This congregation was organized and a sanctuary built at this site in 1892 principally through the efforts of brothers Jeff and Hillard Parish. According to local tradition, the sanctuary (one of the first buildings in Bettie) probably replaced the . . . — — Map (db m139314) HM
Founded 1902; Named for W. M. Rhone, only sawmill operator in area until 1901, when arrival of Marshall & East Texas Railroad created a town which grew to have 15 sawmills, 10 stores, 2 churches, a school, hotel, bank, gin, and cotton yard. Mill . . . — — Map (db m176518) HM
Camp of instruction, set up near old Coffeeville soon after Governor's June 8, 1861, proclamation requesting voluntary popular support for troop training. Merchants were to give goods; farmers, food; laborers, their work; camp officers, leadership; . . . — — Map (db m119455) HM
Ferry point near this site, on Big Cypress. Important town of 1850's, with an academy, 2 dry goods stores, 2 groceries, drug store, 3 doctors, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, a hotel and Masonic Lodge.
During Civil War, lived up to its . . . — — Map (db m119445) HM
Oldest continuous business in this county. Founded as weekly, "Upshur County Democrat," Jan. 1, 1877. Early owners included W. C. Paul, the Rev. S. R. Chadick, and J. P. Hart, who named it "Texas Mirror" in 1882; "Gilmer Mirror," 1895. Owned since . . . — — Map (db m139419) HM
Designed by architect James A. Wetmore, this building was constructed by A. C. Stamford of Alabama, who employed workers from Alabama and from Upshur County. Construction began in June 1925 and was completed early the following year. This structure . . . — — Map (db m139418) HM
Hats for the Confederate Army were made here by Robert Potts Bros. Hatters during Civil War. In a year's time 300 pounds of wool was used for 600 hats valued at $7,000. Overcoats, blankets, shoes and caps were also made in Texas factories for . . . — — Map (db m161030) HM
On this site during the Civil War, a shoe factory converted leather into footgear for the Confederate Army. A harness factory nearby made bridles and saddles and also leather lines and breechings that hitched horses and mules to gun carriages, . . . — — Map (db m139410) HM
Near this site the Cherokee Indians blazed an early Texas trail. They wanted a road from their settlements near Nacogdoches to their home reservation on the White River in Arkansas.
About 1821 they selected a man known for his uncanny sense of . . . — — Map (db m139413) HM
J. F. Croley purchased the Croley Hardware Company in 1890 and began an undertaking business as part of the hardware store services. In 1920 a partnership was formed to run the business, and in 1933 the Croley Burial Association was formed. Croley . . . — — Map (db m139408) HM
First congregation was organized in a log cabin in 1846 as the Gilmer Missionary Baptist Church of Christ. In 1854 the congregation consisted of 22 members and the Rev. J. M. Griffin served as pastor.
Church membership grew to 100 in 1869 and in . . . — — Map (db m139406) HM
First United Methodist Church of Gilmer Gilmer's early settlers came in the mid-18th century. By 1849, records indicate Baptist and Methodist congregations shared space at the county's log courthouse for their services. At that time, the Rev. J.B. . . . — — Map (db m139409) HM
In 1865 the Rev. John Baptist led the founding of this congregation. The members built a brush arbor here and chose the name "Gilgal" after the site of the Israelites first encampment in the promised land.
Tom Littlepage gave two acres for the . . . — — Map (db m139421) HM
Founded 1846. Named for Thomas W. Gilmer, U. S. Secretary of the Navy and ardent champion of annexation for Texas.
Supply, training, production and educational center during the Civil War.
Farming, lumbering and oil hub. Home of famous . . . — — Map (db m139422) HM
One of three pioneer roads that crossed Upshur County and aided in development of Texas. Was heavily used by freighters and settlers heading west ward and by those exporting cotton, hides and produce to the inland Port at Jefferson. Was crossed at . . . — — Map (db m161013) HM
Meshack a faithful slave, came to Gilmer with his master, O. E. Roberts before 1850. While Mr. Roberts was away in the Civil War, Meshack ran the farm and looked after the family. To get money to finance farm costs, Meshack shod horses for . . . — — Map (db m176525) HM
The Oak Hill Baptist Church, the first Baptist congregation in this area, was organized about 1870. Early services were held in a one-room log school house near this site. On Nov. 12, 1884, Mrs. Carrie V. Johnson donated two and one-third acres to . . . — — Map (db m161023) HM
In 1933, the Ragland family opened the first full-time hospital in Upshur County. Thomas Scott Ragland, M.D. (1872 – 1936) came to Texas in 1895; he settled in Gilmer in 1902 with his wife, Mamie Helen (Denson). In addition to serving as the . . . — — Map (db m139398) HM
On this Cherokee Trace site he had visited 25 years earlier, when he lived with the Indians, Sam Houston twice spoke as the leading Texas statesman-- on June 10, 1857, as U. S. Senator, and early in 1861 as governor.
