Mercer’s Bottom. This is part of the 16,000 acre tract surveyed by order of Washington for General Hugh Mercer. Nearby are the graves of Adjutant John Hereford and Ensign John Wilson. They were officers in the Revolutionary Army.
Captain . . . — — Map (db m125578) HM
Born 1825 in Wales, he emigrated
to U.S. as a child and was working
in iron industry when war erupted
Commissioned captain of 2nd (West)
Virginia Cavalry at Ironton, OH,
and won Medal of Honor for actions
at Sinking Creek Valley in . . . — — Map (db m124893) HM
This is one of the larger burial
mounds in the State. It has never
been properly excavated, but was
probably built by the Adena
people between 500 B.C. and
A.D. 1. Several smaller mounds
can also be seen in this area. — — Map (db m125577) HM
This was the childhood home of Albert Gallatin Jenkins. He was born in 1830 and was educated at Marshall Academy, Jefferson College, and Harvard Law School. Jenkins practiced law and served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1857-1861).
When . . . — — Map (db m73694) HM
Clover Archeological Site has been designated a National Historic Landmark. This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America. — — Map (db m73695) HM
Born 1755, died 1835. Soldier in
the Revolution and the first white
settler in Cabell County. Blazed
trace from Saint Albans to Chilicothe
which bears his name. This
was the first road that came into
Cabell and Mason Counties. Hannan
owned . . . — — Map (db m125580) HM
Samuel and Pamela Clemens,
grandparents of “Mark Twain,”
settled here in 1803. Samuel
was accidentally killed in 1805 at
a “house-raising.” Their eldest
son, John Marshall, the father
of “Mark Twain,” lived here
until he moved West. — — Map (db m124904) HM
Educator and historian born near West
Columbia, July 6, 1848; died in Mason
City, December 5, 1912; was buried in
Point Pleasant. He founded the Southern
Historical Magazine in 1892; was State
Superintendent of Schools, 1893-97; . . . — — Map (db m124886) HM
Home of General John McCausland, 1836–1927, one of the last officers of the general staff of the Confederate Army. He served in Pennsylvania, the Virginias, and Maryland. He led Lomax’s cavalry against Sheridan in Valley Campaign. — — Map (db m92555) HM
Organized at Barboursville
Sept. 18, 1862, with Captain
William Gunn as commander.
Served with the Guyandotte
Battalion until Jan. 1863, then
was assigned as Company D
8th Virginia Cavalry, CSA
under Col. Albert G. Jenkins. — — Map (db m124164) HM
On a chilly, fall night in November 1966, two young couples
drove into the TNT area north of Point Pleasant, West Virginia,
when they realized they were not alone.
What they saw that night has evolved into one of the great
mysteries of . . . — — Map (db m124131) HM
John McCulloch, the son of Alexander and Mary Steenbergen McCulloch, and his wife Adelia A. Byres built their family home in 1874 he was a director of the Merchants National Bank and in 1878 was elected president of the bank. Mrs. McCulloch was a . . . — — Map (db m189717) HM
This is the former home of J. M. H. Beale and his wife, Julia D. Lewis Beale. Mr. Beale was the owner of a farm eight miles south of town and was one of the most progressive farmers in the county. Mrs. Beale was a great-granddaughter of Colonel . . . — — Map (db m189718) HM
This home is believed to have been built for James Menager around 1882. Taliaferro and Margaret Stribling purchased the home in 1903 and lived here for many years. Mr. Stribling had a life-long banking career and Mrs. Stribling was a teacher in . . . — — Map (db m189719) HM
This brick home was built between 1890 and 1900 for A.F. Kisar, an accomplished jeweler. The house has beautiful, hand-carved woodworks and an abundance of very ornate tile. The tile was imported from England. The basement houses a brick wine cellar . . . — — Map (db m178661) HM
This two-story, frame house was built around 1885 for J. H. and Margaret Stone. Mr. Stone was born and raised across the street in the "Mansion House". J. H. Stone was a ferryman who, along with his family operated ferries on both the Ohio and . . . — — Map (db m189708) HM
This building was built between 1886-89 for the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1942 it was sold to the Church of Christ in Christian Union. An earlier building, built in 1834 on this site was the First Methodist Church, which was the . . . — — Map (db m189709) HM
