Rio (pronounced RYE-O) is an

unincorporated community An unincorporated area is a region that is not governed by a local municipal corporation. Widespread unincorporated communities and areas are a distinguishing feature of the United States and Canada. Most other countries of the world either ha ...

in southern Hampshire County in the U.S. state of

West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States.The Census Bureau and the Association of American Geographers classify West Virginia as part of the Southern United States while the ...

. Rio is located just north of the Hardy County line at the crossroads of Augusta-Ford Hill Road (West Virginia Secondary Route 53) and Delray Road (

West Virginia Route 29 West Virginia Route 29 is a north–south state highway located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The southern terminus of the route is at West Virginia Route 55 and West Virginia Route 259 ( Corridor H) in Baker, Hardy County. The n ...

) in the North River Valley. According to the 2000 census, the Rio community has a population of 154. The community most likely was named for the nearby North River, ''rio'' meaning "river" in Spanish. According to the official Hampshire County history book, Rio was originally going to be named Oxford, but a hamlet in Doddridge County already carried the name. residents were then going to name the village Richardson, but that name didn't stick either. Ultimately, they decided to name the town after an indigenous landmark to the valley, so they named the town Rio, the Spanish word for river, after North River that runs through the center of town. The Spanish word is pronounced "Ree-Oh," but in the town of Rio, locals and others culturally pronounce the town name as "Rye-Oh." (Hampshire County, West Virginia, 1754-2004, published by the Hampshire County 250th Anniversary Committee) Sitting in North River around Rio is a well-known landmark—The Rio Turtle (also sometimes called Turtle Rock). The rock formation is shaped like a turtle and various residents, over decades, have painted the Rio Turtle to resemble its name, often with a traditional green shell. The Rio Turtle is among the town's most famous natural landmarks.

Historic sites and attractions

* Rio Turtle, 2.5 mi. West of Rio on Augusta-Ford Hill Road (CR 53) *Old Rio Schoolhouse, In Rio on Delray Road (WV Route 29) *Ebenezer Lutheran Church, In Rio on Augusta-Ford Hill Road (CR 53) *God's Pavilion Church, In Rio in Augusta-Ford Hill Road (CR 53) *Rio Fun Fair and Parade @ the Old Schoolhouse, 4 July Weekend

References

External links

{{authority control Unincorporated communities in Hampshire County, West Virginia Unincorporated communities in West Virginia