Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
From The Mountain
Dedicated May 14, 2010
| — | Sculptor: Burl Jones, DDS '66 | — |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
1. From The Mountain Marker
West Virginia's rich traditions and culture nurtured an artistic sensibility in Burl Jones which enabled him to become one of the country's most respected bronze sculptors. Born near Charleston, Burl excelled in academics and athletics and attended West Virginia University on a football scholarship. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the School of Dentistry in 1966. Several years ago, after 25 years of dentistry, Burl placed his focus entirely on his sculpturing. Over 200 original sculptures, including wildlife, mountain men, native americans, fishermen and hunters, have been produced in limited editions and sold to collectors worldwide.
A true Mountaineer, Burl devoted a year of his life working on From the Mountain, which is proudly placed here in Statler Wilson Commons - home of the Erickson Alumni Center and Lane Park.
Verl O. Purdy, BSCE '64
A native of Poca, West Virginia, Verl Purdy is a member of WVU's Academy of Distinguished Alumni, the College of Engineering & Mineral Resources Chemical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni, the WV Business Hall of Fame, the
this page online
From the Mountain is a 14-foot tall bronze statue that showcases the rich history of WVU and features a mountain with five life-size figures, each symbolizing different aspects of the University's proud heritage, a Mountaineer sits majestically atop the statue, depicting the WVU Mascot throughout history.
The legacy of these gifts from Verl Purdy and Burl Jones will be enjoyed by generations of Mountaineers. An extraordinary story for two West Virginia boys who first met as opponents on a football field representing their respective High Schools of Poca and Sissonville.
Erected 2010 by West Virginia University Alumni Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 39.087′ N, 79° 57.856′ W.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
2. From The Mountain Marker
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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: Remembering Veterans At Rest Here (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Legends (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Legends (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mountaineer Legends (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Legends
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
3. West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center
The marker is in the park just west of this building on West Virginia's Evansdale Campus.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mountaineer Legends (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . Casts of Character. WV Living website entry:
A West Virginia artist, Burl Jones, draws inspiration from the American West to make timeless works of art. (Submitted on June 14, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
4. From The Mountain Sculpture
From the Mountain is a 14-foot statue that showcases five life-size figures, each symbolizing different aspects of the University's proud heritage.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
5. The Mountaineer
The only mascot during the entire history of West Virginia University.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
6. A Business Professional
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
7. A Medical Student
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
8. An Engineer
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 27, 2021
9. A West Virginia University Student
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 744 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on May 13, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. submitted on May 12, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 8, 9. submitted on May 12, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