This building was built between 1883 and 1886. It was the Mercy Hospital, operated by Dr. E.J. Mossman, who came to this town in 1876. Mercy Hospital served K and M Railroad employees as well as local residents. For a while the Mossmans lived on the . . . — — Map (db m178676) HM
G.W.M. Hoff built a frame opera house in 1884. In 1886 he erected a brick opera house which three years later was destroyed by fire. In 1889 he rebuilt the brick structure containing an up to date opera house with a seating capacity of 800. It also . . . — — Map (db m125576) HM
R. S. Bickel had this building constructed around 1875. The Merchants National Bank occupied this structure, along with Point Club rooms, until it moved across the street to the newly constructed Spencer Hotel building. The Odd Fellows acquired the . . . — — Map (db m125463) HM
This church was built in 1884 and was known as the
First Baptist Church. Although not the first church
built in town, it is the oldest church building now
standing. — — Map (db m189746) HM
The splendid three-story, brick building was built by Captain Joseph Hein, a native of Germany. Hein (b. 1825) came to America when he was a young man and arrived in Point Pleasant in 1877. He served with the Federal troops in the American Civil . . . — — Map (db m189712) HM
This home was built in 1917 for Dr. Hugh Barbee and his wife, Mary Ester. The house formerly had a side door opening for easy access to the doctor's horse and buggy. During its construction the Barbees lived in the house now located at 100 9th . . . — — Map (db m178663) HM
The Methodist Episcopal Church had this building
erected in 1887. In 1889, the name was changed to
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1939, St.
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, South, united
with this congregation to form Trinity . . . — — Map (db m189745) HM
Judge Daniel W. Polsley and family moved here in
1865. Polsley was the only person to hold the office
of Lieutenant Governor of the Reorganized State of
Virginia (1861-1863) prior to the actual formation
of West Virginia in 1863. Polsley served . . . — — Map (db m189743) HM
Carpenters Building the Lowe Hotel built this home for Captain John T. Stone and his wife, Ida in 1901. It was the first house built in the Dutch Colonial style in Point Pleasant. — — Map (db m178675) HM
This home was built by John Hale in 1836, in the Jenny Lynn style. Later a second floor was added and lap siding was applied. Some time after 1873 the north and south gables were added. John Hall, pres. of the First Constitutional Congress of West . . . — — Map (db m178670) HM
James and Elizabeth Bryan had this home built between 1876 and 1879. Everett Donham purchased the home in 1932 and did extensive renovation inside after retirement in 1959. He named the house "Eastmor", after his childhood home in Louisiana. — — Map (db m178674) HM
This home was about 1880 for Virginia A. Risk. the house remained in the Risk family until 1945. In 1967 the façade was changed and a large addition was added to the home. — — Map (db m178671) HM
This was the home of G.P. Gardner. Mr. Gardner served during the Civil War as a member of the First West Virginia Artillery. He was the owner of a local dock and sawmill. Gardner held the offices of Road Supervisor, School Commissioner, County . . . — — Map (db m178672) HM
The home of Judge John Warth English and Mrs. Fanny Lewis English was built in 1863. Judge English served on the West Virginia Supreme Court for 12 years. His former law office was located in rear of the house. Mrs. English was a descendant of . . . — — Map (db m189714) HM
The home of John Daniel and Sarah Lewis McCulloch was built in 1887. Direct descendants lived here until the death of Mrs. Jean Steenbergen Johnson in 1992, at which time Robert and Lesa Doeffinger purchased the property. Mrs. McCulloch was a . . . — — Map (db m189715) HM
This home was built in 1897 for Dr. Gutherie in 1913 it became the home of J. W. C. Heslop and Family. Mr. Heslop was the owner of the Point Pleasant Machine Works. This machine shop specialized in steamboat repair and the manufacture of all types . . . — — Map (db m189716) HM
This is the former home of Judge George and Livia
Simpson Poffenbarger, Mrs. Poffenbarger organized
the Colonel Charles Lewis Chapter of the D.A.R. The
chapter first met in this home in February 1901. Mrs.
