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History of Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Explore Huntington, West Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to HUNTINGTON

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Discover Huntington: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1775 - (Huntington, WV) - The first permanent settlement, Holderby's Landing, was founded in 1775 in what was then the Colony of Virginia.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1871 - The City of Huntington (WV) was founded as the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in 1871.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
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.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
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.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
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.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
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.
The Huntington Advertiser
Huntington, West Virginia
December 20, 1904
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.
The Huntington Advertiser
Huntington, West Virginia
December 20, 1904
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.
The Tribune
Hicksville, Ohio
January 9, 1913
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.
The Tribune
Hicksville, Ohio
January 9, 1913
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.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
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.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
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.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1949 - November 15 - WSAZ TV channel 3 in Huntington-Charleston, WV (NBC) 1st broadcast
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
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...
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...
Discover YOUR Roots: Huntington Ancestry
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.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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