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Heritage
Marion County is justifiably proud of its past, and many of our attractions and activities celebrate that history. Timeless treasures include architectural marvels, collections of antiques and artifacts, and entire parks dedicated to preserving the past.
Our people are happy to share their vast knowledge with travelers, and those who visit the region are sure to take away a deeper appreciation of where we come from and how we got to where we are. Spend some of your present preserving the past!
Hamilton Round Barn
Unique architecture and engineering houses exhibits including old-fashioned tools and farming equipment dating to the early 1900’s. Ten miles north of Fairmont on Rt. 250 N
High Gate Carriage House - Vandalia Group
The 1912 Tudor Revival style High Gate Carriage House and grounds, part of coal baron James Edwin Watson's estate, once hosted President Taft's visit and the Tiffany Cup Tennis Championship, among other historic events. Saved from the wrecking ball and restored by Friends of High Gate, with more recent renovations undertaken by current owner Vandalia Heritage Foundation, the facilities are available for limited size events, including outdoor weddings and smaller community functions. Fully furn ...
Marion County Genealogical Club - Genealogy Room
Located in the Marion County Public Library, the club provides a collection of family histories and more from the local area, West Virginia and surrounding states.
Marion County Historical Society, Inc. & Museum
www.marionhistorical.orgFormer 2 1/2 story home of the County Sheriff (1912). Artifacts dating as far back as colonial period. Special events throughout the year. Special tours and events are available upon request at other times. Located next to Marion County Courthouse. National Historic Register.
Marion County Military Veterans Plaza
The plaza is located in the heart of the Fairmont Central Business District at the corner of Adams and Madison Streets. It is approximately 7,500 square feet and includes a bronze statue depicting images of soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. Three marble monuments stand on the plaza listing the names of Marion County veterans, with the front dedicated to those killed in action while serving their country.
Marion County Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Located at the entrance to East Marion Park off Exit 136 of I-79. The memorial consists of a six ton monument with the 27 names of the men from Marion County, WV who died in Vietnam, along with a Huey Helicopter which actually flew in Vietnam.
Pricketts Fort State Park
www.prickettsfort.orgThis nationally registered historic site was originally built in 1774 as a refuge fort on the frontier of Virginia. It was reconstructed in 1976 and today costumed interpreters recreate eighteenth century lifestyles through demonstration of colonial crafts. South of the fort is the 1859 Job Prickett house. The eighteenth century historical reconstruction and original nineteenth century house illustrate the development of an increasingly civilized lifestyle through an 85-year span of time. Vi ...
Robert H. Mollohan - Jefferson Street Bridge
This bridge was reopened on October 27, 2000, after undergoing a $23.5 million dollar restoration. This "Million Dollar Bridge" originally opened to traffic in 1921. Crossing the Monongahela River, rail lines and city streets, the 1,266 foot structure on three graceful arch rings designed by the Concrete Steel Engineering Company of New York and built by the John F. Casey Company of Pittsburgh, was one of the earliest reinforced concrete arch bridges in the country. It is currently listed on ...
Telephone Museum
Museum contains various switchboards, pay phones, booths, test boards, cable displays and is a tribute to telephone history.
Visitor Center
The new Marion County Visitor Center, located off of exit 136 of I-79, has a rich history. The façade of the facility is covered with the original stone used to build the former Children’s Shelter. Prior to 1929, the Marion County Children’s Shelter was located on what is commonly known as the Poor Farm on Montana Road. In 1929, the Shelter moved to Country Club Road where it maintained three buildings. The Shelter soon outgrew these facilities and a campaign for a new site began. In 1941, with ...
