Near Shinnston in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Big Elm / Big Elm
Photographed By Forest McDermott, October 30, 2018
1. Big Elm Marker
Site of “Big Elm,” tree awarded “largest of its kind in US” in 1876. Measured over 30 feet in circumference at its base. The tree began dying by 1905, with the cause attributed to disease, the building of a streetcar line, and hogs being penned near its base. In May of 1917, the last remaining part of the tree was cut down and burned.
Side B
This community named for tree which stood as the largest of its kind in the US. Land acquired by David Wamsley shortly after the Revolution. Other owners of the Big Elm Farm were Everson and Hood families. "Daughter of the Elm," novel written by Granville Davisson Hall about alleged events which took place here, was published in 1899.
Erected 2009 by Shinnston Historical Association – West Virginia Archives & History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1917.
Location. 39° 24.183′ N, 80° 16.992′ W. Marker is near Shinnston, West Virginia, in Harrison County. Marker is on Hood Avenue (U.S. 19), on the right when traveling north. About 1/8 of a mile south of the Big Elm Elementary School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1762 Hood Avenue, Shinnston WV 26431, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Granville Davisson Hall (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away);
this page online
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 31, 2023
2. Big Elm Marker
Side B
Photographed By Forest McDermott, October 30, 2018
3. Big Elm Marker
Looking north on Route 19.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 31, 2023
4. Big Elm Marker
Photographed By Forest McDermott, October 30, 2018
5. Big Elm Marker next to Granville Davison Hall Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2018, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 579 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 3, 2018, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 3, 2018, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on November 3, 2018, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
