Glen Jean
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
The town of Glen Jean-and a small empire-began as a wedding gift. In 1870, Thomas McKell of Ohio received about 12,500 acres of West Virginia land from his father-in-law. After geologists confirmed the presence of coal, McKell purchased another 12,500 acres. The resulting 25,000 acres formed the McKell empire with Glen Jean at its center.
McKell named the town to honor his wife, Jean Dunn McKell. He opened a mine, leased property to others, and workers rented his homes. By 1904, at least ten mines paid royalties to McKell, and he and the town thrived. When Thomas McKell died in 1904, his son William carried on, eventually reputed as West Virginia's richest man. With no heirs, his death in 1939 marked the onset of Glen Jean's decline.
[Caption:]
Collins later sold his mine to one of the largest companies
in the region, the New River Coal Company. Each company
had its own currency, called scrip, that it used to pay wages
and could be used only at the company store. Miners could
for cash, but didn't get paid as much if they did.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Glen Jean Athletic Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Glen Jean (within shouting distance of this marker); Play Ball! (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Hope Landmarks (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Early Town History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Coal History (approx. 2 miles away); Dubois School History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope School History (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Jean.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on August 13, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
