Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

First Gas Well

Photographed By Forest McDermott, November 10, 2008

1. First Gas Well Marker

Inscription. In 1815 Captain James Wilson while drilling here for salt brine vowed he would drill to Hades if necessary. A large flow of gas was struck that ignited and burned with a huge flame, apparently fulfilling the captain's original vow.

Erected 1974 by West Virginia Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 38° 20.674′ N, 81° 37.986′ W. Marker is in Charleston, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. Marker is on Kanawha Boulevard just west of Brooks Street, on the right when traveling east. Next to the banks of the Kanawha River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston WV 25301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Lee (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Clendenin (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Lee (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away); William Blizzard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint John's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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Kanawha United Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, August 8, 2021

2. First Gas Well Marker

Marker has been repainted

Photographed By Forest McDermott, November 10, 2008

3. First Gas Well Marker

Photo taken looking west on Kanawha Blvd with the Kanawha River on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 655 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 12, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 12, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on December 12, 2011, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.