During the last 50's-early '60s, Pratsville became a major settlement in the region, and many famous people from the State capital went there to spend their holidays. But Prattsville became very important during the American Civil War between 1861-1865. When the war broke out, Prattsville sided with the Union Army and it was used as a point of reference by the Army. George Sherman himself visited the city several times until late 1862, when the city was captured by the Confederacy and became a trouble spot. The Confederation set up a headquarter in Prattsville, but in the summer of 1863 Sherman came back with his troops and defeated the Confederates, freeing the city. Sherman went to Prattsville even after the war and he also bought a house there.

In 1912, the city was almost destroyed by a fire which started in the town hall. Many historical buildings burnt down and the people of Prattsville left the old town and built a new one, closer to the West River. Two years later it was established as a city and it also became the county seat

Although its farms are still important in the economy of the county, Pittsville has also a small industrial area, composed primarly of local heavy industries. The tourism is also important, and it probably will become the main income of the entire county. As of now, it's impossible to foretell the future of Prattsville. Will it