On Kitzmiller Bridge (Maryland Route 38) (West Virginia Route 42).
Mineral County. Formed from Hampshire in 1866. Named for its great mineral deposits. In Mineral County is Fort Ashby, the only standing unit in the chain of frontier forts which were built in 1755 under Washington’s orders.
State of . . . — — Map (db m156425) HM
On Pinnacle Road (Local Road 4) 1.5 miles north of State Route 42, on the right when traveling north.
One fourth of a mile south is the grave of Dr. John Green, first resident doctor in Mineral County, 1832–73. Born in Bolton, England, November 13, 1798; came to Virginia in May, 1827, after serving as medic in Battle of Waterloo. Died Dec. 21, . . . — — Map (db m93932) HM
On George Washington Highway (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling west.
Mineral County. Formed from Hampshire in 1866. Named for its great mineral deposits. In Mineral County is Fort Ashby, the only standing unit in the chain of frontier forts which were built in 1755 under Washington's orders.
Grant . . . — — Map (db m34570) HM
What is the American Discovery Trail? The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is a project administered by the American Discovery Trail society to develop our nation's first coast-to-coast, multi-use hiking trail. It connects people to large cities, . . . — — Map (db m19342) HM
On Washington St. at N. Green St. on Washington St..
Erected in 1755 by Lieut. John Bacon under orders from George Washington and garrisoned with twenty-one men. Lieut. Robert Rutherford, with company of Rangers, was defeated here, August, 1756, by the French and Indians. Fort was named for Col. John . . . — — Map (db m19340) HM
Fort Ashby, one in the chain of Indian forts built by George Washington, 1755. sharp fighting here 1756. in 1794, troops under Gen. Daniel Morgan camped here on their way to suppress Whiskey Rebellion. Fort restored by W.P.A., 1939. — — Map (db m19341) HM
To Lieutenant Bacon of the Maryland Independent Company.
Fort Cumberland, Md., 26 October 1755
You are to proceed to George Parkers Plantation, where you will meet with Captain William Cockes and his Company of Rangers, who are ordered . . . — — Map (db m215881) HM
History of Ownership
The year was 1927 and this log structure was destined to be torn down by its owner, Thomas Pyles, who had built a new house for his family, word went out and the Potomac Valley Chapter WV #4-042 N.S.D.A.R. raised $200 to . . . — — Map (db m215888) HM
The Fort Design
You are at the front gate of Ashby's Fort, indicated by the wooden marker you see in the ground. Washington's fort design featured bastions: diamond-shaped structures jutting from each corner. Each bastion enabled a clear, 270° . . . — — Map (db m215884) HM
No contemporary maps or drawings of Ashby's Fort have survived, so the best way to learn more about the layout, construction and life at the post is through archaeological excavations. George Washington's orders regarding the fort's construction do . . . — — Map (db m215886) HM
Remains of pits dug into the ground for storage or for refuse disposal have been found. The artifacts found in these pits and elsewhere provide clues about goods brought into the fort and the occupants daily activities.
Very few remains of ceramic . . . — — Map (db m215883) HM
You are standing on the site where soldiers under the command of George Washington built one of two fortified outposts on the Virginia frontier during the French & Indian War.
In July of 1755, Washington was with General Edward Braddock during the . . . — — Map (db m215882) HM
Campfollowers
The Virginia Regiment typically authorized the presence of three women per fort to cook and wash laundry for the garrison. There are no records of who these women were or what happened to them after their service, but they must have . . . — — Map (db m215885) HM
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) at North Davis Street, on the right when traveling east on West Piedmont Street.
Armstrong Mansion (also known as the Davis Mansion). The Armstrong family left Keyser because of Southern ties. This home was used by the Union Army during the Civil War. It was later sold to Thomas Davis. Two of Keyser's streets were . . . — — Map (db m152790) HM
On Carskadon Road just south of Reynolds Terrace, on the right when traveling south.
Notable because Thomas R. Carskadon was a Vice-Presidential Candidate in 1892. He was considered radical because of his modern ideas on farming, politics, his inventions and life in general. His home had plumbing and conveniences ahead of the . . . — — Map (db m196550) HM
On East Street at Armstrong Street (West Virginia Route 46), on the left when traveling south on East Street.
