County seat. Name of town, Addison; name of post office, Webster Springs. Incorporated in 1892 as Addison and named for Addison McLaughlin, upon whose land the town was originally laid out. The post office name, Webster Springs, is a combination of the name of the county with the various salt sulphur springs found here.
The largest sycamore tree in the world was located on the Back Fork of Elk River.
The Webster County Nature Tour, one of West Virginia’s oldest and most successful such events, is held every first weekend in May. Webster Wildwater Weekend is held the second weekend in April. The town hosts kayak and canoe racers from throughout the eastern United States. The Burgoo Cook-off is held every Columbus Day weekend.Each Memorial Day weekend Webster Springs hosts the Southeastern United States World Championship Woodchopping Contest. Arden Cogar, World Championship Chopper and local logger, hosts woodchoppers from all over the world. The Festival also features state championships in the Fireman’s Rodeo and Turkey Calling contests.
Population, estimated 800; elevation, 1509 feet; elections held every two years on the second Tuesday in June; officials take office on July first.