List of National Historic Landmarks in West Virginia facts for kids
West Virginia is home to many amazing places, and some of the most special ones are called National Historic Landmarks. These are buildings, sites, structures, or areas that have been recognized by the United States government for their outstanding historical importance. They tell important stories about America's past.
There are 17 National Historic Landmarks in West Virginia. Each one helps us understand a different part of history, from how holidays started to important moments in industry and science.
Contents
- Famous Historic Places in West Virginia
- Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church
- Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops
- Alexander Campbell Mansion
- Clover Site
- Davis and Elkins Historic District
- Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District
- Grave Creek Mound
- The Greenbrier
- Jefferson County Courthouse
- Matewan Historic District
- Old Main, Bethany College
- Reber Radio Telescope
- Traveller's Rest
- Alexander Wade House
- West Virginia Independence Hall
- Weston Hospital
- Wheeling Suspension Bridge
- See also
Famous Historic Places in West Virginia
Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church
Located in Grafton, this church is known as the International Mother's Day Shrine. It's where the idea of celebrating Mother's Day as a national holiday first began.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops
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These old railway buildings in Martinsburg are very important for their architecture. They also hold a special place in history because the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 started here. This was a big event for workers' rights in America.
Alexander Campbell Mansion
Found in Bethany, this mansion was the home of Alexander Campbell. He was a very important person who founded and was the first president of Bethany College.
Clover Site
The Clover site near Lesage is an important place for archaeologists. It's where scientists study ancient cultures and learn about the people who lived in this area long ago.
Davis and Elkins Historic District
This historic area in Elkins includes two grand mansions: Graceland and Halliehurst. These homes belonged to important figures in West Virginia's history.
Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District
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Near Bretz, this district has 140 beehive coke ovens. These ovens were used to turn coal into coke, a fuel important for making steel. These were the last beehive coke ovens to operate in the United States.
Grave Creek Mound
In Moundsville, you can find the Grave Creek Mound. It's the largest cone-shaped burial mound in the United States. It stands about 62 feet (19 meters) tall and is 240 feet (73 meters) wide at its base. It was built by ancient people.
The Greenbrier
Located in White Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier is a famous hotel. It also has a secret history as an emergency shelter for the U.S. Congress during the Cold War.
Jefferson County Courthouse
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The Jefferson County Courthouse in Charles Town is a significant building. It has played a role in many important legal and historical events in the area.
Matewan Historic District
The Matewan Historic District in Matewan is known for a major event in coal mining history. In 1920, there was a serious conflict between coal miners and company guards here, which is sometimes called the Matewan Massacre. This event highlighted the struggles of miners for better working conditions.
Old Main, Bethany College
This is the main historic building on the Bethany College campus in Bethany. It's a beautiful and important part of the college's history.
Reber Radio Telescope
Found in Green Bank, this telescope is very special. It was the first parabolic radio telescope ever built. It was created by an amateur astronomer named Grote Reber, who helped start the field of radio astronomy.
Traveller's Rest
Located in Kearneysville, Traveller's Rest was the home of General Horatio Gates. It's also a rare example of the work of a famous Virginia architect, John Ariss.
Alexander Wade House
This house in Morgantown was the home of Alexander Wade. He was an innovative educator who made important changes to how schools operated.
West Virginia Independence Hall
In Wheeling, West Virginia Independence Hall is a very important place. From 1861 to 1863, during the American Civil War, it was the site of the pro-Union government of Virginia. This government played a key role in West Virginia becoming its own state.
Weston Hospital
Also known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, this building in Weston is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States. It was built to care for people with mental illnesses.
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge in Wheeling is a marvel of engineering. It was the world's first long suspension bridge when it was built. It crosses the Ohio River and is still used today.
See also