WV became a border state in 1863 when it separated from Virginia. The Mineral County Courthouse was completed in 1868 after Mineral County was created from Hampshire County. This area around the Court House became the Town Square. The Court House is . . . — — Map (db m152821) HM
On Armstrong Street (West Virginia Route 46) at West Street on Armstrong Street.
Old Union Blacksmith Shop on East Street was on this Square, as well as a second one located at 107 West Street. The first school building built for white children stood where the Magistrate Court Annex is now located on West Street. About 1870 a . . . — — Map (db m152820) HM
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
You will enter the Continent of Europe and…undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.
Mission statement to General Eisenhower
On East Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
The final defeat of the enemy, which we had long calculated would be accomplished in the spring and summer campaign of 1945, was suddenly, now, just around the corner.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
On West Piedmont Street at North Davis Street, on the right when traveling east on West Piedmont Street.
Former Keyser High School Was built near the site of the Armstrong/Davis Mansion. During the Civil War, a confederate soldier was buried on the grounds of the Armstrong Mansion to keep his body from lying in the street. — — Map (db m152791) HM
Near Fort Avenue at James Street, on the left when traveling west.
You are standing at the site of Fort Fuller (also called Fort Kelley), overlooking the Potomac River Valley ahead of you and the New Creek Valley behind you. On August 4, 1864, Confederate Gen. John McCausland attacked the fort from your right, . . . — — Map (db m180048) HM
On South Mineral Street (U.S. 220) at State Street, on the right when traveling north on South Mineral Street.
Fort Fuller. Built in 1862 as a Union defensive fortification to guard the railroad and New Creek. It was threatened on August 4, 1864, when Confederate Gen. John McCausland's cavalry rode on town. Fighting with Union troops began on outskirts . . . — — Map (db m152788) HM
On South Water Street at Cross Street, on the left when traveling south on South Water Street.
Between Cross and First Streets, looking across New Creek and up about 100 yards were the trenches of Fort Piano where cannons were positioned. Now overgrown, was still visible in 1980. — — Map (db m196545) HM
On Fort Avenue at James Street, on the left when traveling west on Fort Avenue.
Named in honor of the Union fortification
-Fort Fuller-
which stood on the grounds of the
college campus during the Civil War
1861 - 1865 — — Map (db m182740) HM
On West Piedmont Street (Route 46) just west of School Street, on the left when traveling west.
Explains Keyser changed hands 14 times during the Civil War (although the South only held it once for a period of 5 hours in 1864). The other side explains it was a training and staging area for Averill's Rangers, with troops deployed from here. — — Map (db m152789) HM
On South Mineral Street (U.S. 220) just south of Carskadon Lane, on the right when traveling north.
As you enter Keyser on Route 220 from the South, on the east side, gives same information as the historical marker near the Post Office. Carskadon Mansion Marker is on the walking trail. — — Map (db m196547)
On South Church Street at East Piedmont Street, on the right when traveling south on South Church Street.
Oldest church building in Keyser, located on Church Street, built in 1876. It is an active, historically African American United Methodist Church today. — — Map (db m196537) HM
On Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
This Memorial is to pay tribute to Keyser's Medal of Honor recipient Jonah Edward Kelley. Born and raised in this area, Ed Kelley represented the best of West Virginia—character, values, hard work and sheer determination to do what's . . . — — Map (db m152792) HM
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
Two Armies, two objectives, one piece of ground... Kesternich
The Allied Army
While Berlin was the political heart of Germany, the Ruhr Industrial Valley — with its coal mines, blast furnaces, . . . — — Map (db m152803) HM
On South Mineral Street (U.S. 220) just south of Carskadon Lane, on the right when traveling north.
Keyser. Between 1861–1865, Keyser, then New Creek, was sought by the North and South. It changed hands fourteen times. Fort Fuller, where Potomac State Collect stands, was supported by a series of forts girding the town.
Averell’s . . . — — Map (db m32832) HM
On East Piedmont Street at North Davis Street, on the right when traveling north on East Piedmont Street.
Keyser. Between 1861–1865, Keyser, then New Creek, was sought by the North and South. It changed hands fourteen times. Fort Fuller, where Potomac State Collect stands, was supported by a series of forts girding the town.
Averell’s . . . — — Map (db m32836) HM
On Armstrong Street (West Virginia Route 46) just east of West Street, on the right when traveling east.
World War II
Baker, Kenneth W.
