Sandstone in Summers County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
William Richmond Homeplace / 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. 37° 46.161′ N, 80° 53.523′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 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); 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); In Remembrance of the First WV Fish and Game Warden (approx. 6.7 miles away); Summers County Courthouse (approx. 6.7 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.
Photographed By Merle T. Cole, July 15, 2023
2. Sandstone Falls side of marker
July 15, 2023
3. Bob Neely, SCHS marker manager (l), and Becky Leach, RCHS secretary
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2023, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