At both times he spoke . . . — — Map (db m139412) HM
Only home in Texas for Negro Orphans for thirty years, 1900- 1929. Founded by W.L. Dickson, Negro Baptist Minister, only superintendent home ever had. Orphans remained here until they reached 21, unless adopted or indentured by good families. A . . . — — Map (db m161047) HM
During the years of 1860-70 in Gilmer, Morgan H. Looney had a school widely known for high academic standards, attracting many East Texas boarding pupils. Site was 4 blocks to the north.
Boys and girls had separate entrances, separate study . . . — — Map (db m161038) HM
This bell was rung every day for many years in the early 1900's by W.A. Roberts to signal six o'clock P.M. Closing time for all businesses; to call the firemen and citizens together when needed, and for all momentous occasions, including end of . . . — — Map (db m161041) HM
Upshur County, C. S. A.
Civil War supply and activity center. Men and boys served in the Confederate army on many battlefronts and in state troops protecting Texas from invasion. 3 military training camps were set up. Vital needs for . . . — — Map (db m139416) HM
Inspired by the Prairie School of architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, this house was constructed in 1912 for Gilmer civic leaders Daisie Lee (Boren) and James R. Warren. In 1921, the Warrens sold the house to T. . . . — — Map (db m139420) HM
Part of a Republic of Texas land grant formerly occupied by Caddo and Cherokee Indians, this cemetery was established in the mid-1850s by plantation owner Alpha Phillips. The first grave, that of his father, William, is marked with a stone cairn. . . . — — Map (db m139427) HM
Once located at a strategic crossing of Big Cypress Creek, this pioneer ferry transported settlers moving west into Texas through populous Jefferson, on Big Cypress Bayou. Those going to the interior of Texas often came by horse or oxen, stopping . . . — — Map (db m119289) HM
The earliest recorded school in this area was held at the home of pioneer settler John O'Byrne. In 1888, a public school opened with J.H. Sheppard as the teacher. The first half of the 20th century saw much growth for Union Grove schools, with the . . . — — Map (db m161054) HM
Buckhannon. Named for chief of Delaware Indians. John Jackson settled near in 1769. John Bush built a fort which was destroyed by Indians, 1782. A settlement which grew up there became the county seat of Harrison. W. Va. Wesleyan College is . . . — — Map (db m14417) HM
In 1872 George H. Clark opened his saddler shop at this location. However in 1984, a fire swept through this block of Main Street, destroying most of the buildings including the one that stood here. Following the fire, C.E. Mylius built the . . . — — Map (db m178947) HM
Prior to 1892, a two story wood frame house stood here which was the residence of Gideon and Barbara Heavner. In 1892, the Heavner's sold the home and it was converted into a grocery store which was initially operated by J. Frank Latham and P.H. . . . — — Map (db m179014) HM
Charley Harper was born in neighboring Frenchton, Upshur County, West Virginia on August 4, 1922, the son of Orval Cecil Harper (1888-1958) & Ulna N. Harper (1889-1977). He was one of three children, who with sisters, Ruth & Reta, grew up on the . . . — — Map (db m178942) HM
Half this block was originally owned by Leonard S. Farnsworth, grandson of Daniel Farnsworth. This was the site of his home and store until 1890, when he sold this property to John A. Crislip (born September 1849). In 1893, Crislip sold a half . . . — — Map (db m179011) HM
Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth
was born in New York in 1819 and
later moved to Buckhannon. Member
of second Wheeling convention and
Reorganized Government of Virginia.
