Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Slavery in West Virginia

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 31, 2021

1. Slavery in West Virginia Marker

Inscription. In 1860 Virginia, nearly 491,000 men, women, and children of African descent were held in slavery under the law. Less than 4 percent lived in present-day West Virginia, the majority concentrated in seven counties. The geography and economy of western Virginia limited the use of slave labor. Slavery in WV was officially ended by the state legislature on February 3, 1865.

Erected 2019 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1865.

Location. 38° 20.228′ N, 81° 37.117′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. It is on Kanawha Boulevard East 0.1 miles east of Elizabeth Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1626 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston WV 25311, 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: 45th US Colored Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ruffners (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Kanawha Riflemen

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 600 feet away); The 35th Star (about 800 feet away); State Capitol (about 800 feet away); Executive Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Limestone • Sandstone • Silica (approx. ¼ mile away); Coal (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Kanawha Riflemen (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Additional keywords. human trafficking, slave labor

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 31, 2021

2. Slavery in West Virginia Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.