Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

B&O Railroad

Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

1. B&O Railroad Marker

Inscription. Chartered 1827 to connect Baltimore to the Ohio River, the railway was completed to Wheeling in 1852. Used to move Union troops and supplies during the Civil War, its strategic importance made the B&O the target of destructive Confederate attacks. Postwar periods of prosperity were hampered by overexpansion. Rising debt led to a merger with the C&O Railroad in the late 20th century.

Erected 2019 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 39° 20.413′ N, 80° 0.995′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 119) and Barrett Street (County Route 9), on the left when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central

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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: Elks Lodge No. 308 (within shouting distance of this marker); Willard Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); B&O Station (about 400 feet away); Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of Grafton (about 600 feet away); Diamond Wedding Anniversaries (about 700 feet away); Time Capsule (about 700 feet away); Cohen Building (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

2. B&O Railroad Marker

View is looking west.

November 24, 2023

3. B&O Railroad Marker

CSX Railroad (B&O) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

4. CSX Railroad (B&O)

Modern view of the railroad through Grafton just south of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 751 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. submitted on November 24, 2023. 4. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.