Legendary Figures from West Virginia Who Changed the World
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the town of Fayetteville is a fitting gateway to discovering the legacy of Jerry West, one of basketball’s most iconic figures. About an hour southeast of Charleston, the Fayetteville area offers visitors a chance to explore the New River Gorge National Park, where adventure and history blend seamlessly. After taking in the panoramic views from the Long Point Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile loop famous for its sweeping overlook of the New River and its steel arch bridge, visitors can reflect on West’s influence that transcended sports. The nearby Jerry West Statue in Charleston, just a 45-minute drive from Fayetteville, stands as a tribute to his extraordinary career. Visiting in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and the gorge’s foliage bursts with color, adds a vivid backdrop to understanding how West’s determination mirrored the rugged spirit of West Virginia’s landscape.
In the northern town of Wheeling, roughly 30 minutes west of Morgantown, the Oglebay Resort and its surrounding parklands celebrate the life of Hazel-Atlas Glass Company founder Earl W. Oglebay. Though not a household name nationwide, Oglebay’s impact on industrial design and philanthropy is tangible here. The estate includes the Wilson Lodge and the Good Zoo, but the real draw is the Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits about the region’s industrial past and Oglebay’s role in shaping modern West Virginia. Visiting in late summer allows guests to enjoy the festival of lights and the lush gardens in full bloom, offering a unique connection to the man who helped create economic opportunities and cultural enrichment in the state.
Charleston’s Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences holds an immersive exhibit that honors Homer Hickam, the former NASA engineer and author of “Rocket Boys,” whose memoir inspired the film “October Sky.” Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, this center invites visitors to explore the interactive Science Museum and the Juliet Art Museum, where Hickam’s story is intertwined with exhibits about coal mining and rocket science. The Clay Center’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Kanawha River, serving as a metaphor for Hickam’s journey from a small coal town to the stars. Visiting during the fall, when the downtown area hosts cultural festivals, brings this story to life amid the vibrant pulse of West Virginia’s capital city.
In the eastern panhandle near Harpers Ferry, the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers a direct link to John Brown, the abolitionist whose raid on the federal armory in 1859 became a pivotal moment in American history. Situated about 90 minutes northeast of Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry is a living museum of Civil War history and abolitionist fervor. Walking the historic Lower Town, visitors can tour the John Brown Wax Museum and the arsenal, where Brown’s raid unfolded. Autumn is the perfect season to visit, when the crisp air and fiery foliage frame the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, amplifying the drama of this small town that changed the course of the nation.
The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, approximately an hour east of Lewisburg, offers a window into the life of Sam Huff, a pro football legend and West Virginia native. The resort itself is a storied destination with its grand limestone architecture, luxurious spa, and the historic Casino Club. Though the resort is more about leisure today, its on-site Greenbrier Sporting Club and the nearby Sam Huff Trail reflect the rugged outdoor upbringing that shaped Huff’s defensive prowess in the NFL. Visiting in spring or early summer, when the resort’s gardens are in full bloom and the surrounding Allegheny Mountains are vibrant, allows travelers to connect the region’s natural beauty with the grit and determination embodied by Huff.
In the small town of Ripley, about 40 miles north of Charleston, visitors can engage with the legacy of Mother Jones, the fierce labor organizer and activist. The Mother Jones Festival is held here annually, but even outside of that event, the town is home to the Mother Jones Museum and Interpretive Center, located in the historic Jackson County Courthouse. The exhibits dive into her role in advocating for coal miners’ rights and her impact on labor movements nationwide. Spring or fall visits provide mild weather for exploring Ripley’s quaint downtown and the nearby Ohio River, grounding Mother Jones’s fiery activism in the everyday places she fought to protect.
Finally, Morgantown, a lively university town about 75 miles north of Charleston, pays tribute to Pearl S. Buck at the Morgantown History Museum. Buck, the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author, spent a significant part of her childhood in the town. The museum’s literary exhibits highlight her work addressing cultural bridging and social justice. After exploring the museum, visitors can stroll along the Monongahela Riverwalk, which offers beautiful views and a sense of the community that shaped Buck’s worldview. Early summer is ideal for this visit, when the riverfront hosts outdoor concerts and farmers markets, enriching the experience with local flavors and music.
Each of these places invites travelers to walk in the footsteps of remarkable West Virginians whose talents and tenacity echoed far beyond state lines. From the rugged trails of the New River Gorge to the historic streets of Harpers Ferry, the state’s geography and culture provide a rich tapestry for celebrating lives that helped shape America and the world.