National Register Listings in
Kanawha County, West Virginia

African Zion Baptist Church Bank of St. Albans Building Barnes-Wellford House Beeches, The Bird Haven Bougemont Complex Breezemont Briarwood Canty House Cedar Grove Charleston Baptist Temple Charleston City Hall Charleston Municipal Auditorium Charmco Building Chesapeake and Ohio Depot Chilton House Chilton, W. E. II, House Clendenin Historic District Cox-Morton House Cox-Parks House Craik-Patton House Crawford-Gardner House Dalgain Daniel Boone Hotel Danner-Fletcher House Downtown Charleston Historic District Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars East End Historic District East End Historic District (Boundary Increase) East Hall Ebenezer Chapel Edgewood Historic District Edwards William H. & William S., House Elk City Historic District Garnet High School Gilliland, William S., Log Cabin and Cemetery Gilmore, Elizabeth Harden, House Good Shepherd Church Grosscup Road Historic District Hansford, Felix G., House Harriman, John, House Holly Grove Mansion Kanawha County Courthouse Kanawha State Forest Historic District (Additional Documentation) Kearse Theater Laidley-Summers-Quarrier House Lee, Mattie V., Home Little Brick Church Littlepage Stone Mansion Loewenstein and Sons Hardware Building Luna Park Historic District MacFarland House Malden Historic District Maple Terrace Court and Walton Apartments McAndrews-Gallaher House McClung's Price Place Mohler, William E., House Plaza Theatre Pratt Historic District Shrewsbury, Samuel, Sr., House Simpson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church Smith-Giltinan House South Charleston Mound Spring Hill Cemetery Historic District St. Albans Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Depot St. Albans Main Street Historic District St. Albans Post Office St. Albans Railroad Industry Historic District St. John's Episcopal Church St. Mark's Episcopal Church St. Paul Baptist Church Starks, Samuel, House Sterrett Brothers' Dry Goods Store Stoneleigh Summers House Sunrise Thomas-McJunkin-Love House United Carbon Building Washington, Booker T., High School Weimer, James, House West Virginia Capitol Complex West Virginia Schools for the Colored Deaf & Blind West Virginia State University Faculty House Historic District Wood, Col. Henry Hewitt, House Woodrums' Building Young-Noyes House
The first rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
West Virginia random facts
Kanawha County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the Kanawha River for transportation and trade. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish homesteads in the area, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

During the American Civil War, Kanawha County saw significant military activity. It was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces, as control of the Kanawha River meant dominance over key transportation routes. The Battle of Charleston took place in the county in 1862, resulting in Union victory and the expulsion of Confederate forces from the area.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought industrialization to Kanawha County, thanks to the discovery of vast coal reserves. This led to a boom in mining and the establishment of numerous mining towns. The county became a major center for the coal industry, attracting workers from across the country and around the world.

In more recent times, Kanawha County has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the coal industry. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism. The county is home to a number of tourist attractions, including beautiful parks, historical sites, and the state capital, Charleston. Today, Kanawha County continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kanawha County, West Virginia.

  • 1788 - Kanawha County is established from parts of Greenbrier and Montgomery counties.
  • 1831 - Charleston becomes the county seat of Kanawha County.
  • 1850 - The population of Kanawha County reaches 12,174.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Kanawha County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1870 - The population of Kanawha County grows to 17,039.
  • 1875 - A devastating flood hits Kanawha County, causing significant damage.
  • 1917 - The Kanawha County Public Library is established.
  • 1943 - The Battle of Blair Mountain takes place in southern Kanawha County during the West Virginia Mine Wars.
  • 1974 - The Kanawha County textbook controversy leads to protests and violence in the community.
  • 1994 - Kanawha County celebrates its bicentennial.