Northfork in McDowell County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Elizabeth Simpson Drewry

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

1. Elizabeth Simpson Drewry Marker

Inscription. First black woman elected to West Virginia legislature, 1950; retied in 1964. Leading advocate for labor and education; in 1955 she sponsored bill to allow women to serve on juries. Born 22 September 1893, she began teaching in 1910. Drewry served on Northfork City Council, and was associate chair of McDowell County Democratic Executive Committee. She died on 24 September 1979.

Erected 2005 by West Virginia Division of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Women. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 22, 1893.

Location. 37° 24.976′ N, 81° 26.176′ W. Marker is in Northfork, West Virginia, in McDowell County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Steam Engine Drive (Local Route 52/19), on the right when traveling north on U.S. 52. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Northfork WV 24868, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southern Coalfields.

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It is also 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: World War I Memorial (approx. 3.9 miles away); Heartland Corridor Project (approx. 3.9 miles away); Coal Company Town (approx. 3.9 miles away); Henrietta Dismukes Hospital and Nurses’ Home (approx. 3.9 miles away); Dr. Roscoe Conklin Harrison (approx. 4 miles away); Houston Company Store (approx. 4 miles away); African Americans (approx. 4 miles away); Kimball War Memorial (approx. 4 miles away).

Marker along US 52 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

2. Marker along US 52

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,076 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.