We’ve got some strange, strange roadside attractions in West Virginia, we’ll give you that much. And here’s yet another bizarre, quirky little roadside memento to add to the list – Mortar Man.

Welcome to Charleston, West Virginia, the capital city of the Mountain State. Regal. Stately. Small, as far as capital cities go. Close knit. And with plenty of oddities, quirks, and charms.
O Palsson / Wikipedia
One of those odd, quirky, charming Charleston features can be spotted along historic Capitol Street just a few blocks from the Kanawha River... but only if you know where to look.
Analog Kid / Wikipedia
This roadside oddity truly is a hidden gem, with the emphasis on "hidden." Even if you were to walk past 108 Capitol Street and, knowing that it's right there, look up to find it, it will still likely take you a few minutes to spot.
Trevor Whited / Google Maps

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Bed & Breakfast In West Virginia Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Bed & Breakfast In West Virginia Is Perfect For A Date Night

 One Of The Country's Most Impressive Rest Stops Is Hiding Right Here In West Virginia

One Of The Country's Most Impressive Rest Stops Is Hiding Right Here In West Virginia

 The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At Reed's In West Virginia

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At Reed's In West Virginia
What is this "it" we keep talking about? Why, our strange, odd, unusual, unique roadside attraction: Mortar Man. At least, that's what he's come to be affectionately called by passers-by who have spotted him in his little hide-out.
Trevor Whited / Google Maps
Mortar Man is the creation of Charleston sculptor P. Joseph Mullins, who also designed the Veterans Memorial at the West Virginia Capitol Complex. Mullins used left-over concrete mortar from his work on a nearby building to tuck Mortar Man into a little alcove between 108 and 110 Capitol Street and 112 Capitol Street, about 12 feet above the sidewalk.
Google Maps Street View
See him up there, perched at the top of the grey column?
ebreedon / Google Maps
Next time you are strolling the streets of Charleston, be sure to stop and say hello to this tiny guy who presides over the 100 block of Charleston's Capitol Street. And if you've ever walked Capitol Street and gotten the feeling that someone was watching you, now you know who it was!

Have you ever spotted Mortar Man? Did you even know he existed? What do you think the strangest attraction (roadside or otherwise) in West Virginia is? Nominate it here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Mortar Man, 108-112 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301, USA