Poffenbarger is credited with getting . . . — — Map (db m189738) HM
[The mural features 3 panels:]
The USS West Virginia SSBN - 736
American Legion
For God and Country
All gave some - Some gave all
U.S. Navy
U.S. Coast Guard
United States Marine Corps
U.S. Air Force
U.S. . . . — — Map (db m178660) WM
The nearby highway is part of route traversing W. Va. from Lewisburg to Point Pleasant memorialized by the state to commemorate the march of the American Colonial army of 1,200 men led by Andrew & Charles Lewis. After a month’s march this army . . . — — Map (db m124127) HM
Here lies “Mad Ann” Bailey, heroine of the Virginia frontier. Ann Hennis came to Virginia at age 19. She married Richard Trotter who was killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774. “Mad Ann” dressed in buckskins and galloped off . . . — — Map (db m23878) HM
Daniel Boone, noted scout and Indian fighter, operated trading post here, 1790. He was scout for General Lewis enroute to Point Pleasant, 1774. Named County Lieutenant for Kanawha and served in the Virginia General Assembly. — — Map (db m124124) HM
Carolin Harris was the owner and proprietor of Harris Steak House, which later became know as the "Mothman Diner." She was like a mother to all, always smiling when she greeted her patrons. The highlight for many was when she took time from . . . — — Map (db m178629) HM
In this monument rests the remains of Keigh-tugh-qua, better known as Cornstalk to the early settlers and frontiersman. Chief Cornstalk was well known and respected by the white settlers and Indian tribes of the Ohio Valley. As chief of the Shawnees . . . — — Map (db m20790) HM
In this monument rests the remains of Keigh-tugh-qua, better known as Cornstalk to the early settlers and frontiersman. Chief Cornstalk was well known and respected by the white settlers and Indian tribes of the Ohio Valley. As chief of . . . — — Map (db m189569) HM
Born October 9, 1720, in County Donegal, Ireland. The second son of John and Margaret Lynn Lewis. He served in the early campaigns on the American frontier. Wounded at Fort Necessity in 1754. Commanded the Big Sandy Expedition in 1756. With Forbes . . . — — Map (db m20791) HM
This three-story, brick structure was built in 1901 for Drs. Andrew and Hugh Barbee, father and son. The first floor housed the post office, the second the doctors' offices and the third, the masonic hall. Dr. Andrew came to Pt. Pleasant in 1868 to . . . — — Map (db m178662) HM
This site was at one time the muster ground for the state militia and the soldiers of the Civil War. On January 26, 1891, the doors of Central School opened to all white children living in town. Due to increased enrollment, a cement block building . . . — — Map (db m178683) HM
Born 1803 in Palatine, Polsley was
a noted lawyer and publisher of the
Western Transcript in Wellsburg
until he moved to Mason County in
1845. A delegate to the Wheeling
conventions, Polsley served in the
Restored Government of Virginia . . . — — Map (db m125301) HM
Grave and home (½ mile W.) of Dr. Jesse Bennett, whose Caesarean operation on his wife, 1794, was the first in America. Bennett, colonel of Virginia Militia, 1804–1814, refused to aid Blennerhassett, Burr in their ambitious plan. — — Map (db m231758) HM
In Point Pleasant Cemetery are graves of John Roush and John Roseberry, Revolutionary War soldiers, Major Andres Waggener, hero of Craney Island in the War of 1812, and others who were prominent in early history. — — Map (db m125047) HM
Protecting the Frontier
In 1754, Colonel George Washington ordered the Virginia regiment to construct a line of forts from the Potomac River to North Carolina along the Appalachian Mountains. Settlers hoped these forts would protect them . . . — — Map (db m178694) HM
Near here stood the blockhouse
built by Captain Isaac Robinson
in 1794. Indians attacked the
fort soon after its erection but
the little garrison drove them
away. Robinson spent 12 years
as an Indian captive and was a
noted border scout. — — Map (db m125014) HM
Original French Version: Lan 1749 du règne de Louis XV Roy de France
nous Céloron commandant d’un détachement
envoie par monsieur le Mis de la Galissoniere
commandant général de la Nouvelle France
pour rétablir la tranquillité dans . . . — — Map (db m42653) HM
Citizens of France sent the "Merci Train" to America in 1949, in appreciation for the supplies and helpt they received during and after World War II. A boxcar of gifts was sent to every state. Among the gifts sent to West Virginia were oak . . . — — Map (db m178633) HM
