Backus Mountain

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

In southern Fayette County, Backus Mountain forms part of the northern wall of the New River Gorge. The mountain may be best known as the dominant feature in the panorama afforded from overlooks at Grandview. Backus was earlier known as War Ridge, alleged to have been a location of native importance. Some legends claim that Indian groups shared the site where good flint could be found and would not engage in battle there or, conversely, that natives battled over the ridge. It may be that arrowheads seemed to be found in profusion there, leading some settlers to assume a "war" had been fought thereon. Most of Backus Mountain is located within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River.