At a recent geocaching event, we won a book about all the WV State Historical Highway Markers. This program was initiated in 1934 during the administration of WV Governor Herman Guy Kump as a way to promote interest in the state's history. The markers were intended to tell the story of WV and its history as concisely as possible and were placed along state roads to be visible to travelers. Originally county workers across the state compiled about 5,000 potential marker sites. The Commission on Historic and Scenic Highway Markers narrowed the list, and in 1937 markers were places at 440 of these locations. Topics on the original markers included state and county histories, county seats, towns and communities, colonial activites, Revolutionary and Civil War activities, early settlements and settlers, prominent personalities, and scenic attractions. At the time, each marker cost $41.
Only a few new markers were added over the next two decades. However, in the 1960's the Civil War and WV state centennials created new interest in our state and local history. Over 400 new markers were created (almost 300 of these at new locations and the rest as replacements for damaged markers) and placed along the highways. At this time, the cost of each marker was $250. Since 1985, most new markers are financed through private donations at a cost of about $1500. When the book was published in 2002, there were almost 1000 markers statewide.
After reading about the history of these markers, we always enjoy stumbling upon them and we like to stop and take pictures to keep track of how many we have seen in person. It is a real treat when we stumble upon a newer sign that isn't in our book!
As I was driving through Buffalo today, I couldn't help but pull over at a nearby store and walk back to check out this particular Historical Marker. Most of the State Historical Markers have the same wording on both sides. This sign does not. One side is "Excavations" and the other is "Indian Village" so you get double the information.
CONGRATULATIONS to THEJC'S on the FTF!