National Register of Historic Places listings in Taylor County, West Virginia facts for kids

A map showing where Taylor County is in West Virginia.

Welcome to Taylor County, West Virginia! This area is home to several special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important landmarks that tell us about the history of the United States. These places are protected and celebrated for their unique stories and architecture.

There are six amazing spots in Taylor County that have earned this special recognition. Let's explore them and learn why they are so important!

Historic Places in Taylor County

Andrews Methodist Church: Birthplace of Mother's Day

The International Mother's Day Shrine, also known as Andrews Methodist Church.

• What it is: Andrews Methodist Church, now known as the International Mother's Day Shrine.
• Where it is: 11 East Main Street, Grafton.
• When it became historic: December 18, 1970.

This church is super famous because it's where the very first official Mother's Day celebration happened! On May 10, 1908, Anna Jarvis organized a special service here to honor her own mother and all mothers. This event helped start the Mother's Day holiday we celebrate every year. It's a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher level of importance!

Clelland House: A Glimpse into the Past

The historic Clelland House.

• What it is: The Clelland House.
• Where it is: Off County Route 250/4, near Grafton.
• When it became historic: June 23, 1980.

The Clelland House is a beautiful old home that shows us what life was like many years ago. It's a great example of historic architecture in the area. Imagine the families who lived here and the stories these walls could tell!

Grafton Downtown Commercial Historic District: A Busy Center

The historic B&O Depot in downtown Grafton.

• What it is: The Grafton Downtown Commercial Historic District.
• Where it is: Main and Latrobe Streets, between Bridge and St. Mary's, Grafton.
• When it became historic: April 9, 1984.

This district is not just one building, but a whole area of historic shops and businesses in downtown Grafton. It was once a very busy place where people came to work, shop, and gather. The buildings here show the history of commerce and community life in Grafton. The old B&O Depot, a train station, is a key part of this historic area.

Grafton National Cemetery: Honoring Heroes

The peaceful grounds of Grafton National Cemetery.

• What it is: Grafton National Cemetery.
• Where it is: 431 Walnut Street, Grafton.
• When it became historic: February 19, 1982.

This cemetery is a special place where many brave soldiers who served our country are laid to rest. It was established during the American Civil War and is one of the oldest national cemeteries. It's a peaceful and respectful place to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Anna Jarvis House: Home of a Visionary

The Anna Jarvis House, where the founder of Mother's Day lived.

• What it is: The Anna Jarvis House.
• Where it is: U.S. Routes 119 and 250, Webster.
• When it became historic: May 29, 1979.

This is the childhood home of Anna Jarvis, the woman who worked so hard to create Mother's Day. Living here, she was inspired by her own mother's dedication to community service. The house helps us understand the early life of the person behind one of our most cherished holidays.

Tygart River Reservoir Dam: A Big Engineering Feat

The Tygart River Reservoir Dam, a large structure controlling the river.

• What it is: The Tygart River Reservoir Dam.
• Where it is: On the Tygart Valley River, 2.25 miles south of Grafton.
• When it became historic: June 23, 1995.

The Tygart River Reservoir Dam is a huge and impressive structure. It was built to control floods and help manage the river's water. It's a great example of engineering from the 1930s. The dam also created Tygart Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing today.