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

Davis & Elkins Historic District

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

1. Davis & Elkins Historic District Marker

Inscription.
Graceland Mansion

Has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This district possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
1996
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1996.

Location. 38° 55.844′ N, 79° 50.933′ W. Marker is in Elkins, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It is on Park Drive west of Campus Drive, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on the campus of Davis and Elkins College. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elkins WV 26241, 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,

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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: A different marker also named Davis & Elkins Historic District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Halliehurst Hall (about 500 feet away); All Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Stephen Benton Elkins / Halliehurst (about 600 feet away); Henry Gassaway Davis (approx. ¼ mile away); Vincent Trimboli (approx. ¼ mile away); Warfield/Dye House (approx. ¼ mile away); H.W. Daniels Post No. 29 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkins.

Regarding Davis & Elkins Historic District. The Davis and Elkins Historic District is composed of four separate structures (Graceland, Halliehurst, the Icehouse and the Gatehouse) at different locations on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Each area is associated historically with the life of either Henry Davis or Stephen Benton Elkins, both who served as United States Senators and were significant figures in both state and national politics in the post-Civil War years of the 19th

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

2. Davis & Elkins Historic District Marker

Marker is located at the left of the main entrance.

century. Davis was a self-made businessman who made his fortune mainly in the railroad business, and then embarked on a series of highly successful coal ventures with Elkins, his son-in-law. The Davis and Elkins Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1996.
Graceland was the summer home of Henry Gassaway Davis, a U.S. Senator from 1871–1883, and a major force in West Virginia's coal industry in the late 19th century. The mansion was completed in 1893 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It is now the centerpiece of an inn and conference center.

Graceland Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

3. Graceland Mansion

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.