Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Philippi Mummies
Legends & Lore
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 29, 2022
1. Philippi Mummies Marker
In 1888 Graham Hamrick mummified human cadavers using formula unrevealed to this day. Mummies traveled the world; now reside here.
Erected 2021 by West Virginia Humanities Council and William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 97.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore Series series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 39° 9.197′ N, 80° 2.543′ W. Marker is in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (Bypass U.S. 250) and Museum Street, on the left when traveling east on North Main Street. The marker stands on the south side of the Barbour County Historical Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 Museum Street, Philippi WV 26416, 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); "Ruinous Effect of War" (within shouting distance of this marker); Barbour County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Escape (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of the Sago Miners (about 400 feet away); The Philippi Covered Bridge (about 500 feet away); First Battle of a Long War (about 500 feet away); Benjamin F. Kelley (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philippi.
Other markers no longer nearby. Philippi (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Battle of Philippi (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . The Peculiar Story of West Virginia's World-traveling Mummies.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 29, 2022
2. Philippi Mummies Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, December 2, 2022
3. Mummy Inside Barbour County Historical Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Aiden McDonough.
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
4. Philippi Mummies Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
5. Philippi Mummies Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 661 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 12, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
