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Marion County, located in north-central West Virginia, is rich in history and boasts many interesting facts. Here are seven fascinating facts that you may not know about this county:
1. Birthplace of the West Virginia state flag
Marion County is the birthplace of the West Virginia state flag. Designed by artist Charles H. Wesco in 1905, the flag features a white field with a blue disk in the center. Inside the disk is the coat of arms of West Virginia, surrounded by the state flower (the Rhododendron) and two sprigs of the state tree (the Sugar Maple).
2. Birthplace of famous author John Corbett
Marion County is also the birthplace of John Corbett, a famous author known for his books on West Virginia folk tales and legends. His most popular book, "Mountain Memories," is a collection of stories passed down from generation to generation in the Mountain State.
3. Home of the world's largest teapot
Marion County is home to the world's largest teapot, located in Chester. The teapot is 14 feet tall and can hold up to 18,000 gallons of water. It was originally built in 1938 as a tribute to Chester's thriving pottery industry.
4. The site of a famous labor strike
In 1890, Marion County was the site of a major labor strike by coal miners. Known as the Battle of Barrackville, the strike resulted in a violent confrontation between striking miners and company-hired Pinkerton agents. The incident lasted for several days, and several people were killed or injured.
5. Home to innovative education programs
Marion County is home to several innovative education programs, including the Marion County Schools' Virtual Learning Academy and the Marion County Health Department's "Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures" program. These programs are designed to improve the health and education outcomes of children in the county.
6. The site of a famous outlaw's capture
In 1900, legendary outlaw Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum was captured in Marion County after a botched train robbery. Ketchum was eventually tried and sentenced to death, becoming the only person in New Mexico history to be executed by hanging for a non-homicide crime.
7. Home to a nationally recognized historic landmark
Marion County is home to the Monongahela National Forest, a nationally recognized historic landmark and one of the largest national forests in the eastern United States. The forest covers over 919,000 acres and includes a diverse range of ecosystems, from high-elevation spruce forests to lowland hardwoods.
In conclusion, Marion County is a county rich in history and culture. From its role in the Labor movement to its famous author and the world's largest teapot, there is no shortage of interesting facts and stories to be explored in this West Virginia County.
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