Kingwood in Preston County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Preston County Poor Farm
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 29, 2024
1. Preston County Poor Farm Marker
Charles B. Fawcett and Phoebe Miner Fawcett were the original owners of the Preston County Poor Farm, a massive 150-acre farm that was eventually used as a place for the poor and unemployed to live and be buried. Charles was originally from Kentucky, and in 1822 moved to live with the love of his life Phoebe, who was from Kingwood, West Virginia. From 1847 to 1868, the Fawcetts were known as the stewards of the Preston County Alms House, otherwise known as the "Poor House." The facility was operated by the county government. It provided a home for the poor who had no place to live and no income. On November 26, 1874, Charles died and left his property to his wife and children. Then in 1912, his daughter Martha took over. Afterwards, the New Deal started in 1963 where the back of the house was used for Civil Air Patrol. They had commodities storage. Next, the Kisamores moved in the 1970's. Finally, in 1973, the Varners moved in. Even though no one currently lives in the house or works on the farm, some of the land is still used to farm today.
Erected 2023 by Family Engagement, coordinated by Paul Martin, Principal, Central Preston Middle School. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
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Location. 39° 27.715′ N, 79° 40.856′ W. Marker is in Kingwood, West Virginia, in Preston County. It is on Wildcat Way south of Preston Drive, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the grounds of Central Preston Middle School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 64 Wildcat Way, Kingwood WV 26537, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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: Preston Memorial Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Preston High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Maplewood Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Preston Middle School (about 300 feet away); Kingwood High School (about 300 feet away); Community Soccer Fields (about 400 feet away); Preston County Animal Shelter (about 600 feet away); Cross Country Course (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingwood.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 29, 2024
2. Preston County Poor Farm Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 29, 2024
3. Preston County Alms House ("Poor House")
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 879 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
