Shanks 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 have ...
in
Hampshire County in the
U.S. state
In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sove ...
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 B ...
. According to the
2000 census, the Shanks community has a population of 806.
Shanks is located east of
Romney along the
Northwestern Turnpike
The Northwestern Turnpike is a historic road in West Virginia (Virginia at the time the road was created), important for being historically one of the major roads crossing the Appalachians, financed by the Virginia Board of Public Works in the 183 ...
(
U.S. Route 50) on the eastern flanks of
South Branch Mountain
South Branch Mountain is a mountain ridge that runs southwest to northeast through Hampshire and Hardy counties in the Eastern Panhandle of the U.S. state of West Virginia, rising to its greatest elevation of 3,028 feet (923 m) above sea-level in ...
. The community is centered on the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and Allen Hill Road (County Route 50/7). Shanks Roadside Park is located directly to its west on U.S. Route 50. The
North Fork Little Cacapon River runs through the community.
Abraham Shank, an early postmaster and local merchant, gave the community his name.
Historic sites
* Elmo Barnes House, Allen Hill Road South (CR 50/7)
* Old Shanks Post Office, US 50 & Allen Hill Road North (CR 50/7)
References
External links
*
Unincorporated communities in Hampshire County, West Virginia
Unincorporated communities in West Virginia
Northwestern Turnpike
{{HampshireCountyWV-geo-stub