West Virginia military history is rich and varied, and the World War Memorial in Kimball is a prime example of this. Of all the war memorials in West Virginia, it is the only of its kind specifically designated to honor the African-American soldiers from America in World War I. This is a small museum, but it has a significant story to share and it is well worth your time to visit!

Our story about the Kimball war memorial in West Virginia starts in McDowell County.
jpmueller99/flickr
At the beginning of World War I, McDowell County was booming with thriving small town communities centered around coal and the railroad.
Many of the workers in these industries were African-American.
Library of Congress
When the United States entered World War I, a platoon of 1,500 black soldiers from McDowell County signed up for the fight. They served our country with distinction, and many were recognized with special honors for their service.
A memorial dedicated specifically to the African-American soldiers of the First World War (the first memorial of its kind) was designed and built by architect and West Virginia native Hassell Hicks.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia
Opening in 1928 in Kimball, McDowell County, the Kimball War Memorial building became a hub for community life for many years. Concerts, events, and community celebrations were all hosted within its walls.

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But as industry in the area declined, so did the building.
New York Public Library/Ben Shahn
And by 1991, it stood as an abandoned structure that had been partially burned.
Locals rallied to restore the memorial...
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
...and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
The World War Memorial in Kimball, West Virginia, is open, welcoming visitors from across the country.
Natalie carlin/Google Maps
Tours take about one hour and are filled with information, photographs, and tributes to these African American heroes from McDowell County, as well as those from around the United States, who served in World War I.

To learn more about this memorial and honor those who served, visit the Forgotten Legacy website.

If you’re continuing north and want to stay or night or two in Charleston, be sure to consider the Charleston Marriott Town Center.

Have you ever been to the Kimball War Memorial or any other war memorials in West Virginia? If so, what stood out to you the most? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If the memorial has caught your interest and you’d like to learn more about little-known West Virginia military history, you may be interested in the Civil War battle that took place in this West Virginia town. And if you’re a World War history buff, do you know that you can take a ride in a WWII-era biplane right here in West Virginia?

If you’re still in the mood for more West Virginia adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Thurmond:

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More to Explore

More West Virginia Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 28, 2023

Where can we go fishing in West Virginia?

  • Summit Lake in Greenbrier County is a popular spot for Panfish and Bass.
  • The Greenbrier River is brimming with Trout and Smallmouth Bass.
  • Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County is known for its Walleye, Trout, and Largemouth and Spotted Bass.

Read on to learn more about the many places to go fishing in West Virginia.

Where can we find small towns in West Virginia?

  • Harpers Ferry is one of the most popular tourist towns in West Virginia, as well as in the country, and is also designated as a National Historical Park.
  • Point Pleasant is known for its beautiful river walk, historic sites, state park, museums and dozens of shops and restaurants.
  • Lewisburg at one time was named one of the coolest small towns in America for its historic downtown, old cemeteries, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many charming small towns in West Virginia.

Where can we find places to see the sunrise in West Virginia?

  • Stonewall Jackson Lake in Roanoke is a popular spot to watch the sun rise.
  • Blackwater Falls in Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County provides the perfect sunrise backdrop.
  • The Williamstown Bridge which connects Williamstown, West Virginia to Marietta, Ohio over the Ohio River spans 2,615 feet and is a spectacular spot for a sunrise view.

Read on to learn more about some of the best places to see the sunrise in West Virginia.

 

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Featured Addresses
Kimball War Memorial, 178 One Way St, Kimball, WV 24853, USA