Helvetia in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Helvetia

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 15, 2015

1. Helvetia Marker

Inscription. Settled by a group of Swiss and German immigrants who came via Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1869. In addition to farmers and herdsmen, many craftsmen and professionals were among the settlers: stone masons, carpenters and painters; wagon, shoe watch, hat and cheese makers; musician, teacher, minister and doctor. Later groups arriving from Switzerland and other parts of U.S. boosted 1874 population to 308.

Erected by West Virginia Department of Culture and History. (Marker Number RH 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 38° 42.376′ N, 80° 12.049′ W. Marker is in Helvetia, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It is at the intersection of Czar Road (Helvetia-Adolph Road) (County Route 46) and Helvetia-Pickens Road (County Route 45), on the left when traveling west on Czar Road (Helvetia-Adolph Road). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helvetia WV 26224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Helvetia (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Sulphur Spring

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(approx. 9.7 miles away); The Springhouse (approx. 9.7 miles away); Webster County / Upshur County (approx. 10.2 miles away); Cleveland (approx. 10½ miles away); Hacker Valley (approx. 10.6 miles away); Fort Marrow (approx. 10.8 miles away); Camp Elkwater (approx. 10.8 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is a sheet-metal copy of the nearby cast-metal historical marker.

Regarding Helvetia. The Helvetia Village Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Also see . . . Helvetia: The History of a Swiss Village in the Mountains of West Virginia (Video).
“[The book] Helvetia: The History of a Swiss Village in the Mountains of West Virginia by David H. Sutton explores the unique founding and development of a community nestled within the wilderness of Appalachia. Established in 1869, this tiny Swiss settlement embodies the American immigrant experience, reflecting the steadfast desire of settlers

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 15, 2015

2. Helvetia Marker

Just past the marker, in the center of this photograph is a small wood sign hand-painted with this quote, “You will find poetry nowhere unless you bring some with you. —Joubert”

to preserve cultural traditions and values while adapting to new and extraordinary surroundings.” (Submitted on April 8, 2015.)

Bridge over the Upper Trout Run in Helvetia, West Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 15, 2015

3. Bridge over the Upper Trout Run in Helvetia, West Virginia

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 515 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.