Sandstone in Summers County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
William Richmond Homeplace
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Sandstone Falls
July 15, 2023
1. William Richmond Homeplace side of marker
William Richmond Homeplace. Near here was homestead of William Richmond (1752-1850). A veteran of he Revolution, he came here in 1799 likely as the first permanent white settler. The prolific family operated a ferry across the New River for over 200 years and ran a grist mill at Sandstone Falls. The Pro Union family was harassed by Confederates, leading to the murder of William's son Samuel in 1863.
Sandstone Falls. Also called "Richmond's or "Great Falls of the New River, the rapids have served as a power source for milling operations and an obstacle to river travel. During his 1812 expedition, U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall described the falls as a "formidable obstruction. The West Virginia stone in the Washington Movement came from the area near the national park visitor center.
Erected 2023 by Summers County and Raleigh County Historical Societies; West Virginia Archives & History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lelia Pearl Bragg Laska Chamberlain (approx. 0.3 miles away); Batteaux on the New (approx. one mile away); Sandstone School (approx. one mile away); Millstones (approx. one mile away); Environmental Engineers (approx. one mile away); Brooks Overlook-Welcome (approx. 2.4 miles away); Andrew & Charles Lewis March (approx. 5 miles away); Fayette County / Summers County (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sandstone.
Regarding William Richmond Homeplace / Sandstone Falls. Correction of the obvious typo on the Sandstone Falls side of this marker--"in the Washington Movement"--is being pursued by Summers County Historical Society.
Additional commentary.
1. Exciting to see My Family's History
The William Richmond cited on this marker was my 5 x Great Grandfather.
Photographed by Merle T. Cole, July 15, 2023
2. Sandstone Falls side of marker
We always knew that Sandstone Falls was once known/called Richmond's Falls due our family's grist mill being located in that general area. The fact that my first name is William is merely coincidental.
— Submitted September 11, 2025, by William Cary Richmond of Hixson, Tennessee.
July 15, 2023
3. Bob Neely, SCHS marker manager (l), and Becky Leach, RCHS secretary
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2025
4. Sandstone Falls side of the marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 21, 2025
5. William Richmond Homeplaces side of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,074 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on February 3, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