Barr, Woodrow W.
Barrick, Robert E.
Becker, Eugene W.
Bowers, Eldon
Broome, Earnest K.
Byford, Walter
Carr, Paul R.
Chucci, Nicholas
Coffman, Ralph S.
Compton, Donald R.
Davis, Leroy . . . — — Map (db m139062) WM
On Overton Place at South Church Street, on the left when traveling east on Overton Place.
Located at the top of the Cliffs on Overton Place. During the Civil War, a 9 pound cannon was placed on the large rock facing South, up the New Creek Valley. Standing where Fort Piano can be seen to the left, Fort Fuller (Fort Kelly) to the right . . . — — Map (db m196519) HM
On North Water Street at Patrick Street, on the right when traveling north on North Water Street.
The Baltimore and Ohio, (B & O), trains stopped at New Creek Station, as Keyser was known during the Civil War. The first Depot was across the tracks from and near Southern States store. Passengers could stop over, enjoy meals and stay in the New . . . — — Map (db m196554) HM
On Fort Ashby Road (West Virginia Route 46) 0.3 miles east of Country Mile Road, on the right when traveling east.
The massive sandstone in the quarry is the Oriskany and the limestone below it is the Helderberg of the driller and geologist. The Oriksany Sand, an important gas sand, has produced in excess of a trillion cubic feet of gas in West Virginia. — — Map (db m215878) HM
On South Mineral Street (U.S. 220) at State Street, on the right when traveling south on South Mineral Street.
Chartered, Feb. 15, 1901, as Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University. Became Potomac State School, 1921; Potomac State School of West Virginia University, 1935; Potomac State (junior) College, West Virginia University, 1953. — — Map (db m36837) HM
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
The Rhineland Campaign, January 1945
If I were asked what campaign in the war brought me the greatest professional pride, I would point unhesitatingly to this one.
General Omar Bradley, Commander, 12th Army . . . — — Map (db m152808) HM
On Hughes Street at Water Street, on the right when traveling south on Hughes Street.
Built in 1852, occupies the site at the end of Hughes Street on Willow Avenue. Original four room log structure, home of Tannery Superintendent, has modern additions. — — Map (db m196539) HM
On East Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
The Aftermath of Kesternich
February, 1945
The reason for fighting over Kesternich was so fierce became evident upon Ed Kelley's death and the final taking of the town — US artillery observers found they could direct observed fire on . . . — — Map (db m152815) HM
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
Hitler had decided to make one final attempt for victory, using his best SS troops — the ones with the highest moral — to cut the Allied forces in two. He chose the Ardennes Forest, knowing US Forces would not expect an attack there. . . . — — Map (db m152807) HM
On East Piedmont Street (Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
"The whole Allied force is delighted to cheer the U.S. First Army whose speed and boldness have won the race to establish our first bridgehead over the Rhine. Please tell all ranks how proud I am."
Eisenhower
On East Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street.
"Rounding the bend in the road, he emerged from the woods and found himself confronted by a breath-taking view - - the prize no man dared hope for - - the Ludendorff Bridge, still intact, spanning the Rhine." This is how Ken Heckler military . . . — — Map (db m152817) HM
On East Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
When the Germans tried to frantically reset the charges, American assertiveness took over. The on-scene commander, LT Timmerman began to send his men up onto the Bridge. He followed, right behind the first few men. One soldier, Joe DeLisio, moved . . . — — Map (db m152818) HM
On West Piedmont Street just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.
Ghostly, almost supernatural, Kesternich was beginning to acquire legend. There was no hope, just death lurking in every shadow, every hollow, every house.
Official History of the 78th Division
On West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of B Street, on the right when traveling east.
Located on West Piedmont Street, built soon after the Civil War. This was the training grounds of the Paddytown Battalion and Union troops whose tents were located in this end of town. — — Map (db m153159) HM
On South Mineral Street just south of Carskadon Lane, on the left when traveling south.
Born in Hampshire County in 1837, the son of a slave owner, he fled Virginia after secession but was elected the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention in 1861. He later served as US assessor, a presidential elector for Grant and Hayes, . . . — — Map (db m196549) HM
On South Main Street just south of School Street, on the left when traveling north.
