Cowen in Webster County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
B&O Railroad Depot
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, July 17, 2023
1. B&O Railroad Depot Marker
Inscription.
B&O Railroad Depot. . The Cowen B&O Railroad Depot was the center of community life beginning in 1893 until the last passenger train pulled away from the depot in 1956. The Cowen Fire of 1911 completely destroyed the building, but it was rebuilt in less than 30 days to serve as the financial institution in town, allowing insurance claims to be telegraphed out and for rebuilding to be wired into the town. Throughout the years everything from sheep to automobiles, paychecks, movie film reels and houses came and went from the depot. Soldiers left for training and deployment from the depot in both world wars. The depot stands as a reminder of Cowen's rich railroad history and of the many lives touched by this community fixture.
The Cowen B&O Railroad Depot was the center of community life beginning in 1893 until the last passenger train pulled away from the depot in 1956. The Cowen Fire of 1911 completely destroyed the building, but it was rebuilt in less than 30 days to serve as the financial institution in town, allowing insurance claims to be telegraphed out and for rebuilding to be wired into the town. Throughout the years everything from sheep to automobiles, paychecks, movie film reels and houses came and went from the depot. Soldiers left for training and deployment from the depot in both world wars. The depot stands as a reminder of Cowen's rich railroad history and of the many lives touched by this community fixture.
Erected by Mon Forest Towns.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 38° 24.583′ N, 80° 33.42′ W. Marker is in Cowen, West Virginia, in Webster County. It is at the intersection of Webster Road (West Virginia Route 20) and Railroad Drive, on the right when traveling west on Webster Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cowen WV 26206, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands. 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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cowen Shootout (here, next to this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2023, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 34 times this year. Photo1. submitted on July 18, 2023, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
