Historical Markers in
Raleigh County, West Virginia

Alfred Beckley Alfred Beckley / Wildwood Bachelor’s Shanty Baseball Beckley Beckley Beckley Mill Big Beaver Creek Ancient Fortification Bill Withers Byrd Prillerman High School Camp Lightfoot Camp Prince Army Station Citizens Hall Of Fame Civil War Site Civil War Site Clarence W. Meadows Dedicated Dinky Locomotive Eccles Mine Explosions Fay-Ral Airport Ferguson Rock Flame Of Freedom From Agriculture to Mining Gen. Alfred Beckley Glade Creek Reservoir Grandview Park Green Beret Birthplace Helen Helen Coal Miners Memorial Helen, WV James Bird Cole (1813-1880) James Cecil “Little Jimmy” Dickens Korean War Memorial Logan, Raleigh and Monroe Turnpike Miners Memorial Mortality Pinecrest Sanitarium Raleigh County Raleigh County Coal Mines Raleigh County World War II Memorial Salvation Wall Samuel Haas Bridge (23 Jan. 1884 - 27 Mar. 1965) Shady Spring Site of Mark Twain High School Spanish Influenza Hospital State Police Radio Station And Barracks Stratton High School Superintendent's House The Attar Center The Big Tunnel Fight The Indian Path The Mysterious Ferguson Rock The Raleigh County Bank Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion Wildwood William S. Dunbar
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.
West Virginia random facts
Raleigh County, located in West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s and early 1800s, establishing small communities and farms.

In 1850, Raleigh County was officially formed from portions of Fayette County. The county was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and writer. The county quickly became known for its coal mining industry, which brought significant economic growth and population increase. Coal was discovered in the region in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of numerous mines.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Raleigh County experienced a boom in coal production. The county's coal mines attracted many workers from different parts of the country, leading to cultural diversity and growth in the local communities. However, the coal mining industry also faced challenges, including labor strikes and safety concerns.

In the present day, Raleigh County continues to be an important center for the coal mining industry in West Virginia. The county is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the New River Gorge National River and the Appalachian Mountains. The county's history and natural resources continue to shape its identity, attracting visitors and providing opportunities for economic development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Raleigh County, West Virginia.

  • 1777 - Raleigh County was formed from parts of Fayette County and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer.
  • 1833 - The county seat was established in the town of Beckley.
  • 1861-1865 - Raleigh County residents served in the American Civil War, with some fighting for the Union and others for the Confederacy.
  • 1873 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was completed through Raleigh County, improving transportation and encouraging economic growth.
  • 1895 - The city of Beckley was officially incorporated.
  • 1921 - The Raleigh County Courthouse was constructed in Beckley, replacing the original county courthouse.
  • 1963 - The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine opened, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's coal mining history.
  • 2003 - The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center opened, attracting events and conferences to the area.