In memory of Killed In Action
Joseph W. Boyce, July 21,1918 •
James J. Argiroplis, August 15,1918 •
William M. Houser, August 28,1918
For God and Country — — Map (db m180080) WM
On West Virginia Route 46, 4 miles Keyser, on the right when traveling east.
At Reese’s Mill, ruins of the home of Abraham Johnson, who entertained George Washington and surveying party in 1748. Johnson appeared in Patterson Creek Valley between 1735 and 1740 and in 1750 became an official of the Ohio Company. — — Map (db m94023) HM
On Heskiet Street (U.S. 220) at Center Street (West Virginia Route 46), on the right when traveling south on Heskiet Street.
West Virginia
(Mineral County)
"The Mountain State"—western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French during . . . — — Map (db m139061) HM
On U.S. 50 at West Virginia Route 93, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 50.
Congregation was organized in 1849. The church, constructed in 1850 of lumber produced on a water-powered sawmill and furnished with seats of chestnut, hand finished, is in an excellent state of preservation. It was first used as a combined church, . . . — — Map (db m36836) HM
On Ashfield Street (West Virginia Route 46) just south of Front Street in Westernport, on the right when traveling south.
Born in Piedmont on July 29, 1900. Began playing trumpet at age three; learned to play all wind instruments by age twelve. Graduated from Storer College in 1920. First great arranger in jazz; internationally known as “The Little Giant of Jazz.” Had . . . — — Map (db m32825) HM
On Childs Avenue (West Virginia Route 46) at East Hampshire Street (West Virginia Route 46), on the left when traveling south on Childs Avenue.
Near here, William Mayo, Thomas Savage, and party spent the winter of 1736 on their expedition for the British King to determine the head waters of the Potomac River and fix the boundary between Maryland and the lands of Lord Fairfax. — — Map (db m93934) HM
On Beryl Road (West Virginia Route 46) 0.3 miles south of Lime Kiln Road (County Road 46/3), on the left when traveling north.
Mineral County. Formed from Hampshire in
1866 and named for its great mineral deposits. In Mineral County is Fort Ashby, the only standing unit in the chain of frontier forts which were built in 1755 under George Washington's order. . . . — — Map (db m179930) HM
On Bridge Street (Alternate West Virginia Route 28), on the right when traveling south.
On this site in 1750 the Ohio Company of Virginia erected a fortified storehouse known as Fort Ohio or the New Store. It served as protection and the center of commerce for this area, called Wills Creek until 1755, when Fort Cumberland, across the . . . — — Map (db m67205) HM
On Short Gap Highway (West Virginia Route 28) 0.1 miles north of Furnace Road.
On land Washington surveyed for Elias Sellers in 1748 stood this fort, important link in system of frontier defenses. It was garrisoned by an officer and thirty men and withstood several attacks by the Indians. — — Map (db m157346) HM
On 2nd Avenue east of Diagonal Alley, on the right when traveling east.
Kenneth Baker
William Cline
Richard Duer
Frederick Digman
John Derosa
Robert Galford
Richard Spence
William Shuck Jr.
Charles Woods
Alva Diehl
David Bootman
Myrle Zimmers
John Sensabauch
Lewis Pryor
Roland Showers . . . — — Map (db m134408) WM
On Bridge Street (West Virginia Route 28) north of John Street, on the right when traveling south.
In grateful memory of
William Edward Shuck, Jr.
who died in service of his country
on 3 July 1952
in Korea
He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die
that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its . . . — — Map (db m134406) WM
On U.S. 50 at Knobley Road (Local Route 9) on U.S. 50.
Located on a 1766 Fairfax grant and
site of a former blockhouse. Built
by John Vandiver in early 19th century; soon operated as an ordinary.
Henry Trout purchased the house in
1869, repairing damage done during
the Civil War. In the latter . . . — — Map (db m92756) HM
On West Virginia Route 28 north of Airport Road, on the right when traveling south.
West Virginia
(Mineral County)
"The Mountain State"—western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scots-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French during the French . . . — — Map (db m134411) HM
On Airport Road east of Frankfort Highway (West Virginia Route 28), on the right when traveling east.
Between 1953 and 1971, the airport in Wiley Ford was host to national sports car races attended by top racers Roger Penske, Bob Holbert, Don Yenko, Carroll Shelby. Briggs Cunningham, Donna Mae Mims, Mark Donohue, Dick Thompson, and others. . . . — — Map (db m215889) HM
