Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Fairmont

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 23, 2009

1. Fairmont Marker

Inscription. Home of Francis H. Pierpont, whose services in the organization of this State are commemorated by his statue in Statuary Hall, Washington. He was governor under the Restored Government of the State of Virginia, 1861–1868.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 39° 29.092′ N, 80° 8.577′ W. Marker is in Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County. Marker is at the intersection of Adams Street (U.S. 250) and Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling north on Adams Street. It is at the Marion County courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairmont WV 26554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Marion County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Boaz Fleming (within shouting distance of this marker); The Original Dunbar School (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheriff's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marion County Veterans

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(about 300 feet away); High-Level / Million Dollar Robert H. Mollohan Bridge (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairmont.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Francis Harrison Pierpont. “An active supporter of Abraham Lincoln, Pierpont became more involved in politics as an outspoken opponent of Virginia’s secession from the Union. When Virginia seceded and entered the war, delegates from the northern and northwestern counties of Virginia, which refused to join the Confederacy, met at the Wheeling Convention. These counties ultimately declared that their elected officials had abandoned their posts and established a separate government in Wheeling, with Pierpont as the provisional governor. This ‘Restored Government of Virginia’ drafted a new Virginia Constitution and sent representatives to the Union Congress. . . .

“. . . Under Pierpont’s leadership, the Wheeling government called for a popular vote on the question of the creation of a new separate state. Popular approval was overwhelming, and an application was subsequently made to Congress, which also approved the issue. The new state took the name West Virginia and was admitted into the Union in 1863.” (Submitted on August 1, 2009.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 23, 2009

2. Fairmont Marker

Marker is on the Marion County courthouse grounds, to the right of the courthouse. Courthouse is out of frame to the left.

Francis H. Pierpont (1814–1899) image. Click for full size.

3. Francis H. Pierpont (1814–1899)

This is the 1910 marble statue by Franklin Simmons that is in the United States Capitol in Statuary Hall. (Photograph taken by the Office of the Architect of the Capitol)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 829 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.