Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Casa Loma
May 29, 2024
1. Casa Loma Marker (obverse)
Built in 1927 as home of Raleigh Coal & Coke Co. general manager Ernest E. Chilson. One of the most prominent coal barons in the state, he also founded the Black Knight Country Club. His white-stuccoed mansion featured a copper roof and 18~inch walls. A swimming pool and large garden sat on the grounds. The home overlooked the valley's sprawling company works.
Chilson died in 1931. Although he had strongly opposed unionization, heirs sold the home to the United Mine Workers of America in 1949. Service as district headquarters was followed by repurposing as a health services, union benefits and miner training center. Other union locals have maintained offices here over the years, hence the popular name Casa Loma-Union Square.
Erected 2023 by Raleigh County Historical Society and West Virginia Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 37° 45.75′ N, 81° 9.645′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. 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 walking distance of this marker: Colonel Ernest E. Chilson (approx. Ό mile away); "The Most Modern Club": Black Knight (approx. Ό mile away); The Grand Chilson Home: Casa Loma (approx. Ό mile away); Stratton High School (approx. Ύ mile away); Bill Withers (approx. Ύ mile away); Beckley Mill (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Bluestone Road (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wildwood (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beckley.
May 29, 2024
2. Casa Loma Marker (reverse)
May 29, 2024
3. Casa Loma Marker Dedication Ceremony, April 29, 2024
Photographed by Dave W, July 1, 2024
4. Casa Loma Marker
Photographed by Dave W, July 1, 2024
5. Casa Loma Marker Reverse
Photographed by Dave W, July 1, 2024
6. Casa Loma Marker
This view of the marker includes the mansion in the background through the trees.
Photographed by Dave W, July 1, 2024
7. Casa Loma Marker
The marker is seen in this view looking west along South Fayette Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 829 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2024, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 4, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
