Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
William H. Davis
Born in Ohio in 1848, Davis served during the Civil War in the Union Light Guard of Ohio that was tasked with protecting President Lincoln. After the war, he moved to present-day Malden and later Charleston, where he served as an educator. His most noted student was Booker T. Washington. He became the first African American candidate to run for governor in 1888. Died in 1938.
Erected 2019 by West Virginia Archives & History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 38° 21.82′ N, 81° 39.718′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. It is on Kanawha Boulevard West just east of Florida Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Florida St, Charleston WV 25302, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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: Baptism By Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Spicer Patrick (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alex Schoenbaum (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Growing City
this page online
Also see . . . William H. Davis. Excerpt:
Davis was the first formal teacher of Booker T. Washington, and he was the first and only African-American candidate for governor of West Virginia, running for the office in 1888.(Submitted on September 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Photographed by Unknown Author, 1911
3. William H. Davis
From the Institute Monthly West Virginia. Public Domain.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 379 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on September 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.