From the Kanawha’s mouth in May, 1778, George Rogers Clark set out to attack the British at Vicennes and Kaskaskia. The conquest of the Northwest by his little army of 175 men is ranked among the greatest exploits of all history — — Map (db m124201) HM
In honor of West Virginia Gold Star mothers who suffered the loss of a son or daughter while serving in our Armed Forces for the enduring freedom of these United States of America from the American Revolutionary War to present day
May God, . . . — — Map (db m178685) WM
Gordon and Mildred Jackson were responsible for the creation of a foundation that benefits charitable, scientific and educational pursuits in Mason County. The Jacksons became residents of 615 Main in early 1960. Mr. Jackson died in 1986 and Mrs. . . . — — Map (db m178667) HM
The Mutual Realty Company had this Cleveland berea stone and red brick building erected and was named The Spencer Hotel in honor of Honorable J. S. Spencer as an enduring monument. The doors were opened to the Spencer Hotel in 1904. A barbershop, . . . — — Map (db m125461) HM
Born 1805 in Ireland but moved to Mason County as a child. He served as sheriff and in both houses of Virginia legislature. Delegate to the first Wheeling convention, he was elected president of the first constitutional convention, serving 1861-62 . . . — — Map (db m125016) HM
Born May 6, 1821, Whaley served as a Union recruiter and colonel in the 9th WV Volunteer Infantry. He was captured November 10, 1861, in Guyandotte during the battle there but escaped. First elected to the U.S. Congress in 1861, in 1863 he became . . . — — Map (db m125031) HM
In memory of the veterans of Mason County during the Korean and Viet Nam Wars
May we always be grateful for their sacrifices and love for our great nation — — Map (db m178684) WM
Livia Nye Simpson, born 1 March
1862, was among youngest female
publishers in US with purchase of the
Point Pleasant State Gazette in 1888.
Organized a DAR chapter in 1901;
lobbied for state purchase of Point
Pleasant battlefield; and . . . — — Map (db m125330) HM
Lord Dunmore's War was, in a sense, a focal point in Western history. Here were gathered in either wing of the army the men, who by dint of daring enterprise, had made their way to the frontier and had carried American institutions across the . . . — — Map (db m178628) HM WM
In honor of Mason Countians who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country
In memory of the 46 who lost their lives in the Silver Bridge Disaster Dec. 15, 1967 — — Map (db m178682) HM WM
Civil War
Leonidas M. Godley •
William Baumgarner •
Samuel O. McElhinny •
William H. Barringer •
Hiram R. Howard •
Charles Schorn •
Joseph Vanmatre •
Joel Parsons
World War I
Chester H. West
World War II . . . — — Map (db m232708) WM
Early settlers are buried here. Among those
interred is Dr. Jesse Bennett, the first physician to
perform a successful caesarian section in America in
1794. The patient was his wife. Dr. Bennett's coffin
and 14-foot monument were relocated to . . . — — Map (db m189741) HM
About 1771 was proposed as the capital of a new colony, “Vandalia.” It was visited by early explorers: La Salle, 1669; Celeron, 1749; Gist, 1750; and Washington, 1770. Daniel Boone had a trading post here.
Fort Blair was built . . . — — Map (db m42651) HM
The city of Point Pleasant is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. It is one of the oldest cities along the river. The city was first named by George Washington in 1770. While surveying the area, he named the point of land . . . — — Map (db m178603) HM
Point Pleasant Battle. Here, Oct. 10, 1774, General Andrew Lewis and a thousand Virginia riflemen defeated the federated Indian tribes led by Cornstalk. Known as the "first battle of the Revolution." It was the most important battle between . . . — — Map (db m42652) HM
Mitchell first established this building in the mercantile business with a specialty for supplies. There has been a business on this spot since that time. The Point Pleasant River Museum was established in 2003 with a focus on the history, the lore . . . — — Map (db m178636) HM
After a devastating fire on Sunday July 1, 2018 at 28 Main St., the City of Point Pleasant built a state of the art facility on these grounds, which was purchased by the Point Pleasant River Museum Board, to educate and explore the wonders of our . . . — — Map (db m239226) HM
In memory of Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Mason County, West Virginia. Graves known and unknown outside Tu-Endie-Wei Park.
