Historical Marker Gallery
RITCHIE COUNTY – Formed from Harrison, Lewis, and Wood in 1843. Named for Thomas Ritchie, the Virginia journalist. In 1772, Jesse and Elias Hughes and Col. William Lowther explored this region to the Ohio, and Hughes River was named by them.
Taken September 2023 | Ritchie Co, WV
CALHOUN COUNTY – Formed in 1856 from Gilmer. Named for Jon C. Calhoun, the eminent statesman from South Carolina. This is an important oil and gas producing county. Calhoun is largely devoted to farming and has been prominent in livestock production.
Taken September 2023 | Calhoun Co, WV
"RATHBONE WELL – The first well in West Virginia drilled solely for petroleum was located near the mouth of Burning Springs Run. The well was drilled with a “spring pole” by the Rathbones and other from Parkersburg, begun in 1859 completed May 1860. Produced at the rate of 100 barrels per day. In 1863 General Jones commanding Confederate forces set fire to the oil stored in tanks, barrels, and boa
"MURDER OF WILLIAM B. DULIN – In October 1861, William B. Dulin was killed by Southern sympathizers for giving information that led to the arrest of a local secessionist. Dulin was eventually fronted by guerrillas at the home of Samuel McFee, who had raised him and was the father-in-law of the Rebel who was arrested. Dulin surrendered after the attackers set fire to the house, and he was executed
"GRANTSVILLE - Town was laid out in 1866 on farm of Simon P. Stump and named for Gen. Grant. Became permanent county seat of Calhoun in 1869 after 13 years of moving the county seat from place to place. Incorporated 1896."
Taken September 2023 | Grantsville, WV
"MINGO FLATS – Named for the Mingo Indians who had a village here. This tribe was a branch of the Iroquois. The Seneca Indian Trail passes this point. On Valley Mountain in 1861. Gen. Robert E. Lee camped while campaigning in this valley."
Taken July 2023 | Randolph County, WV