Bluefield in Mercer County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Elizabeth Kee

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

1. Elizabeth Kee Marker

Inscription.
The first woman elected to Congress from West Virginia. Born as Maude Etta Simpkins on June 7, 1895, she married Bluefield lawyer John Kee, who served in congress, 1932–1951. Employed 18 years as his secretary; elected to complete his term in 1951; re-elected to six terms; retired, 1964. Noted for service to constituents and passage of 1962 Accelerated Public Works Act. Died February 15, 1975.

Erected 2005 by West Virginia Division of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Women. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1858.

Location. 37° 16.027′ N, 81° 13.31′ W. Marker is in Bluefield, West Virginia, in Mercer County. It is on Federal Street (U.S. 52). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Federal Street, Bluefield WV 24701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southern Coalfields.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically

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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: Kee Federal Building (a few steps from this marker); Bluefield (a few steps from this marker); Bailey Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peery Building (about 400 feet away); Bluefield Daily Telegraph Building (about 500 feet away); The West Virginian Hotel (about 500 feet away); Law and Commerce Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluefield.

Also see . . . Elizabeth Kee. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Elizabeth Kee Federal Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

2. Elizabeth Kee Federal Building and Marker

Congresswoman Elizabeth Kee image. Click for more information.

Photographed by U.S. House of Representatives

3. Congresswoman Elizabeth Kee

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 5th congressional district
In office: July 17, 1951 – January 3, 1965
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,034 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 22, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 10, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on January 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.