Bluefield in Mercer County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Hotel Thelma

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2026

1. Hotel Thelma Marker

Inscription.
In 1949, businesswoman Thelma Stone opened the hotel and restaurant for African Americans in Bluefield. "Mama Thelma" eventually expanded her business to include apartments and a grocery store. A safe place for Blacks during segregation, the estalbishment was listed in "The Green Book" throughout the 1950s and hosted many African American performers during that time.

Erected 2021 by The Foster/Bailey, Morgan/Brewer, Rozzel/French, and Harris East End Family Association; West virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.

Location. 37° 16.417′ N, 81° 12.972′ W. Marker is in Bluefield, West Virginia, in Mercer County. It is on Wayne Street west of Logan Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1047 Wayne St, Bluefield WV 24701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southern

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Coalfields.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern 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: East End Bluefield African American Historic Sites (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coal Heritage Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gateway to the "Billion Dollar Coalfield" (approx. 0.4 miles away); Railroads: Prelude Prelude to Prosperity (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bluefield Rail Yards (approx. 0.4 miles away); Where the Chicory Blooms (approx. 0.4 miles away); West Virginia's Most Diverse City (approx. 0.4 miles away); Legends and Landmarks (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluefield.

Hotel Thelma and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2026

2. Hotel Thelma and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.