Area Attractions
Charleston’s History
Introduction
There are many reasons why Charleston, West Virginia is an outstanding city. It’s an area rich in history, well rooted in the forming of our nation. It is a part of the only state formed directly by the Civil War, and it’s one of only two states that was formed through seceding from another (the other state that was formed this way is Vermont). As the capitol city of West Virginia, Charleston manages to be both on the cutting edge of political decision-making and a city of small-town charm.
Charleston has much to offer, including numerous cultural activities, entertainment, education, superior medical care, and just plain fun. Whether your taste runs to the postcard-worthy beautiful architecture, or breathtaking views of the wide, meandering Kanawha River and the rugged mountains beyond it, Charleston has something for you.
See the beauty of nature as well as the art of man. Watch the heart of industry as barges transport coal up and down the river daily. Hear the music of the 70-year-old Symphony Orchestra, the Mountain Stage Band, or enjoy one of the many local music venues. Smell the mouth-watering delights at the Capitol Market, an open-air-style market inside the train depot. Sample the menu at one of the mainstay restaurants, like Joe Fazio’s (it’s been around since 1934) or seek out something trendy, like Sushi Atlantic on Shrewsbury Street.
While state government often dictates the atmosphere of the business environment, Charleston is a city that has abundant natural resources all around; so the city has always worked to maintain its own vitality through both the public and private sectors. As a result, economic challenges have been minimal, and the city’s future is strong.
Although the river valley is a fertile area, where crops like tobacco, corn, hay, and fruits can grow, there is not as much farming as one might expect. Instead, West Virginia is one of the leaders in producing bituminous coal; the state also produces natural gas, salt, oil, and stone.
Technology is a leading source of industry in the Kanawha River valley. Glass and chemical plants utilize some of the area’s natural resources. There are also manufacturers of metal and machinery.
A river town, if you’ve never lived in one, is an ideal place for raising a family. Charleston offers every amenity: swimming pools, tennis courts, baseball fields, a minor-league baseball team. There are plays, musicals, storytelling, and concerts. Festivals celebrate the arts, and the Vandalia Gathering every Memorial Day celebrates the traditions of the area. The Sternwheel Regatta on Labor Day offers a chance to learn about the river boats, take in local cuisine, or even take a ride on a Sternwheeler. National acts entertain each evening, while everyone can participate in the AARP Power Walk, the Charleston Distance Run, and the Grand Feature Parade.
A reporter for the Gallipolis (Ohio) Dispatch had this to say about the city in 1861: "Charleston is quite a pretty place. It is located on the beautiful bottom on the northeast bank of the river and is entirely surrounded by lofty hills. There are many pretty residences but they and the public buildings are built after the old style and have not much pretension to magnificence."
One thing Charleston is not is a copy of a well-known historical southern city. A settlement was actually started here in 1788, and the city was named for one of its forbears.
Visitors here inevitably are drawn to the gold-domed capitol building that glistens above the skyline; but soon they see the vast array of entertainment and recreation, and their attention is diverted.
The Capitol Complex is a good starting point for a visit, though; the city’s fascinating past and the state’s rich history give even the casual visitor an instant fascination about this “wild and wonderful” place. Outdoors, you almost instantly notice the monuments that are beautifully displayed on the park-like grounds.
Charleston’s Cultural Center at the Capitol Complex is home to the Commission on the Arts, the State Historic Preservation Office, the State Museum, State Archives, and more. The Cultural Center opened in 1976 and showcases the artistic, cultural, and historical heritage of the state. Here you can browse through the State Archives library, the photographic collection, or visit one of the numerous events and lectures that are held throughout the year. You can search for your family’s genealogy or simply learn about history.
The Cultural Center is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 6 p.m. The Cultural Center offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. The Cultural Center is located in the Capitol Complex at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East. For more information, please phone (304) 558-0220.
After noticing the initial beauty and charm, most visitors comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the residents. It’s hard to understand how a bustling capital city can be so welcoming—but that’s what happens in Charleston!
Facts about Charleston
Charleston, is the largest city and the capital city of West Virginia
The population is about 51,300.
