Waterford Park - Newell, West Virginia
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 40° 34.797 W 080° 39.764
17T E 528544 N 4492183
Horse racing track and park now known as Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort near Newell, West Virginia.
Waymark Code: WMK5J6
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 02/16/2014
Views: 1
"Originally to be known as Waterford Downs, the track's parent company was incorporated in 1937. The effort was led by Al Boyle, president of the Charles Town Races, who named it after his family's ancestral home of Waterford, Ireland. The company's initial public offering was approved in February 1939, with the track expected to open the following September. By August 1940, construction had not begun, but 250 acres of land had been bought or optioned. In 1942, Boyle planned to begin construction of the track, but expected the grandstand to be delayed at least until 1943 by a steel shortage due to World War II.
Construction was finally underway by July 1948, with opening scheduled for September 1949. The name was changed to Waterford Park in 1950. Opening day was finally held on May 19, 1951.
In the mid-1950s, Boyle sold the track to James F. Edwards. The Ogden Corporation acquired Edwards's holdings, including Waterford Park, in 1969.
The track was purchased by Bill Blair and renamed as Mountaineer Park in 1987. In 1992, Blair sold the track to California-based Excalibur Holding Co. for $4 million cash plus $2.7 million in stock. The track was authorized to have slot machines and installed them in 1994. Excalibur was renamed Winners Entertainment, then renamed MTR Gaming Group." - Wikipedia
The race track continues to host several horse races each year.
Street address:
WV 2
Newell, West Virginia
County / Borough / Parish: Hancock
Year listed: 2002
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event
Periods of significance: 1925-1949, 1950-1974
Historic function: Recreation And Culture
Current function: Recreation And Culture
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 2: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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