Beverly in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

1813 Randolph County Jail

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

1. 1813 Randolph County Jail Marker

Inscription.
This brick building is the oldest jail still surviving in Randolph County. It replaced a log structure which originally stood on the opposite side of Main Street. At a cost of $250, William Marteny and William Steers constructed this building with thick walls and a foundation that went four feet underground. The two first-floor cells held regular prisoners, and the two second-floor cells held debtors. The jailer and his family lived in the back. After a third jail was built on Walnut Street in 1841, this building became a private residence.

(Caption):

In 1833, this Jail held an unnamed man who was trying to make his way north to escape slavery. He probably followed the route of the later Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike when he was caught and imprisoned. The detailed description at left gives a picture of this unfortunate man.
- From the Richmond Enquirer of February 13, 1833

Erected by Historic Beverly Preservation and West Virginia Humanities Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is February 13, 1833.

Location. 38° 50.458′ N,

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79° 52.509′ W. Marker is in Beverly, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 250) north of Court Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at Stop 23 on the Historic Beverly Walking Tour. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 713 Main Street, Beverly WV 26253, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

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: Beverly (here, next to this marker); Robert Foyles & Family (a few steps from this marker); Beverly Public Square (a few steps from this marker); Blackman-Bosworth Store (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Beverly (a few steps from this marker); The First Campaign

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

2. 1813 Randolph County Jail Marker

(a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Occupied Beverly (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Beverly (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beverly.

Other markers no longer nearby. Randolph Co Jail - 1813 (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Occupied Beverly (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced another at this location.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.