Elm Grove in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Sara Lucy Bagby

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 1, 2022

1. Sara Lucy Bagby Marker

Inscription. On October 3, 1860. Bagby fled from slavery in Wheeling. Her arrest in Cleveland, OH, on January 19, 1861, became a test case of the Fugitive Slave Act. Wheeling resident John Goshorn and his son showed proof of ownership, and the federal court ordered her return to Virginia. One of last slaves returned to bondage under the law, Bagby received her freedom because of the Civil War.

Erected 2016 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 19, 1861.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 3.345′ N, 80° 40.15′ W. Marker was in Elm Grove, West Virginia, in Ohio County. It was on National Road (U.S. 40) 0.1 miles west of Willow Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located at the Madonna of the Trail monument. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Wheeling WV 26003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Northern Panhandle.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: Madonna of the Trail (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Madonna of the Trail

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(a few steps from this marker); The National Pike (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of All who Served (approx. 0.2 miles away); Benwood Mine Disaster Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reverend Michael J. Fitzpatrick (approx. 0.4 miles away); World War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elm Grove.

Other markers no longer nearby. Jesse Lee Reno (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Daniel Lamb (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Joseph Thoburn (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Chester D. Hubbard (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 1, 2022

2. Sara Lucy Bagby Marker

Sara Lucy Bagby Marker (removed) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024

3. Sara Lucy Bagby Marker (removed)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.