Lost City in Hardy County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

James Ward Wood

Founder of Kappa Alpha Order

Photographed by Forest McDermott, November 13, 2011

1. James Ward Wood Marker

Inscription. While a student at Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, Wood formed a society that he named Phi Kappa Chi. He authorized its ritual; created a seal; enlisted family friend, William Nelson Scott, and organized the group in the South Dorm room of William A. Walsh. In the Spring of 1866, several weeks after the group added Scott's youngest brother, Stanhope, Wood changed the society's name to Kappa Alpha. He established the great theme that is the spiritual cornerstone of the Order even today, designed its first badge, with Walsh's help; and refined the first ritual with recent initiate, Samuel Z. Ammen of Fincastle, Virginia. On November 30, 1866, Wood first spoke of the attributes of Christian knighthood to Alpha chapter and urged the group to use the Knights Templar as inspiration and “pull together and pull hard”. At that same meeting, he described the design and intent of the badge that is still worn today. The fraternity that Wood founded has grown into a great national Order that has provided inspiration and a rich philosophy of living to move than a hundred thousand men, young and old. “We shall

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proceed.” 1866 Dedicated May 20, 2006

Erected 2006.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1833.

Location. 38° 55.788′ N, 78° 49.987′ W. Marker is in Lost City, West Virginia, in Hardy County. It can be reached from Lower Cove Run Road (West Virginia Route 59) 0.1 miles east of Route 259. At the grave site for James Ward Wood in the Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 71 Lower Cove Run Road, Lost City WV 26810, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern 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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of

Gravesite of James Ward Wood image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Forest McDermott, November 13, 2011

2. Gravesite of James Ward Wood

Marker is located at the head of the grave site for Wood below the grave stone in photo. In the Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery, grave stone can be seen as you enter the main entrance to the church.

this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lost River’s First Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodlawn (approx. 1.1 miles away); Lost River (approx. 2.1 miles away); Howard's Lick / Jackson Home (approx. 3.8 miles away); Mathias Homestead (approx. 4 miles away); Mathias Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.1 miles away); Lee House Museum (approx. 5½ miles away); Oriskany Sand (approx. 10½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lost City.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mill Island (was approx. 10.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding James Ward Wood. James Ward Wood helped establish the Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church in 1899 and his heirs are still active in the church today.

James Ward Wood Grave Stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Forest McDermott, November 13, 2011

3. James Ward Wood Grave Stone

Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Forest McDermott, July 17, 2011

4. Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery

Church is located on the left of the photo out of the frame. James Ward Wood grave stone is about in the center of the photo. Lower Cove Run Road is below the cemetery in the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,347 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 14, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.