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

Elks Lodge and Opera House

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2026

1. Elks Lodge and Opera House Marker

Inscription.
Through the years, this building has been the scene of many elegant balls, high quality theater performances, and the solemn ceremonies of the B.P.O. Elks. It was begun in 1902 and enlarged in 1922. The western portion of the building houses the Elks lodge itself, where the huge ballroom still contains elaborative decorative elements from years past. The east-facing portion of the building held a 500-seat Opera House. Broadway shows bound by train for the West Coast would stop in Bluefield long enough to present their productions here.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 37° 16.14′ N, 81° 13.377′ W. Marker is in Bluefield, West Virginia, in Mercer County. It is on Bland Street (U.S. 52) north of Raleigh Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Raleigh St, Bluefield WV 24701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southern Coalfields.

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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: Law and Commerce Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bluefield Daily Telegraph Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The West Virginian Hotel (about 300 feet away); Peery Building (about 400 feet away); Old City Hall (about 500 feet away); Legends and Landmarks (about 600 feet away); West Virginia's Most Diverse City (about 600 feet away); Where the Chicory Blooms (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluefield.

Elks Lodge and Opera House on the Raleigh Street side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2026

2. Elks Lodge and Opera House on the Raleigh Street side

Elks Lodge and Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2026

3. Elks Lodge and Opera House

National Register of Historic Places plaque for the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2026

4. National Register of Historic Places plaque for the building

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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.