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

World War I Memorial

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

1. World War I Memorial Marker

Inscription. This structure, dedicated on February 11, 1928, was first building in U.S. built to honor African Americans for their military service during World War I. This Classical-style building, designed by Welch architect Hassel T. Hicks, was erected with county funds. For many years it was central meeting place for extended African-American community. It was listed on the National Register April 1993.

Erected 2003 by West Virginia Division of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1893.

Location. 37° 25.501′ N, 81° 30.374′ W. Marker is in Kimball, West Virginia, in McDowell County. It is on U.S. 52, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kimball WV 24853, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and memorial is in the Southern Coalfields.

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 walking distance of this marker: Heartland Corridor Project (a few steps from this marker); Coal Company Town (a few steps from this marker); 2001 – 2002 Floods (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); African Americans (about

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600 feet away); Houston Company Store (about 600 feet away); Kimball War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Frederick Kimball (about 600 feet away); Dr. Roscoe Conklin Harrison (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kimball.

Marker along US 52 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

2. Marker along US 52

World War I Memorial Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 20, 2007

3. World War I Memorial Building

Blue Star Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 24, 2021

4. Blue Star Memorial

The World War Memorial property has had a sidewalk and fencing added as well as landscaping since photograph No. 3 was taken. A Blue Star Memorial is “a tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America.” It was sponsored by The Greenbriar District, West Virginia Garden Club, Inc., in cooperation with The West Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc.

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 1,681 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 6, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.