He was President of West Virginia
Senate in 1869 when resignation . . . — — Map (db m173465) HM
Dairy Queen
Buckhannon's Oldest Fast Foodery
The city's first introduction to a fast food franchise came with the 1954 opening of the Dairy Queen at 58 East Main Street, only fourteen years after the franchise began. The . . . — — Map (db m178971) HM
Confederate Gen. Albert G. Jenkins led 550 cavalrymen on a 500-mile raid from Salt Sulphur Springs, Aug. 22-Sept. 12, 1862, attacking Federal forces and destroying military stores. He captured and paroled 300 Union soldiers, killed or . . . — — Map (db m58723) HM
Explorations of West Blue Ridge
It is impossible to say when and where the first European settlers set foot on the soil of what is now West Virginia. In all probability no record was ever made of the first visit. It is well known that . . . — — Map (db m179016) HM
Settled by colonists from New England. French Creek Academy was important early school. Asa Brooks started religious services here, 1816, from which grew the Presbyterian Church. Here, 1828, was formed early total abstinence society. — — Map (db m178895) HM
G.C. Murphy Company
Commonly known as the "Five and Dime," this former landmark business opened its doors in the early 1920s and moved to the location of present day Main Street Antiques in the 1930s. This novelty store offered a variety of . . . — — Map (db m178980) HM
Born March 9, 1832, Latham opened a law office in Grafton, where he
recruited a company of Union troops
for his command in 1861. A delegate
to the first Wheeling convention,
he served as a U.S. congressman,
1865-67, and consul to . . . — — Map (db m173464) HM
On May 2, 1925, in Riffle, West Virginia, located in neighboring Braxton County, was born one of the most prolific science fiction & supernatural authors in American history. Gray Barker graduated from Glenville State College, later teaching . . . — — Map (db m178909) HM
In 1784, Harrison County was formed
from Monongalia by an Act of General
Assembly. Commissioners who were to
be members of the first county court
met, as directed by the Assembly, at
the home of George Jackson (an uncle
of Stonewall Jackson) . . . — — Map (db m173488) HM
In memory of
Upshur County Dead
World War.
Sgt. Frank B. Bartlett •
Cpl. Arden A. Andrew •
Pvt. Bryan L. Bennett •
Cpl. Arthur D. Brady •
Pvt. Oakey L. Bragg •
Pvt. Andrew Buchanan •
Pvt. Lloyd W. Carpenter •
Pvt. Amon . . . — — Map (db m178952) WM
Founded in 1924 to memorialize a new building constructed on this site in the year of 1950 dedicated to serve the community of Buckhannon for 57 years until the year of 2007. the Board of Directors of Progressive Bank N.A. and all their local . . . — — Map (db m178949) HM
J.A. Davis Ice Cream Parlor. J.A. Davis, a shoemaker from Albemarle, VA and his wife Anna were African American storeowners on Main Street, Buckhannon. Their business was established prior to 1893 and was located across from the courthouse. . . . — — Map (db m179017) HM
(Preface): Confederate Gen. Albert G. Jenkins led 550 cavalrymen on a 500-mile raid from Salt Sulphur Springs, Aug. 22-Sept. 12, 1862, attacking Federal forces and destroying military stores. He captured and paroled 300 Union soldiers, . . . — — Map (db m58725) HM
Mrs. Joyce E. Sullivan Stockert was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on September 11, 1914, her parent being Leonard & Mary Ogden Turpin Sullivan. She later married Thomas L. Stockert, Jr., of Buckhannon. Mrs. Stockert once worked as a . . . — — Map (db m178898) HM
Prior to the construction of the building you see here today, this was the site of Levi Leonard's home. built around 1879 this 2-story wood frame structure (right hand side of top left picture) was situated prominently on the corner of . . . — — Map (db m178958) HM
On December 11, 1905, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, was born one of the most acclaimed documentarians in American history. Pare Lorentz attended West Virginia Wesleyan College & resided here in Buckhannon during most of his childhood. He later . . . — — Map (db m178913) HM
(Preface): In the spring of 1861, Union forces rushed into northwestern Virginia to secure the vital Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, protect important turnpikes, and support Unionists against Confederates. The two sides fought numerous . . . — — Map (db m58724) HM
To the east (1˝ miles), at
the mouth of Turkey Run,
stood the famous Pringle
Tree, so-called because
in the cavity of this old
sycamore, John and Samuel
Pringle, who had fled from
Fort Pitt, lived two years. — — Map (db m173426) HM
This hollow sycamore is the third generation tree that provided a home for the first settlers in this area of West Virginia. John and Samuel Pringle, after fleeing from Fort Pitt, lived here 1764–1767. — — Map (db m179506) HM
This hollow sycamore is the third generation tree that provided a home for the first settlers in this area of West Virginia. John and Samuel Pringle, after fleeing from Fort Pitt, lived here 1764–1767. — — Map (db m184510) HM
The Reger Building was constructed about 1900 by Dr. Robert A. Reger and Margaret Maggie Tilloston Janney Reger. The land was originally owned by A.R. Ireland who in his will had it sold to Maggie's father, Tillitson Janney, since the property . . . — — Map (db m178961) HM
