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History of Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Huntington, West Virginia, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Huntington
The first electric railroad in the world, built as a commercial enterprise, was constructed between Huntington and Guyandotte.
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VINTAGE HUNTINGTON
Huntington Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Postcard
Hotel Frederick
Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Postcard
U.S. Post Office
Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Postcard
Fifth Ave. West From 6th Street
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to HUNTINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA ROOTS - "My Ancestors Came From West Virginia" Ceramic Genealogy Mug
Embrace your Appalachian roots with this charming ceramic mug! Featuring the playful caption: "My Ancestors Came From West Virginia! That explains a lot about my love for Appalachian music and my ability to spot a coal miner from a mile away," this mug is perfect for anyone proud of their West Virginian heritage.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Huntington: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Huntington through the years.
1775 - (Huntington, WV) - The first permanent settlement, Holderby's Landing, was founded in 1775 in what was then the Colony of Virginia.
1871 - The City of Huntington (WV) was founded as the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in 1871.
1874 - (Huntington, WV) - In 1874, the city council enacted an ordinance creating a fire department to consist of an Engine Company, a Hose Company, and the previously formed Hook & Ladder Company.
1882 - Trinity Episcopal Church is built in Huntington, WV
1895 - Huntington
Huntington, a post-town and railroad terminus, the capital of Cabell co., W.Va., on the Ohio River, just below the mouth of the Guyandotte River, and 18 miles above Ironton. It is 52 miles W. of Charleston. It contains Marshall College, a state normal school, 12 churches, 3 banks, public schools, 3 or 4 newspaper offices, 3 planing mills, a foundry, and manufactures of car-wheels, lumber, and cigars. Pop. in 1890, 10,108.
1904 - ALL FIREMEN CALLED OUT To Fight a Bad Blaze Back of the C & O Hospital
High Wind Was Blowing and the Fire Destroyed Three Buildings
A fire alarm from box twenty-eight called the department to the corner of Eighteenth street and Sixth avenue, where just back of the C & O hospital, fire was discovered in the barn belonging to Mrs. L. Buffington.
The department was soon on the scene, but the blaze had gained such headway that it was thought best to sound the second and third alarms, which called out the entire fire fighting force.
A high wind was blowing and soon communicated the fire to other buildings, and although the department did valiant work, the barn and two dwelling houses were completely destroyed and another house badly damaged.
The fire was first discovered in the barn, but its origin is unknown.
A fire alarm from box twenty-eight called the department to the corner of Eighteenth street and Sixth avenue, where just back of the C & O hospital, fire was discovered in the barn belonging to Mrs. L. Buffington.
The department was soon on the scene, but the blaze had gained such headway that it was thought best to sound the second and third alarms, which called out the entire fire fighting force.
A high wind was blowing and soon communicated the fire to other buildings, and although the department did valiant work, the barn and two dwelling houses were completely destroyed and another house badly damaged.
The fire was first discovered in the barn, but its origin is unknown.
1913 - SEVEN MEN HURLED TO DEATH
C. & O. Freight Train Plunges Through Temporary Bridge at Huntington, W. Va. - Many Hurt
Huntington, W. Va. Jan. 3 - The Chesapeake & Ohio railroad had one of the greatest disasters in its history of fifty years when an engine of the heaviest type, pulling west-bound freight No. 99, plunged through a temporary bridge spanning Guyan river at Guyandotte, on the eastern edge of this city Wednesday. Seven men were hurled to death and six seriously hurt.
The dead are:
F.E. Weber, engineer, Russell; Henry White, watchman, Huntington; Charles Maddie, bridge worker, Talcott, W. Va.; Emett Wood, bridge worker, Talcott, W. Va.; James Crawford, bridge worker, St. Albans, W. Va.; Charles Coyne, bridge worker, Teays, W. Va.; James G. Wheeler, bridge worker, Milton, W. Va.
The financial loss is $500,000.
Huntington, W. Va. Jan. 3 - The Chesapeake & Ohio railroad had one of the greatest disasters in its history of fifty years when an engine of the heaviest type, pulling west-bound freight No. 99, plunged through a temporary bridge spanning Guyan river at Guyandotte, on the eastern edge of this city Wednesday. Seven men were hurled to death and six seriously hurt.
The dead are:
F.E. Weber, engineer, Russell; Henry White, watchman, Huntington; Charles Maddie, bridge worker, Talcott, W. Va.; Emett Wood, bridge worker, Talcott, W. Va.; James Crawford, bridge worker, St. Albans, W. Va.; Charles Coyne, bridge worker, Teays, W. Va.; James G. Wheeler, bridge worker, Milton, W. Va.
The financial loss is $500,000.
1916
Huntington, a city, the capital of Cabell co., W.Va., on the Ohio River, just below the mouth of the Guyandotte River, and 18 miles above Ironton, Ohio, on the Chesapeake and Ohio and the Baltimore and Ohio Rs. It contains Mar shall College and a state asylum for incurables, and has manufactures of cars and car-wheels, lumber, glass, iron- castings, stoves, and cigars. It is a shipping point for coal, iron, salt, and lumber. Pop. in 1900, 11,923.
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1928 - Keith-Albee Theater is built in Huntington, WV
1937 - The Great Flood of 1937, which claimed 5 lives, caused millions of dollars in damage, left tens of thousands homeless, and led to the creation of Huntington’s floodwalls in 1938.
1949 - November 15 - WSAZ TV channel 3 in Huntington-Charleston, WV (NBC) 1st broadcast
Here's a list of some great places to visit and activities to enjoy in Huntington:
Harris Riverfront Park: This scenic park along the Ohio River is perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or watching the river traffic. It often hosts events and concerts, so check the schedule for any upcoming performances.
Heritage Farm Museum & Village: A fantastic place to explore the history of the region. The village has historic buildings, farm animals, and plenty of interactive exhibits to keep you engaged.
Ritter Park: Known for its lush greenery and walking paths, Ritter Park is a perfect place to relax. The rose garden is a beautiful spot for a romantic stroll, and the playground is great for kids.
Museum of Radio and Technology: If you're a tech enthusiast or just interested in the history of radio and technology, this museum is a must-visit. It features an impressive collection of vintage radios, televisions, and more.
Keith-Albee Theatre: This historic theater is a stunning example of classic architecture. Catch a show here if you can, or simply take a tour...
Read more
Heritage Farm Museum & Village: A fantastic place to explore the history of the region. The village has historic buildings, farm animals, and plenty of interactive exhibits to keep you engaged.
Ritter Park: Known for its lush greenery and walking paths, Ritter Park is a perfect place to relax. The rose garden is a beautiful spot for a romantic stroll, and the playground is great for kids.
Museum of Radio and Technology: If you're a tech enthusiast or just interested in the history of radio and technology, this museum is a must-visit. It features an impressive collection of vintage radios, televisions, and more.
Keith-Albee Theatre: This historic theater is a stunning example of classic architecture. Catch a show here if you can, or simply take a tour...
GENEALOGY IN HUNTINGTON
Discover YOUR Roots: Huntington Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Huntington through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Huntington, West Virginia, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Huntington.
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Updated: 10/16/2023 10:35:21 AM
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