The Pocahontas County Opera House's performance series brings more than a dozen shows to its stage each year, ranging from bluegrass to jazz, folk to musical theatre and everything in between. An intimate venue, with seating for 250, the Pocahontas County Opera House is part of the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. At the turn of the 20th century, the railroad’s arrival in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, opened vast stands of virgin timber to commercial markets. The advent of rail travel and commerce opened isolated communities to all the activity and opportunity that followed the rails. The first Opera House in Marlinton, known as “The Grand,” began showcasing vaudeville acts, dramatic productions and moving picture shows in 1907. The second and larger Opera House, on Third Avenue, towers above other buildings in town reminding us of the impact of the railroad. Built in 1910 by J. G. Tilton, the three-story concrete structure boasted a large stage and wrap-around balcony. The glory days of this grand facility were short lived. Mr. Tilton, also the publisher of the Marlinton Messenger ran into financial trouble and the building was sold in 1914. It was used for car sales and lumber storage for many years. In 1991, Pocahontas County’s Historic Landmarks Commission purchased the Opera House and, with support from the community, worked to transform it from an abandoned and forgotten old building into a beautiful performance space and center for community activities, reopening its doors and bringing performances to its stage once again in 1999. The Opera House also hosts a variety of community events, from open jam sessions to family movie nights. The building is also available for private rentals.