Heavner Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable West Virginians, including Daniel D. T. Farnsworth, West Virginia’s second governor; George R. Latham, Union Colonel and statesman; and Laura Jackson Arnold, revered Civil War nurse and . . . — — Map (db m173429) HM
This is one of the oldest buildings in the Downtown Historic District. Luther P. Shinn purchased this land from Leonard S. Farnsworth in 1891 and completed the construction of this building in 1892. During a recent restoration, a brick with 1892 . . . — — Map (db m179009) HM
Stockert Building
The largest commercial building on Main Street was built in 1908 for T.L. Stockert and was home to many businesses starting with The New Arlington Hotel, 1908-1910; People's Grocery, 1910-1973; Shinn & Sexton Department . . . — — Map (db m178969) HM
Trading much of the southern portion of Staten Island for 3,500 acres of land in western Virginia, Daniel Farnsworth moved west and in the summer of 1821 settled on the banks of the Buckhannon River with his wife and five sons. Leonard Farnsworth, . . . — — Map (db m179007) HM
Strawberry Festival. In May, 1936 a small group of individuals interested in economic development met at a Lions Club gathering in the old Valley Hotel (site of present day Chase Bank) on Main Street to discuss ways of increasing the . . . — — Map (db m178963) HM
On April 20, 1863, Confederate Gens. William E. “Grumble” Jones and John D. Imboden began a raid from Virginia through present-day West Virginia against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Taking separate routes, they later reported . . . — — Map (db m58722) HM
The sycamore tree is very significant to Buckhannon-Upshur lore. School children here early on in their studies come to learn about—and our community’s residents are nearly universally familiar with—the legend of John & Samuel Pringle living in the . . . — — Map (db m179573) HM
81 West Main Street, The History Center, est. 1983, by The Upshur County Historical Society, built, 1853 as the Southern Methodist Church Building.
During the night of August 30, 1862, Civil War action in the form of Jenkins’ . . . — — Map (db m14182) HM
Did you know that Ted Cassidy who played the beloved role of "Lurch" the butler on the classic, cult comedy television show "The Addams Family" that aired from 1964-66, used to walk the streets of our Buckhannon as a West Virginia Wesleyan . . . — — Map (db m178976) HM
Near this spot stands The Pringle Tree named for John and Samuel Pringle, the first settlers of this section of West Virginia who lived in a hollow sycamore tree 1764–1767. — — Map (db m179579) HM
Rooted in the Great Depression, the
first Central Strawberry Festival
was held June 3, 1936, in an effort
to promote growers from central
WV. Organizers hoped to facilitate
networking of farmers with outside
distributors, to encourage . . . — — Map (db m173489) HM
Upshur County Courthouses. Built in 1899, the current courthouse structure replaced the original 1854 structure on the same site. Upshur County was formed in 1851 and Buckhannon was named the County Seat. The first building served as a . . . — — Map (db m178954) HM
Freedom Is Not Free
I saw the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze,
A young marine saluted it,
And then he stood at-ease;
I looked at him in uniform,
So young, so tall, so proud;
With hair cut square an eyes alert,
. . . — — Map (db m173472) WM
In September 1863, Confederate Maj. Joseph K. Kesler, 19th Virginia Cavalry, led a raid from Pocahontas County through Upshur County and Centerville (present-day Rock Cave). On September 2, Kesler’s commander, Col. William L. Jackson, ordered him . . . — — Map (db m58726) HM
While at drill here on Sept. 12, 1863, a company of 70 Upshur County militia under Daniel Gould was captured by a force of Confederates under Major J. K. Kesler. Seven escaped, 25 paroled, and 38 died in captivity. — — Map (db m82290) HM
Webster County. Formed in 1860 from Braxton, Nicholas, and Randolph. Named for Daniel Webster. Webster County is noted for its fine mountain scenery. Its forests produced the tree that was the largest hardwood at the Chicago World’s Fair, . . . — — Map (db m179425) HM
It is doubtful that residents of Upshur County that month of September, '63, were paying much attention to events within the legislative halls. The county instead was mourning the greatest calamity that would befall Upshur in the Civil War--a . . . — — Map (db m238241) HM
In God We Trust
All Gave Some - Some Gave All
Dedicated to all men and women who served their country honorably and faithfully in war and peace, united we stand — — Map (db m178892) WM
On July 6, 1861, Union troops on a
scouting mission under Capt. Orris
Lawson of the 3rd Ohio Infantry
encountered Confederate pickets at
Middle Fork Bridge. After a heated
exchange, Lawson’s men fell back.
Federal soldiers returned in . . . — — Map (db m179481) HM
Town named for Jacob Lorentz (1776–1866), who settled here in 1800. Near here in 1795 eighteen members of the Schoolcraft and Bozarth families were killed or taken prisoner during Native American raid. Here were located the first store, first . . . — — Map (db m14297) HM
The population center of the United States was in present West Virginia four times as it moved westward across the nation: near Wardensville in 1820; at Smoke Hole in 1830; west of Buckhannon in 1840; near Burning Springs in 1850. — — Map (db m14416) HM
