The Battle of the Bulge

Historical marker location:
32 N Davis St, Keyser, West Virginia
( Marker is on West Piedmont Street (West Virginia Route 46) just west of North Davis Street, on the left when traveling west.)

The largest battle in US history. December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945

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The first Mother's Day was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia in 1908. Anna Jarvis, a resident of Grafton, held a memorial for her mother, who had died two years earlier, and campaigned for a national holiday in honor of all mothers. Mother's Day became a national holiday in 1914.
Mineral County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that begins with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-18th century. Originally part of Hampshire County, Mineral County was officially established in 1866. The county was named after the vast mineral resources found in the region, including limestone, coal, and iron ore.

The early history of Mineral County is closely tied to the development of the railroad industry. The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1840s played a significant role in the county's growth, attracting new industries and settlers. The railroad brought economic opportunities and prosperity to the region, leading to the establishment of towns and the growth of mining operations.

Mining quickly became a dominant industry in Mineral County, with companies extracting coal, limestone, and other valuable minerals. The coal mines, in particular, played a vital role in the county's economy for many decades. The mining boom brought an influx of workers to the area, leading to the growth of towns and the establishment of supporting industries.

Throughout its history, Mineral County has also been strongly influenced by its proximity to key historical events. During the American Civil War, the county witnessed battles and military actions, including the famous Battle of Blakely Mountain. In later years, the county felt the impact of industrialization and economic changes, which led to the decline of mining and the rise of new industries.

Today, Mineral County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county's historical significance and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists. From its humble beginnings as a rural frontier, Mineral County, WV has transformed into a vibrant community with a rich heritage.

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

  • 1734: European settlers begin arriving in present-day Mineral County
  • 1756: Fort Cumberland is built by the British during the French and Indian War
  • 1866: The area is officially established as Mineral County
  • 1873: Keyser, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1894: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches Mineral County, spurring growth
  • 1902: West Virginia University establishes an agricultural experiment station in the county
  • 1917: New Creek Dam is built on the Potomac River for water supply and flood control
  • 1921: Knobly Mountain Tunnel is completed for the Western Maryland Railway
  • 1956: Jennings Randolph Lake is constructed for flood control and recreation
  • 1985: Mineral County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history
  • 1992: Work begins on the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, serving several counties