Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
B&O Freight Station
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 30, 2021
1. B&O Freight Station Marker
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Grafton on January 11, 1852 and thus a railroad town was born. During the Civil War, Grafton's importance on the supply line made it a target for Confederate troops although they were never able to hold it. The first land battle of the Civil War in Philippi, WV was fought as they fled from where General Robert E. Lee had stationed them in Grafton.
Loads of coal, timber, livestock, and fresh meat made the arduous trek over the Allegheny Mountains to Grafton on what was considered the toughest section of the line due to its steep grades.
In the early 1900s, Grafton became a major hub on the B&O rail lines connecting New York to Chicago and St. Louis via Cincinnati.
The advantages to manufacturers of having shipments picked up by high speed freight trains in Grafton was advertised as one of the city's many assets.
This freight station opened in 1884 and was replaced in 1911.
photo captions:
B&O Freight Yard in Late 1880s.
Freight Station.
Erected by West Virginia Humanities Council, and Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 39° 20.449′ N, 80° 1.493′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. It can be reached from the intersection of Latrobe Street and Beech Street (U.S. 119), on the right when traveling east. Located on the east side of the Freight Station building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Latrobe Street, Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Latrobe Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Grafton Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Forcella Buildings (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bonafede Building (about 400 feet away); Taylor County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Welcome To Historic Grafton West Virginia (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grafton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colerider Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 30, 2021
2. B&O Freight Station Marker
To the left of the door.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 30, 2021
3. B&O Freight Station
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 922 times since then and 106 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week January 11, 2026. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
