Located in downtown Point Pleasant and close to where the Silver Bridge used to land in West…read moreVirginia, this marker points out some brief history of the two states. Ohio and West Virginia history around Point Pleasant centers on the long contest for control of the Ohio Valley, from the Shawnee presence and the 1749 French claim to the region through the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, where Andrew Lewis's militia fought Chief Cornstalk's forces at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers. The area later developed into paired river communities on both banks, with Point Pleasant and Gallipolis shaped by frontier forts, early American settlement, and the evolving river economy that linked the two states. The front reads, "West Virginia (Mason County). 'The Mountain State' - western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French during the French and Indian War, 1754-1763." And the reverse, "Ohio. Named for the river, called by the Iroquois the 'Beautiful River.' visited by LaSalle in 1769-1770. Once part of the Northwest Territory. Settled at Marietta, 1788. Admitted to the Union, 1803. Home of 8 United States Presidents." There is no number on the marker. It was erected in 1964 by the West Virginia Historic Commission. [Review 38 of 2026 - 208 in West Virginia - 25229 overall]

Close to the main intersection in the center of Ripley and near the county courthouse, this marker…read morepoints out some Civil War history that took place. West Virginia was a border state so this is just one of many such incidents that took place. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "At around 9 p.m. on December 19, 1861, a party of armed Confederate guerillas known as the Moccasin Rangers captured Ripley and broke into the post office, seizing its contents. The Rangers also robbed a store, stole private possessions, and took guns and ammunition that the local militia had stored in the jail. Several of the raiders were later arrested and imprisoned." The marker was erected in 2019 by the West Virginia Archives & History department. It does not have a number. There is street parking nearby. [Review 31 of 2026 - 203 in West Virginia - 25222 overall]

Point Pleasant has a lot going on with bridges, Mothman and the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, so it's…read moreunderstandable that folks might miss this historical marker at 7th Street. The marker reads, "Born 1803 in Palatine, Polsley was a noted lawyer and publisher of the Western Transcript in Wellsburg until he moved to Mason County in 1845. A delegate to the Wheeling conventions, Polsley served in the Restored Government of Virginia as lieutenant governor; Circuit judge, 1863-1866; he served one term in the U.S. House, 1867-1869. Polsley died at home on October 14, 1877." It was erected in 2017 by the West Virginia Archives and History. Daniel Haymond Polsley became one of Mason County's most respected legal thinkers, known for handling complex river-boundary and land disputes that shaped early regional development. He spent much of his later life mentoring young attorneys and wring long, opinionated essays on constitutional interpretation, transportation, and public education. Even after leaving Congress, he remained an active civic voice, advising local officials and contributing to community debates until his health declined. [Review 926 of 2026 - 236 in West Virginia - 26107 overall]

The Civil War Memorial in Ripley stands on North Court Street beside the Jackson County Courthouse,…read morea quiet granite sentinel dedicated in 1915 by the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. It is a simple, upright monument rather than a dramatic statue, and its plainness reflects the town's Union loyalty during the war, when Ripley remained under Federal control except for a brief Confederate raid. The inscription honors Federal soldiers of the 1861 to 1865 conflict, a reminder that this part of western Virginia broke from the Confederacy and aligned with the new state of West Virginia. Its placement near other courthouse‑square markers creates a small civic cluster where the county's layered history sits within a few steps. The memorial's restrained design gives it a quiet quality, as if it were meant to record service rather than dramatize it. [Review 22 of 2026 - 202 in West Virginia - 25213 overall]

This is a great place for picnic and quick history lesson for folks of all ages. American Civil War…read morebuff? Follow the "Morgan's Raid" road signs for an adventure. Love Native American history? Check out the mound!

I had long heard about Buffington Island, but don't get down this way much. When I was driving to…read moreNorth Carolina I noticed it was only a few miles off my route, so I had to swing by. The only Civil War battlefield in Ohio- how could I pass that up? It is small, and probably not of much interest unless you are a real history buff, in which case it is fascinating. There is a small park with plenty of parking, an Indian mound, and a small outbuilding with bathrooms. A few historical markers and a small pavilion with display panels round out the amenities. The story is fascinating: John Morgan, later imprisoned in the old State Pen in Columbus, was a Confederate raider who attacked all along the Ohio River. This was the only major battle, and it eventually led to his capture. The displays explain the background, battle, and aftermath. It's quiet and isolated, and pretty cool. Maybe not worth a special trip unless you are a Civil War buff, but if you live in the area or are traveling nearby, definitely worth a visit.