Charleston's metropolitan population is more than 250,000.
Charleston is situated at the intersection of three major interstates: I-64, I-77, and I-79.
The average high temperature is about 77 degrees. The average low is 34 degrees.
State Bird: Cardinal
State Flower: Rhododendron
State Motto: Montani semper liberi -- Mountaineers are always free
State Nickname: Mountain State
State Song: The West Virginia Hills
The Kanawha River: Bringing People and Commerce
The Kanawha River (kə-nô'wə) is formed at the junction of New River and Gauley River above Kanawha Falls, about 30 miles from Charleston. In fact, Native American tribes identified the New River and The Kanawha River as one.
Thomas Jefferson, in his Notes on the State of Virginia (1781) referred to it as a single river called “the Great Kanhaway”. Jefferson wrote:
“The Great Kanhaway is a river of considerable note for the fertility of its lands, and still more as leading towards the headwaters of James River. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether its great and numerous rapids will admit a navigation, but at an expanse to which it will require ages to render its inhabitants equal. The great obstacles begin at what are called the Great Falls, 90 miles above the mouth, below which are only five or six rapids, and these passable, with some difficulty, even at low water.”
To continue reading the story and history of the Kanawha River, click here (The River- Bringing People and Commerce.pdf)
If you go there…
Malden, just outside Charleston on Rt. 60, is part of the Midland Trail Scenic Highway. With only about 800 residents, it carries remnants of its history proudly. Tour the Salt Village that contains the Booker T. Washington cabin replica and the African Zion Baptist Church, where Washington taught. For tours, make an appointment through Cabin Creek Quilts.
Self-guided heritage tours of the town make you feel like a part of the past. The Hale, Norton, and Putney Houses are located on Malden Drive, and Welch-Oakes is toward the river on Fallam Drive.
The Putney House, built in 1836, is used as a law office. The Welch-Oakes House, built about 1843, is used as a private residence.
The African Zion Baptist Church was started in 1850 and was West Virginia’s first black Baptist Church. Booker T. Washington attended services there, and taught there after his college graduation in 1875. The church meets now in a frame building that was created around 1872; it is listed on the Historical Register.
Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church is still in use and is the oldest church in Malden. The church was organized in 1819 by the Ruffners; the brick building was constructed in 1840. Just behind the church is the former home of Minnie Wayne Cooper (1907-1989). She was a local leader and teacher, and a friend of the Washington family.
The old Dickenson home is still in use by one of its heirs; the TerraSalis Garden Center is in the northeast corner of the property, featuring four acres of display gardens as well as a full service garden center. The remains of the family’s salt works is fenced in on the grounds as well.
Visit Malden via I-64 exit 96 Midland Trail (Route 60 East). Take the Malden exit. Turn left at the stop sign and drive about one mile.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the river…
Consider the Kanawha State Forest, only 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Also within an easy drive are Beech Fork State Park, East Lynn Lake, and many other favored hunting and fishing spots. Between Point Pleasant and Huntington you’ll find the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area.
Coonskin Park is a picturesque facility with a boathouse, clubhouse, tennis courts, putt putt and par 3 golf, and a swimming pool. Open daily except Christmas Day, you can reach Coonskin Park off the Greenbrier Street exit north of Charleston; drive about 5 miles on State Route 114.
Early History
The Adena Indians arrived in the Kanawha County area around 1000 B.C., and resided here until around 1650. Their heritage was a mystery to many who believed that Native Americans could not have been so advanced or skilled; some said they came from Mexico, some said they came from Europe, and some referred to them as the Lost Tribes of Israel.
The mound that is located in South Charleston is the second largest in the state, out of 50 or so known Adena mounds in the area. It is also one of the best-known mounds and is called the Criel Mound, in honor of a family who owned a farm there once upon a time.
To read more about the early history of Charleston and for more tips on places of historic interest to visit on your Charleston travels, read here (Link to Early History.pdf)
If you go there…
The Criel Mound is centered in Staunton Park. This park is fairly small, but beautiful; it is used as a gathering center for many arts and crafts shows, revivals, religious services, and carnivals. Phone 304-746-5552. An Indian Pow-wow is held year round at the South Charleston Indian Mound, featuring authentic music, food, dancing and storytelling to celebrate the Native American Indian Heritage. For more information please call 800-238-9488.
