Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Beckley

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019

1. Beckley Marker

Inscription. Created Apr. 4, 1838. Named for John Beckley, clerk of the House of Representatives in the terms of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. General Alfred Beckley, his son, had home, “Park Place,” later known as “Wildwood,” built here in 1835.

Erected 1966 by West Virginia Historic Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1838.

Location. 37° 46.607′ N, 81° 11.148′ W. Marker is in Beckley, West Virginia, in Raleigh County. It is at the intersection of South Kanawha Street (West Virginia Route 210) and Vale Street and School Street, on the right when traveling west on South Kanawha Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 S Kanawha St, Beckley WV 25801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s New River Gorge.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old City Hall (1925-1964) (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Haas Bridge (23 Jan. 1884 - 27 Mar. 1965) (about 400 feet away); James Bird Cole (1813-1880) (about 400 feet away); The Raleigh County Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gen. Alfred Beckley

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of First State Police Headquarters (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salvation Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Civil War Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beckley.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for John Beckley. Excerpt:

When the position of Librarian was established on January 26, 1802, President Thomas Jefferson asked his friend and political ally John Beckley—who also was serving as the Clerk of the House of Representatives—to fill the post. Beckley served concurrently in both positions until his death in 1807.[6] He associated with the radicals (especially fellow immigrants) and became an enthusiastic supporter of the French Revolution. He wrote frequently for Philip Freneau’s National Gazette and Benjamin Bache’s General Advertiser, becoming known as an articulate exponent of American republicanism. He used the press energetically to denounce Hamilton and the Federalists as crypto-monarchists whose corruption was subversive of American values.

(Submitted on August 21, 2019.)

2. Wikipedia entry for Alfred Beckley. excerpt:

Alfred Beckley
Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019

2. Beckley Marker
(1802–1888) was the founder of Beckley, West Virginia, and a Brigadier General in the Virginia militia during the American Civil War. He named the city of Beckley in honor of his father, John James Beckley, who was the first librarian of the United States Congress.

(Submitted on August 21, 2019.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.