It all started in December 2003, when West Virginia Development officials gave approved an $80 million bond package to build the Cabelas Store and Distrubution Center.

Less than one year later, Cabelas opened its doors in August 2004.

Business at Cabelas soon took off, and other companies began to show an interest in the Highlands site.

In March 2005, the Ohio County Commission announced 10 more businesses would build at the highlands, including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Eatn Park, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, McDonald's and Panera Bread.

In October of that same year, the County Commission reached a deal with the Hilton Garden Inns to build two hotels and a water park.

At the same time, the Ziegenfelder Ice Cream Company of Wheeling purchased five acres at the Highlands.

Then, the retail giant Target signed for a new store at the highlands, bringing 350 jobs to the valley.

Finally, in June of this year, commissioners announced Cabelas would add on to its distribution center, making it the largest in the state.