Near Deerwalk in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Thornhill
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
1. Thornhill Marker
W. C. Stiles, Jr., the "Father of Volcano," built Thornhill for his family in 1874 at a cost of $60,000. It was built in the form of a Maltese cross with three floors of 25 rooms. Thornhill possessed a commanding view of Volcano and the surrounding oil fields.
A large cistern provided running water to Thornhill and it was the first residence in Wood County to have a bathtub! Well-manicured grounds and elegant flower gardens accented this stately mansion. A grounds manager and staff tended a wine cellar, fruit and vegetable cellar, large barn, stables, and a tennis court.
There is speculation that the caretaker's residence was Mr. Stiles' first residence (a sign identifies the caretaker's residence). The foundations of the caretaker's residence and Thornhill are very similar.
Erected by Friends of Mountwood.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 39° 13.599′ N, 81° 18.044′ W. Marker is near Deerwalk, West Virginia, in Wood County. It can be reached from Volcano Road (County Route 2/8) 0.9 miles west of Petroleum Road (County Route 2/8), on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the site of the Stiles Mansion Ruins approximately
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley. 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 Viceroyalty of New France and also 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: Thornhill in the 1920s (here, next to this marker); William Cooper Stiles, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Steps to Volcano / Cellar (a few steps from this marker); Volcano, West Virginia (approx. 0.7 miles away); Derrick (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named William Cooper Stiles, Jr. (approx. 1.1 miles away); Oil Pump (approx. 1.1 miles away); Thornhill Mansion (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deerwalk.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
2. Thornhill Marker
Marker is at the far left.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
3. Stiles Mansion/Thornhill Ruins
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
