World's Longest Running Poker Game Took Place in This Infamous West Virginia Hotel

Photo byThe Clio

WEST VIRGINIA - Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Fayette County, West Virginia, the Dun Glen Hotel stood as a beacon of hospitality and indulgence during the turn of the twentieth century. Located near the bustling town of Thurmond, the hotel played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes of both its patrons and the surrounding community.

Founded by Thomas G. McKell, who received a generous wedding gift of 12,500 acres in Fayette County upon marrying Miss Jean Dun of Chillicothe, Ohio, the Dun Glen Hotel quickly became a cornerstone of Thurmond's burgeoning economy. Its proximity to the thriving coal industry drew visitors from far and wide, while its reputation for lavish entertainment ensured that they stayed for more than just business.

With its reputation for revelry and excess, the Dun Glen Hotel earned the moniker of the "Dodge City of the East," attracting local and national visitors alike. It was here that history was made, with the area witnessing the largest coal mine transaction and playing host to the world's longest continuous poker game, spanning an impressive fourteen years.

However, despite its meteoric rise to fame and influence, the Dun Glen Hotel's reign was short-lived. In 1930, tragedy struck when the hotel was consumed by a devastating fire, reducing the once-grand establishment to ashes. The loss of the Dun Glen dealt a severe blow to Thurmond, marking the beginning of its gradual decline into obscurity.

In the ensuing decades, Thurmond followed suit, its once-thriving streets gradually falling silent as the coal industry waned and residents moved on in search of greener pastures. Today, Thurmond stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory, with the echoes of the Dun Glen Hotel's heyday serving as a poignant reminder of a bygone era.

While the Dun Glen may have vanished from the landscape, its legacy lives on in the annals of West Virginia history. As visitors explore the remnants of Thurmond's storied past, they are reminded of the indelible mark left by the Dun Glen Hotel - a testament to the fleeting nature of fame and fortune in the rugged hills of Appalachia.