West Virginia’s history is rich and varied, and the World War Memorial in Kimball, West Virginia is a prime example of this. This is a small museum, but it has a significant story to share and it is well worth your time to visit.
At the turn of the 20th century, McDowell County in West Virginia was booming with thriving coal and railroad communities.
jpmueller99/flickr
Many of the workers for these industries were African-American, and when the United States entered World War 1, a platoon of 1,500 black soldiers from McDowell County signed up for the fight.
Library of Congress 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, opening in 1928 in Kimball, McDowell County.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia 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.
But as industry in the area declined, so did the building, and by 1991, it stood abandoned and partially burned.
New York Public Library/Ben Shahn
Locals rallied to restore the memorial, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Also known as the World War Memorial, the Kimball War Memorial is now open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday (additional times available by appointment) and takes about one hour to tour.
Kimball War Memorial/Forgotten Legacy It is filled with information, photographs, and tributes to the African American veterans from McDowell County and 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.
jpmueller99/flickr
Library of Congress
They served our country with distinction, and many were recognized with special honors for their service.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia
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.
New York Public Library/Ben Shahn
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Kimball War Memorial/Forgotten Legacy
It is filled with information, photographs, and tributes to the African American veterans from McDowell County and from around the United States who served in World War I.
If the memorial has caught your interest and you’d like to learn more about West Virginia’s little-known history, check out this article: Few People Know That A Civil War Battle Took Place In This West Virginia Town. And if you’re a World War history buff, this is for you: Few People Know You Can Take A Ride In A WWII-Era Biplane Right Here In West Virginia.
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Address: Kimball War Memorial, 178 One Way St, Kimball, WV 24853, USA
