Near Deerwalk in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Steps to Volcano
⎯⎯⎯
Cellar

Steps to Volcano Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

1. Steps to Volcano Marker

Inscription.
In 1875, it is probable that this hillside had been cleared of brush and all but a few select trees. Thus W. C. Stiles, Jr. could have stood here surveying many of his business interests and the oil boom town he "fathered."

This panoramic view of Volcano must have been overpowering. The "chug, chug, kapow" of the engines powering the endless cable pumping systems marked the daily cadence of life in Volcano. These steps provided quick access to Volcano for those on foot.

Please watch your step

☆ ☆ ☆
These are the ruins of either a wine cellar, or a cellar for other foodstuffs. Either way, ease of living for even the wealthiest of families in Volcano, cannot compete with the "necessities" that we take for granted in the 21st century.

We do know that the Stiles family enjoyed wine. Wineglasses from Thornhill are displayed in the showcase in the basement of the W. C. Stiles, Jr. administration building at Mountwood Park.

Erected by Friends of Mountwood.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 39° 13.594′ N,

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81° 18.041′ 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 a 0.3 mile hike from the Volcano Road parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3583 Volcano Road, Walker WV 26180, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: William Cooper Stiles, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Thornhill (a few steps from

Cellar Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

2. Cellar Marker

this marker); Thornhill in the 1920s (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. 1.2 miles away); Thornhill Mansion (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deerwalk.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

3. Steps to Volcano Marker

The marker is on the middle-right and a historical map of Volcano is at left.

Cellar Remains and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

4. Cellar Remains and Marker

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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 10, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.

Steps to Volcano⎯⎯⎯Cellar

Steps to Volcano
⎯⎯⎯
Cellar