Ceredo in Wayne County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Watchman S Shanty
C & O Railroad
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 26, 2026
1. C & O Railroad Watchman S Shanty Marker
From 1910 through 1978 this shanty stood beside the Main Street railroad crossing in Ceredo, serving as shelter for the C&O Railroad crossing guard stationed by the crossing to block vehicular traffic and protect pedestrians as trains moved across Main Street. When the watchman was replaced by automated crossing arms in 1978, the Ceredo crossing was one of four manned crossings remaining on the C&O line.
In addition to providing shelter for the crossing guard, this shanty was a gathering place for men to trade stories, whittle, sharpen knives, and dream about riding a train on down the line. Most every South Ceredo resident spent a few hours on a bench that sat beside the shanty.
The shanty sat abandoned until 1988, when twelve-year-old Rusty Metz made arrangements to take possession of the relic. Metz rehabilitated and cared for the shanty for 30 years before donating the shanty to the Ceredo Museum.
Erected 2023 by Ceredo Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 38° 23.557′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Kyova Tri-State Region and in the Southern Coalfields. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, 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: Twelve Pole Church of Christ Bell (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Civil War Cannon (about 600 feet away); Ceredo Museum (about 600 feet away); First Congregational Church of Ceredo (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Waymer House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Camp Pierpont (approx. 0.4 miles away); Z. D. Ramsdell House
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 26, 2026
2. Watchman's Shanty and Marker
Regarding Watchman S Shanty. The title of the marker is missing the apostrophe and has been submitted as displayed.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
