978. As a result of changing demographics and the loss of operating capital from land sales, the operation never regained the luster of the years of the late 50's and 60's. The club is now privately owned and was operated as The Mountain Lake Lodge. The Lodge (formerly the Clubhouse) was destroyed tragic fire on June 19th 2003. The investigation into the cause of the conflagration has stalled, likely for good. The surrounding community now consists of more than 1200 homes, most of which are inhabited on a full-time basis. The over convert|70|mi|km of roads present are now maintained by the State of West Virginia.

External links

* [http://www.shannondale.org/ Shannondale and Beyond] , A Blue Ridge Mountain Community Forum