The second Saturday in September, the mound is the site of the Festival of Arts and Crafts, with over 230 vendors, music, food, and entertainment.
Rocking Communication
Devils Tea Table rock located in Kanawha City is a natural rock formation that visitors won’t want to miss. It is said that it was a smoke signal point for the Indian community for over 300 years. The formation is eleven feet from the base to the projection of the top, and 15 X 24 feet on top.
The Devil’s Tea Table is one of the sights you can see during a visit to Little Creek Park, off Spring Hill Avenue on the West side of South Charleston.
If you go there…
Enjoy the natural beauty and changing scenery throughout the year. The park features hiking trails, “Devil’s Tea Table”, an old saw mill and a natural spring. There are eleven picnic shelters available for rent, restrooms, and recreational equipment. The shelters have electricity, grills and fireplaces. Open March 1 through October 31 daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
A City is Born
The story of the city of Charleston is a fascinating one. To read about the formation of the capital, the construction of the city, the influential individuals in its formation and development, click here (Link to City is Born.pdf) and be sure to check out the sights mentioned on your next Charleston vacation or business stay.
If you go there….
Make sure to visit the following sights to learn even more and enjoy this great city:
Capital Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25311
304-558-4839
Guided tours are conducted Monday through Friday.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trails
The Hatfield-McCoy Trails are a system of 500 miles of multi-use trails that cover four counties in West Virginia. The trail system has taken over ten years to create; it is now used as a demonstration project and is a public-private partnership that is held up as one of the most innovative trail systems in the country. The trails can be used for riding ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes, horses and hiking. See more about the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in Chapter 5, visit http://www.trailsheaven.com/ or phone 304-752-3255.
Run, Walk, Hike, Ride
Although there are plenty of sights to see and events to visit in the city of Charleston, there will be times when you want to relax and enjoy nature. We’ve got plenty of that to enjoy, too. For more information on any of these city parks, please call 304-348-6860. To read more about all of the parks, trails and outdoor sights in and around Charleston, please click here (Link to Run, Walk, Hike, Ride, City Parks.pdf)
If you go there….
Considering the following:
Outfitters and equipment rentals, guided tours, and packages are available. Open Year Around. Lyburn, WV (304) 752-3255 or (800) 592-2217.
Hatfield-McCoy Speedway - 4/10 mile, semi-banked clay oval track. Modifieds, Super stocks, Hot Stocks and Pure Stocks. .6 mile north of SR 97 on US 52, then .7 mile east. Racing every Saturday night 304-664-3246
Fires and Firefighting in Charleston
In the 1800s, “firefighting” generally consisted of a disorganized form of a bucket brigade. Citizens were happy to participate, since buildings were usually situated close together, so a fire in one area could quickly spread to other buildings. Charleston’s first record of having an official fire fighting team was in 1845. At that time, equipment consisted of a two-hand pump engine that was pulled by the men wherever it was needed. Firemen were called into action via the use of a metal triangle that was struck by a heavy hammer; this hung by the academy building on Quarrier Street. If anyone saw a fire they would run to the headquarters and strike the triangle repeatedly with the hammer. The firemen would go to the fire house, grab the ropes that were attached to the pump wagon, and drag the wagon to the water source, often the river or a well. Climbing onto the wagon, they would pump the water onto the fire.
To read more about the fascinating, and numerous, fires that shaped Charleston’s history, click here (Link to Fires and Firefighting in Charleston.pdf)
Architecture
If you’d like to take a glimpse into the life of the early 20th century, downtown Charleston is the place to do it. The revitalization efforts, unlike those of most modern cities, have honored the rich history and the amazing architecture that exists in Charleston. Capitol Street, which was once the bustling business center, is lined with quaint shops and businesses. Davis Square and the Kanawha Public Library are just two examples of a style of building that represents an era long past.
