Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Julia Robertson Pierpont

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

1. Julia Robertson Pierpont Marker

Inscription. Born July 1828 in New York, she was the wife of Francis Pierpont, who served as governor of Loyal Virginia throughout the Civil War. As first lady of postwar Virginia, she organized the decoration and cleanup of neglected Union graves in the Richmond area in 1866. Her efforts are viewed by some as the start of Decoration, now Memorial, Day. She died on March 25, 1886.

Erected 2017 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil • Women.

Location. 39° 29.052′ N, 80° 8.674′ W. Marker is in Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County. Marker is on Adams Street (U.S. 19/250) east of Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 19/250), on the left when traveling north. Marker is across the street from the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 Adams Street, Fairmont WV 26554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Francis H. Pierpont (a few steps from this marker); The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheriff's House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Original Dunbar School

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(about 400 feet away); Boaz Fleming (about 400 feet away); Marion County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Fairmont (about 500 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairmont.

Additional commentary.
1. Epitaph on Julia Robertson Pierpont’s Grave in Woodlawn Cemetery Fairmont WVA.
Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont
Born July 26, 1828 Died March 25, 1886

Graduated Female Seminary, Washington, Pennsylvania
1847

Married Francis Harrison Pierpont, December 26, 1854

As Wife of the Governor during the War Between the States
She gave strength and courage to the Union soldiers
Of the state by systematic organization
Of the women toward supplying
Their spiritual and physical wants.

Under her direction flags were made
And supplies sent to the Sanitary Commission

Soon after the conclusion of the war she organized
In Richmond the first Memorial Day which was later
Made national through an order of her friend
General John A. Logan, Command in Chief
Of

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

2. Julia Robertson Pierpont Marker

Francis H. Pierpont marker is seen in the background.

the Grand Army of the Republic

She was the first West Virginia Woman
To be made a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and was greatly loved
For her patriotism, charm, and ability

“She Organized Our Memorial Day”

Placed by the State of West Virginia
1937

Sponsored by the Major William Raymond Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution.
(See Find-a-Grave)

— Submitted December 8, 2023, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.

Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont image. Click for full size.

West Virginia History OnView Collection

3. Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont

“Born July 26, 1828, died March 25, 1886. Married F. H. Pierpont Dec. 26, 1854.”

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 11, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. submitted on December 8, 2023, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.