New Martinsville in Wetzel County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Lincoln Theater
circa 1920
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 31, 2026
1. Lincoln Theater Marker
National Register
of
Historic Places
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list.
Location. 39° 38.47′ N, 80° 51.941′ W. Marker is in New Martinsville, West Virginia, in Wetzel County. It is on Main Street north of Washington Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 242 Main Street, New Martinsville WV 26155, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, 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: Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Wetzel County Time Capsule (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Levi Morgan (about 300 feet away); Adena Burial Mound (about 400 feet away); In Memory of All Veterans (about 500 feet away); Wetzel County Vietnam Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); New Martinsville (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Martinsville.
Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.
Included as a contributing structure(Submitted on April 8, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.)to the New Martinsville Downtown Historic District (added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 23, 1988), the Lincoln Theatre is a two story Classical Revival theater building with corbeled brackets and brick pilesters. The entrances are recessed in the central four bays. One of the city's most important landmarks, the theater was opened in 1920 and the first film shown was "Fair and Warmer", a silent film with Mae Allison. In 1926 Gloria Swanson and company came to New Martinsville by special train to make a film for Paramount entitled "Stage Struck". The World Premiere of "Stage Struck" was at the Lincoln Theatre and this gala affair was attended by Miss Swanson, the Marquis de la Coudraye, and West Virginia Governor Howara M. Gore (1925-29). The "Jazz Singer" played there in 1927, the beginning of "the talkies". The theater operated until 1967 before being taken over by the city in 1983 and now operates as a community theater.
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Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 31, 2026
2. Lincoln Theater and Marker
The marker is located beside the far left set of double doors.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
