Morris Memorial Hospital for Crippled Children

a.k.a. Morris Memorial Hospital; Morris Memorial Nursing Home

Morris Memorial Rd. between James River Tpk. & US 60, Milton, WV
Local significance of the district:
Health/medicine; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

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.

The first electric railroad in the world was built in West Virginia in 1888. The line ran between Huntington and Guyandotte and was powered by electricity generated from a hydroelectric plant on the Ohio River.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.