Akerd (Eckerd) Andrew •
Aleshite (Aleshire), John C. •
Arbuckle, William •
Bumgardner, David •
Bryan, James . . . — — Map (db m125375) HM
Charleston, W.Va., native and one of only three Mountaineer boxers to win a national championship in the history of the program (1933-50) … captured the 1938 national title at 165 pounds and helped WVU earn a three-way tie of the national team title . . . — — Map (db m178680) HM
This was the battle line for the Battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774. Chief Cornstalk's camp was north near Oldtown Creek. General Andrew Lewis' camp was south, at what is now known as Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. — — Map (db m126433) HM
Constructed in 1928, connected Point Pleasant and Kanauga, OH. Name credited to aluminum-colored paint used. First eye-bar suspension bridge of its type in the U.S. Rush hour collapse on 15 December 1967, resulted in 31 vehicles falling into the . . . — — Map (db m124202) HM
On December 15, 1967 at 4:58 pm, the 39-year-old Silver Bridge suddenly collapsed into the Ohio River during heavy rush hour and holiday season traffic. Forty-six lives were tragically lost. The cause of the collapse was a single hairline crack in a . . . — — Map (db m189713) HM
Site of
Silver Bridge Collapse
when 46 lives were lost
Dec. 15, 1967
Mayor
John C. Musgrave
City Clerk
Patty Burdette
City Council
Jack L. Fowler • Harry N. Rhodes
Russell V. Holland • Leonard F. Riffle
Howard Lee Miller . . . — — Map (db m42654) HM
[Front Plaque, Facing East.]
This monument was erected in the year 1909 in commemoration of the Battle of Point Pleasant, fought at the mouth of the Great Kanawha River, now in West Virginia, October 10, 1774. Between twelve hundred and . . . — — Map (db m22553) HM
[Top Inscription on Marker]
Dedicated to those militiamen who were
buried in the magazine and the surrounding battlefield
on OCTOBER 11, 1774
Col. Charles Lewis, Col. John Field, Capt. Thomas Buford,
Cpt. Robert McClenachan, . . . — — Map (db m20797) HM
Built in 1796 by Walter Newman as a tavern, it is currently a museum. This was the first hewn log house in the county and was used as an inn, residence, and a place of public entertainment. Because of its then splendid proportions, it was called the . . . — — Map (db m178635) HM
The “Mansion House” was built in 1796 by Walter Newman for a tavern. It was the first hewn log house in the Kanawha Valley and was made entirely by hand. Later it was enlarged and in 1901 the Daughters of the American Revolution aided by patriotic . . . — — Map (db m241973) HM
One Land, Many Competitors:
Bountiful and beautiful described the land around the Ohio River. Many American Indian tribes lived here and desired to protect their ways of using the land. While relying on the hunting prowess of Indians to . . . — — Map (db m178692) HM
In August of 1925, while steaming
into the port of Cincinnati, the boat
Sallie Marmet hit and sunk on this
anchor. The anchor was then raised
by diver Tom McGuffin and brought
to Point Pleasant, where it was
placed against the park flagpole . . . — — Map (db m125418) HM
Believed to have been a Shawnee altar stone made by the Water Panther Clan, which was Cornstalk's Clan, this stone was found at nearby Leon, WV, at 10-Mile Creek. The spiral shape of the tail is believed to represent the whirlpools that were in the . . . — — Map (db m178630) HM
West Virginia
(Mason County)
"The Mountain State" - western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French during . . . — — Map (db m42650) HM
In memory of the men of Mason County who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II
Mason County men that gave their lives in World War II
Samuel W. Balch •
Zallie Barnett •
Charles P. Barnette •
Earl W. Boyer •
James P. Byus • . . . — — Map (db m178704) WM
Putnam County. Formed in 1848 from Cabell, Mason and Kanawha. Named for Gen. Israel Putnam, a Revolutionary War hero. The county is cut by trails made by American bison to the Ohio River. Its oldest town, Buffalo is named for them.
Mason . . . — — Map (db m178695) HM
