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

Kelly Miller

Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025

1. Kelly Miller Marker

Inscription.
Dedicated to the memory of
Dr. Emmett B. Saunders
1888 - 1976
Principal of Kelly Miller High School
1919 - 1956

Erected 1978 by Kelly Miller Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 39° 16.607′ N, 80° 20.141′ W. Marker is in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in Harrison County. It is on E. B. Saunders Way just south of Lee Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 408 E B Saunders Way, Clarksburg WV 26301, 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 walking distance of this

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marker: Ethel L. Hart (here, next to this marker); Kelly Miller School (here, next to this marker); Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Clarksburg, West Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Stealey-Goff-Vance House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palace Furniture Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); John S. Carlile (approx. ¼ mile away); Harrison County Soldiers Monument (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarksburg.

Regarding Kelly Miller. During Dr. Saunders' 39 years of leadership, the Kelly Miller School became the first school in Clarksburg to be accredited by the North Central Association. At one time, 90 percent of the graduates of Kelly Miller School went on to college. The school served as the center of the African American community. Saunders had an active civic life; he served as president of the Harrison County Principals Association, and upon his retirement, he served on the West Virginia Commission for the Aging and on the Harrison County Human Rights Commission. Also after his retirement, he ran unsuccessfully

Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025

2. Kelly Miller Marker

The marker is located at the right of the double doors. It is the upper, larger plaque.

for the Clarksburg City Council.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.