Bridgeport in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Governor Joseph Johnson House

Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025

1. Governor Joseph Johnson House Marker

Inscription.
The former home of
Governor Joseph Johnson
built in 1818
Presented in his memory

Erected 1978 by The Governor Johnson Garden Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 39° 17.14′ N, 80° 15.527′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, West Virginia, in Harrison County. It is at the intersection of Oakdale Avenue and Maple Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Oakdale Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 424 Oakdale Avenue, Bridgeport WV 26330, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Bridgeport (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Furbee Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Powers' Fort (approx. ¼ mile away); Benedum Civic Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bridgeport Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Baptist Meeting House (approx. one mile away); Old Baptist Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Simpson Creek Covered Bridge (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.

Regarding Governor Joseph Johnson House. Also known as "Oakdale," the former residence of Governor Joseph Johnson was built in 1818 and remodeled in 1840 to enhance its Italianate architectural features. He ran a mill and held several political offices, including that of Delegate, Assemblyman, and Congressman. Johnson was the only governor of Virginia who resided west of the Allegheny Mountains in what is now West Virginia. He served from 1851 until 1853. The Johnson home sits at Johnson and Oakdale avenues, both of which were named for the Governor and his residence. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 19, 1987, reference No. 87000490.

Governor Joseph Johnson House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025

2. Governor Joseph Johnson House and Marker

The marker is located at the right of the front door.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.