In 1991, the Charleston Downtown historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is roughly bounded by broad street, the Kanawha River, summers Street, the Conrail railroad tracks. It encompasses 989 acres and 177 buildings.
In 1996 the Clendenin historic district was added: bounded by First Avenue and Kanawha Ave between 5th and French Streets, covering 200 acres and thirty-seven buildings; colonial revival, classical revival, and late gothic revival architecture are some of the examples of the architecture you can see there.
All totaled, 13 areas of Kanawha County have been added to Nation Register of Historic Places.
To learn more about these historic places and where to go to enjoy the amazing architecture that comprises the city of Charleston, West Virginia, click here. (Link to Architecture.pdf)
Slavery in Kanawha Valley
Many people are surprised to learn that slavery existed in this rugged land of wild beauty; after all, the land was settled first by Indians, then by pioneers who mostly came from Europe and other far-off lands.
But slavery did exist in the Valley, and somehow the issue of owning slaves was tangled up in the pioneers’ understanding of the division of rights between the East and West. Plus, the laws were made in Richmond—and the tax laws were definitely affected by slavery. To read the full story on the history of slavery in Charleston and the Kanawha Valley, Click here (Link to Slavery in the Kanawha Valley.pdf)
If you go there…
To explore parts of this fascinating and important history:
Malden is on the Midland Trail and has dedicated the downtown area to history. At the African Baptist Zion Church, circa 1872, you will find the spirit of the legacy of Booker T. Washington. This was the first black Baptist Church in Western Virginia; the African-American families who started it were respected workers in the salt mines. Directly behind the church are prototype living quarters, a schoolhouse, and artifacts from Booker’s era. The cabin was rebuilt to match a photograph of Booker T. Washington’s home; for tours, call 304-925-9499.Across the street is the foundation of his sister’s home, now a beautiful park. While in Malden, don’t forget to visit Norton house, the oldest frame house in Malden. Originally built by Moses Norton and James G. Norton, father-son businessmen, Norton House was renovated in 1994 by Cabin Creek Quilts. The Hale House, home of Dr. John P. Hale, was Charleston’s elegant railroad hotel.
Transportation in the Kanawha Valley
The history and evolution of transportation, from warships and steam power to railways and industrialization are another important component to the history of Charleston and the Kanawha Valley. (To learn more Transportation in the Kanawha Valley.pdf)
If you go there…
The Charleston Capitol Market is a location you won’t want to miss on your visit. The Capitol Market is open year-round in an airy revamped train depot that’s reminiscent of its roots when it was an open air market. The ambience will transport to days gone by; enjoy lunch or shop for local West Virginia foods, vegetables, books, and wines.
C&O DEPOT, 4th Ave St. Albans
This restored depot, constructed around 1906, fronts one of St. Albans’ original brick streets. Tall windows, high ceilings and other touches make this one of the more architecturally detailed depots in the state. The depot was turned over to the City of St. Albans in the late 1980s and was leased by the St. Albans Women's Club, then by the present group, Friends of the Depot. The group worked to acquire grants, volunteer labor, and materials to restore the Depot to its original appearance. A Freight Depot once stood adjacent to the Train Depot. In its place is now a structure that was built in 1998 by the St. Albans Historical Society. The Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The Depot Museum is filled with Railroad photos and artifacts to delight every train enthusiast. It is open by appointment. Open Houses are conducted for special functions; The Depot is available for rent for receptions, Reunions, showers and other events. Phone 727-3084.
New River Train Trips
The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society, Amtrak, and CSX cooperate to provide four separate one-day round trip excursions each year in October. The non-profit CPH society has operated these trips nearly every year for the past forty years. The trip originates in Huntington West Virginia, stops in Albans to receive passengers from Charleston, and stops in Montgomery before arriving in Hinton. The layover lasts approximately three hours so that passengers can visit a street fair featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment.
Famous People
Charleston has a long history of famous people gracing the city with their presence. From John F. Kennedy, to Mother Jones, to Hubert Humphrey, Simon Kenton and James Audubon, read about their stories here (Link to Famous People.pdf)
|
