National Register Listing

Cabell County Courthouse

5th Ave. and 8th St., Huntington, WV
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Transportation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of West Virginia.
The first rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
West Virginia random facts
Cabell County, located in the western part of West Virginia, has a rich and varied history dating back to its establishment in 1809. Named after William H. Cabell, the Governor of Virginia at the time, the county was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee.

In the early 19th century, Cabell County witnessed a surge in industrial development, primarily due to the construction of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. This turnpike, connecting the Ohio River with the eastern part of Virginia, allowed for the transportation of goods and resources, leading to increased settlement and economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Cabell County played a significant role, with its strategic location making it a sought-after territory for both Union and Confederate forces. The county experienced several battles and skirmishes, causing immense destruction and loss of life. The town of Guyandotte, located in Cabell County, was even burned by Confederate forces in 1861.

Throughout the 20th century, Cabell County continued to evolve and thrive. The county saw advancements in infrastructure and transportation, including the construction of interstates and highways. Education also became a focus, with the establishment of Marshall University in 1837, which has since become an integral part of the county's identity. Today, Cabell County remains a vibrant community with a blend of urban and rural areas, offering a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cabell County, West Virginia.

  • 1809: Cabell County was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1823: The county seat was established in Barboursville.
  • 1861-1865: Cabell County was involved in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was completed through the county.
  • 1887: Huntington was incorporated as a city within Cabell County.
  • 1896: Marshall College (now Marshall University) was founded in Huntington.
  • 1970: The Marshall University football team suffered a devastating plane crash, killing 75 people.
  • 2008: The Huntington city limits expanded to include previously unincorporated areas of the county.