Buckhannon in Upshur County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Tony Gum Bridge
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 10, 2025
1. Tony Gum Bridge Marker
Anthony A. "Tony" Gum was a business professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College for more than 37 years, having served for much of his tenure as Chair of the WVWC Business & Economics department. Tony didn't just leave his mark in the classroom, however, as he also served as a long-time member of the Buckhannon City Council (1979-1996), including nine years as mayor (1987-96).
As a dual representative of our college and city, Tony advanced many mutually beneficial initiatives. He was the primary liaison between the two entities during a very progressive time in our Buckhannon community's history & development. Tony improved the connectedness of the college campus with the Buckhannon community.
As a "Bridge Builder," this pedestrian bridge serving as the gateway to the new "Learning Trail" extension of the Buckhannon River Walk Trail is aptly dedicated in tribute to professor and mayor Gum by the members of the Buckhannon & Wesleyan community he so excellently served.
Erected 2014 by The City of Buckhannon and West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Education • Government & Politics.
Location. 38° 59.609′
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Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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: Acer saccharum (sugar maple) (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Tony Gum Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Acer rubrum (red maple) (a few steps from this marker); Ligustrum vulgare (Chinese or common privet) (a few steps from this marker); Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) (a few steps from this marker); Acer negundo (boxelder) (within shouting distance of this marker); Eupatorium fistulosum (Joe-pye weed) (within shouting distance of this marker); Fraxinus americana (white ash) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buckhannon.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 10, 2025
2. Tony Gum Bridge and Marker
Marker is located at the end of the railing on the left side.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
