Mason County, West Virginia

1002 Main Street 1003 Main Street 1009 Main Street 105 Main Street 105 Third Street 12 Main Street 206 Main Street 207 Sixth Street 313 Main Street 330 Main Street 502 Viand Street 510 Main Street 615 Main Street 615 Viand Street 701 Viand Street 704 Main Street 707 Main Street 708 Main Street 711 Main Street 803 Main Street 902 Main Street 903 Main Street 906 Main Street 915 Viand Street Albert Gallatin Jenkins American Legion Murals Andrew & Charles Lewis March Ann Bailey Boone’s Trading Post Carolin Harris Chief Cornstalk Clover Archeological Site Col. Charles Lewis Colonel Andrew Lewis Corner of Sixth and Main Street Corner of Sixth and Viand Street Daniel Haymond Polsley Dr. Jesse Bennett Early Graves Fort Randolph: Safety and Control Fort Robinson French Leaden Plate French Oak General McCausland George Rogers Clark Gold Star Mothers Gordon C. and Mildred R. Jackson Foundation Historic Lowe Hotel Historic Point Pleasant John Hall Kellian V. Whaley Korean and Vietnam Wars Memorial Liberty Tree Livia S. Poffenbarger Lord Dunmore's War Mason County Jail Explosion Memorial Mason County Memorial Park Mason County Veterans Memorial May Moore Mound Mercer’s Bottom / Captain John Hereford Pioneer Cemetery Point Pleasant Point Pleasant Point Pleasant - Henderson Bridge Point Pleasant Battle / War of 1812 Point Pleasant River Museum Putnam County / Mason County Revolutionary Soldiers Sam Littlepage Seventh Street Silver Bridge Collapse Silver Bridge Collapse and Creation of National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) Site of Fort Randolph Site of Silver Bridge Collapse Str. Weber W. Sebald The Battle of Point Pleasant The Magazine The Mansion House The Mansion House The Ohio River: A Contested Frontier, 1754-1794 The Sallie Marmet Anchor Thomas Hannan Virgil A. Lewis War of 1812 Water Panther Stone West Virginia (Mason County) / Ohio William H. Powell World War I Memorial World War II Memorial “Border Grays” “Legend of the Mothman” “Mark Twain” Family
Mason County, West Virginia, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Mound Builders. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the region quickly became a center for trade and commerce due to its proximity to the Ohio River.

The county was officially established in 1804 and named after George Mason, a prominent Founding Father. During the 19th century, Mason County experienced significant growth and played a vital role in the development of the region. The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the expansion of the Ohio River transportation system further stimulated economic activity in the area.

Mason County was deeply affected by the American Civil War, as it was located on the border between the Union and Confederate states. The county saw both Union and Confederate troops pass through its boundaries, resulting in skirmishes and raids. Notably, the Battle of Buffington Island, one of the few Civil War battles fought in the state, occurred in Mason County in 1863.

In the 20th century, Mason County continued to evolve, embracing industrialization and modernization. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves led to the establishment of various petroleum-related industries. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and healthcare gaining importance. Today, Mason County is cherished for its natural beauty, rich heritage, and strong community spirit.
Brief timeline of the history of Mason County, West Virginia:

  • 1774 - Daniel Boone explores the area
  • 1804 - Mason County is established
  • 1809 - First permanent settlement, Point Pleasant, is founded
  • 1830 - Completion of the Kanawha River locks and dam
  • 1846 - The Battle of Point Pleasant Civil War battle takes place
  • 1863 - West Virginia becomes a state, and Mason County is part of it
  • 1901 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway reaches Mason County
  • 1967 - The Silver Bridge, connecting Mason County and Gallia County, Ohio, collapses
  • 2003 - The Point Pleasant River Museum is established

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

Audiobooks about the history of West Virginia.