This marker points out an event that happened at the end of the 19th century and was quite…read morenoteworthty for its time. The tragedy remains one of the most infamous crimes in Appalachian history, remembered for its brutality, its lone survivor's courage, and its impact on criminal justice reform. The front of the marker reads, "On November 3, 1897, John Morgan murdered Chloe Greene and two of her three children, James Greene and Matilda Pfost. Daughter Alice Pfost managed to escape despite being wounded during the attack. G.W. Shamblen captured Morgan who was tried and convicted of the triple murder. O.J. Morrison paid Morgan for an exclusive prison interview about his life." And on the reverse, "While awaiting execution, murderer John Morgan escaped from jail but was recaptured in Roane County by local authorities. On December 16, 1897, thousands of spectators converged on Ripley, creating a carnival like scene. As a result of the spectacle, in 1899, State Delegate John S. Darst sponsored legislation that ended executions in public places in West Virginia." The marker was erected in 2014 by the Jackson County Historical Society and West Virginia Archives and History. [Review 580 of 2025 - 164 in West Virginia - 24141 overall]

This lovely park stands outside the floodwalls at the confluence of the Ohio River (upstream to…read moreWheeling WV and Pittsburgh PA) and the Kanawha River (upstream to Charleston WV). The park is full of memorials and boasts a fabulous view of the rivers. You'll find an 84-foot granite obelisk commemorating the Virginia militiamen who died in the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant against Shawnee and Mingo forces and the "Mad" Anne Bailey Memorial and Grave which celebrates the legendary frontier scout known for her daring ride to secure gunpowder for Fort Lee in 1791. The Mansion House Museum was originally built in 1796 as a tavern and now contains colonial-era artifacts and relics from the battle. The Chief Cornstalk Burial Marker honors the Shawnee leader who fought in the battle and was later murdered in 1777. One historical marker reads, "Point Pleasant Battle. Here, Oct. 10, 1774, General Andrew Lewis and a thousand Virginia riflemen defeated the federated Indian tribes led by Cornstalk. Known as the "first battle of the Revolution." It was the most important battle between Indians and whites." And on the reverse, "War of 1812. On October 20, 1812, the western Virginia Brigade of Militia under command of General Joel Leftwich, embarked here for the Ohio frontier to join the Northwestern Army for service in the Second War with England." Expect to spend a good amount of time here reading monuments, viewing the museum and just looking out at the barges moving on the river. [Review 594 of 2025 - 177 in West Virginia - 24155 overall]

Located at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers in Point Pleasant, WV, Tu-Endie-Wei State…read morePark commemorates the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, as well as containing other historical monuments and markers commemorating local Native American history and other important events. The park isn't particularly large, but it offers a very peaceful with a great view of the rivers and the Mansion House, a historic home that was originally used as a tavern and is packed full of artifacts. We really enjoyed chatting with the park ranger on duty who was full of knowledge on the area and that we sat and talked about the park and town with for over 20 minutes. A must visit in Point Pleasant that offers a refreshing break from all the Mothman and spooky lore of the area.

This beautiful red bridge was completed in 1887 and it originally spanned the Tug Fork of Big Mill…read moreCreek. It was named after Enoch Staats, whose water-powered mill and store anchored the surrounding community. The Staats family were early settlers, arriving around 1780. Enoch's father, Isaac Staats, built the first mill on the site. H.T. Hartley built it using the Long Truss system, patented by Stephen Long in 1830, featuring distinctive "X"-braced diagonals across 11 panels. In 1971, the bridge was modified with steel girders inside the original trusses to support modern loads and in 1983, it was relocated about three miles to here and converted to pedestrian only use. The park can get quite busy on beautiful summer days so be prepared to be challenged finding a parking space. [Review 571 of 2025 - 156 in West Virginia - 24132 overall]

This lovely piece of history has been a constant in my life growing up. We have many outings at…read moreCedar Lakes Park in Ripley, and this lovely red wooden historical covered bridge has been in the scenery backdrop all those many years. The bridge is well built since 1887. Built in 1887, the Staats Mill Covered Bridge originally crossed the Tug Fork of Big Mill Creek and was named for Enoch Staats' water-powered mill.. The Staats family were early settlers to the area, arriving around 1780. The bridge is a 97-foot-long "long truss" built by Henry Hartley This location is not the original location it was moved here for safe keeping and easy public access. My people use this lovely old bridge as a back drop in photo ops for weddings, prom, graduation, birthday pics, various different ideas. This is a lovely bridge and FREE to enjoy