Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Old Bluestone Road
Photographed by Dave W, June 30, 2024
1. Old Bluestone Road Marker
Authorized by the Virginia General Assembly (1811) as a "salt road." Completed c. 1812, the primitive road connected the Kanawha salines with southwestern VA markets and also gave access to the county's interior. Though one account stated it required "laborious pulling" to drive a wagon from Beckley to the Kanawha River, the route served as the main county road until 1848.
Erected 2023 by Raleigh County Historical Society, City of Beckley and West Virginia Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • 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 1811.
Location. 37° 46.31′ N, 81° 10.36′ W. Marker is in Beckley, West Virginia, in Raleigh County. It is on I Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 406 I St, Beckley WV 25801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. It is also in the American South, specifically
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mysterious Ferguson Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred Beckley / Wildwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferguson Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Wildwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Stratton High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bill Withers (approx. 0.4 miles away); Airport Hangar and Office (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beckley.
May 18, 2024
2. Dedication
RCHS Past-President Tom Sopher explains marker acquisition process.
Photographed by Dave W, June 30, 2024
3. Old Bluestone Road Marker
This view of the marker is looking southeast along South Kanawha Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 4, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 2. submitted on September 6, 2024, by Merle T. Cole of Daniels, West Virginia. 3. submitted on July 4, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
