New Cumberland in Hancock County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Gravel Hill Academy

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, July 3, 2011

1. Gravel Hill Academy Marker

Inscription. Located beside courthouse, original building of four rooms built in 1869, opened in 1870 with town hall on 2nd floor. In 1888 two wings were added. By 20 January 1939, when destroyed by fire, had 14 rooms with 500 students. Rebuilt on same site, it served as school until 1963 graduation. First formal graduation held in 1893. Now houses city government, community history displays and other businesses.

Erected 2006 by City of New Cumberland and West Virginia Division of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 20, 1939.

Location. 40° 29.915′ N, 80° 36.66′ W. Marker is in New Cumberland, West Virginia, in Hancock County. It is at the intersection of North River Avenue and Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling south on North River Avenue. Located in Overlook Park, River Drive, New Cumberland. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Cumberland WV 26047, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

and in 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: Rockyside / The Black Stone Church (here, next to this marker); Contested County Seat (here, next to this marker); Captain John Porter / Chelsea China Company

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(a few steps from this marker); Old Town (a few steps from this marker); Flood of 1936 / Early Indians (a few steps from this marker); Brickyard Bend (within shouting distance of this marker); New Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); First Gas Well (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Cumberland.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, July 3, 2011

2. Gravel Hill Academy Marker

Gravel Hill Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, March 29, 2025

3. Gravel Hill Academy

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on March 31, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.