Lakin in Mason County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Lakin State Hospital

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2026

1. Lakin State Hospital Marker

Inscription.
Established in 1919 by the WV Legislature. Opened for African American patients in 1926, it integrated in 1954. In 1957, the hospital acquired the Boys Industrial School, then closed. Most older buildings are gone, the site shifted to other uses.

Erected 2020 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 38° 57.242′ N, 82° 5.223′ W. Marker is in Lakin, West Virginia, in Mason County. It is at the intersection of Ohio River Road (West Virginia Route 62) and Bateman Circle, on the right when traveling south on Ohio River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11522 Ohio River Rd, West Columbia WV 25287, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically

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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 Viceroyalty of New France

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: “Mark Twain” Family (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grandma Gatewood (approx. 1.4 miles away in Ohio); Walden F. Roush and Louise Roush (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Carpenter Shop (approx. 2.4 miles away); John Hall (approx. 3 miles away); Fort Robinson (approx. 3.2 miles away); Rear Admiral Arthur Clark (approx. 3.6 miles away in Ohio); General James V. Hartinger (approx. 3.9 miles away in Ohio).

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2026

2. Lakin State Hospital Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.