National Register Listing

War Memorial Building

501 N. Main St., New Martinsville, WV
Local significance of the building:
Military; Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

military social history architecture
West Virginia is the leading producer of coal in the United States. The state's coal mining industry has a long history, dating back to the early 1800s, and has played a significant role in the state's economy. However, the industry has faced challenges in recent years due to environmental concerns and competition from other energy sources.
West Virginia random facts
Wetzel County, located in the northern part of West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Adena and the Hopewell, who left behind interesting burial mounds and other artifacts. European settlers arrived in the mid-18th century, attracted to the area's fertile land and abundant natural resources.

By the early 19th century, Wetzel County was established and named after Lewis Wetzel, a legendary frontiersman who was known for his skills as a hunter and scout. The county quickly became an important center for agriculture and later, for oil and gas production. The discovery of oil in the late 19th century brought rapid growth and prosperity to the region, attracting companies and workers from all over the country.

Throughout the 20th century, Wetzel County continued to thrive with its oil and gas industry, becoming one of the largest natural gas producers in West Virginia. The county also saw the establishment of factories and manufacturing plants, contributing to its economic development. However, like many other rural areas, Wetzel County faced challenges in the latter half of the century with the decline of its traditional industries and the closure of factories.

In recent years, Wetzel County has been working towards diversifying its economy and attracting new businesses. Efforts have been made to promote tourism and outdoor recreation, leveraging the county's natural beauty and proximity to the Ohio River. Today, Wetzel County remains a vibrant community, with a mix of industries and a strong sense of pride in its history and heritage.

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

  • 1771 - Wetzel County was originally settled by the Shawnee and Mingo Native American tribes.
  • 1776 - James and William Caldwell were the first European settlers in the area.
  • 1846 - Wetzel County was officially established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, the county experienced several skirmishes and raids.
  • 1865 - Oil was discovered in Wetzel County, leading to a boom in the industry.
  • 1890 - The town of New Martinsville became the county seat.
  • 1906 - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, protecting the wetlands and wildlife in the area.
  • 1951 - The Valley Camp Coal Company opened the Willow Island Disaster Memorial, commemorating the Willow Island coal mine disaster that occurred in 1978.
  • 2002 - The Wetzel County Museum opened in New Martinsville, showcasing the history and culture of the county.