Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Superintendent's House
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2015
1. Superintendent's House Marker
A reflection of Status
Constructed in 1906 in Skelton, WV, the “super’s home” was just that, a three story structure for the mine superintendent to make his home. However, all indications are that Samuel Dixon the mine owner, had it built more as a small mansion, resembling those from the countryside of England where he was born. In fact he named the mining town after this birthplace Skelton, England.
The first floor consists of a formal living room, dining room, kitchen and super’s office. The second floor houses the master bedroom and nursery. Also on the second floor is a reproduction of the company’s doctors office, barbershop and company store post office. Compare this house with the miner’s house and shanty.
Picture caption:
The superintendent’s house of the Cranbury Fuel Company at Skelton.
Photo courtesy of Mary Stevenson, Coal Towns of West Virginia, Vol. II.
Erected by Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 37° 47.061′ N, 81° 11.733′ W. Marker is in Beckley, West Virginia, in Raleigh County. It can be reached from Ewart Avenue half a mile west of Robert C. Byrd Drive
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. 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 walking distance of this marker: The Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Slab Fork Coal Company (within shouting distance of this marker); The Phillips-Sprague Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Coal Camp (within shouting distance of this marker); Raleigh County Coal Mines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Miner's House (about 300 feet away); Dinky Locomotive (about 300 feet away); Bachelor’s Shanty (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beckley.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 7, 2025
2. Superintendent's House Marker
The marker is located in the rear (south side) of the house.
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2015
3. Superintendent's House Marker
This three story structure from Skelton, West Virginia was designed in 1906 by Samuel Dixon of the New River Coal Company. It was built for the Superintendent of the mine to make his home. This house was donated to the City of Beckley by Charlie Earehart and opened for tours in 1995.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 7, 2025
4. Additional Superintendent's House Marker
Located on the west side of the house.
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2015
5. Superintendent's House
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2015, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 891 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 29, 2015, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. submitted on July 29, 2015, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 5. submitted on July 29, 2015, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
