Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
James E. Hanger
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
1. James E. Hanger Marker
Near this spot on the morning of June 3, 1861, James E. Hanger, of Mount Hope, Virginia was injured in the leg by a six pound cannon ball in the first land battle of the Civil War. His leg was amputated by Dr. James D. Robison of the 16th Ohio Volunteers, the first amputation of the war. He later invented an artificial limb and after the war, organized a company, which became one of the largest manufacturers of artificial limbs in the world, J. E. Hanger, incorporated.
Erected 1961 by his descendants.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1861.
Location. 39° 9.239′ N, 80° 2.421′ W. Marker is in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. It is at the intersection of Pike Street and North Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on Pike Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 Pike St, Philippi WV 26416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Confederate Escape (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Amputation of the Civil War (about 400 feet away); City of Philippi West Virginia (about 500 feet away); Hanger's Limb (about 500 feet away); Medical Firsts (about 600 feet away); Barbour County War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Philippi Mummies (about 600 feet away); Heroes of World War II ☆ Honor Roll (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philippi.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Philippi (was about 600 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
2. James E. Hanger Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
3. Crim Memorial United Methodist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
