Founded in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington, the rail tycoon's namesake city thrived as a gateway to the coalfields of southern West Virginia. The city's earliest leaders included Mayor Rufus Switzer, who created one of the community's true jewels, Ritter Park, and John Hooe Russel, who opened the city's first bank and, when it was robbed, jumped on his horse and gave chase to the bandits. Over the years, Huntington has been home to such varied individuals as Carter Woodson, the father of Black History Month; Dr. Henry D. Hatfield, who was West Virginia governor but said he would rather be known as a "country doctor;" Dagmar, the blonde bombshell of 1950s television; basketball star Hal Greer; golfing great Bill Campbell; Stella Fuller, who spent her life ministering to Huntington's poor; and the spectacularly generous Joan Edwards, who gave away $65 million. Legendary Locals of Huntington captures their stories and many others in a striking panorama of a remarkable community.

Evade the Tourist Herds and Enter Into An Insider’s Charleston and Huntington. Renowned and unknown history, hidden delights and fascinating stories pervade the history of southern West Virginia and the current capital city of Charleston. This kaleidoscope of discovery, architecture, personalities, egos, scandals, conflict, are surrounded by sheer natural beauty creating a vivid tapestry defining over nearly two centuries. This guide transports you geographically and photographically to the precise famous and infamous locations where history occurred. The scenes may sometimes appear ordinary, weird, but often illuminate the physical background and descriptions behind events. Many of the narratives defy believability, yet they are true. This Twisted Tour Guide is your alternative to conventional travel. It accommodates the restless visitor, tourist and resident seeking a unique and different perspective to traditional tourism. Charleston and Huntington remain two of the most beguiling, historic and underexposed cities within the United States. Welcome to one on the most useful, eclectic and enlightening introductions. CHARLESTON REGION: Cedar Grove Mansion, Cynthia Miller, Tammy Jean Daniel, Jay Farley, Mazie Mae Palmer, Juliet Staunton Clark, Lynn Priestley, Bob Snow, James Means, Murders, Fort Lee, Shawn Lester’s Killing Spree, Battle of Charleston, Capitol Theatre, Craik-Patton House, Holly Grove Mansion, Littlepage Stone Mansion, MacFarland-Hubbard House, Ruffner/Riflemen’s Memorial Park, J. Q. Dickinson Salt Works, Diamond Department Store, Ferguson Hotel Block, Gordon-Van Tine Assembled Home, Greenbrier Resort, George S. Patton Sr., Battle of White Sulphur Springs, State Capitol Building Complex, Staunton-Zimmerman House, Triangle District, Woodrums-Stevens House, Police Forensic Director Abuser Fred Zain, General Lewis Inn, Governor Arch Moore, Jr., Hatfield-McCoy Family Feud, Katherine Johnson, Kent Carper’s Fall From Esteem, State Police Academy Camera Scandal, Supreme Court of Appeals Impeachment, Logan County Voter Abuse, Lewisburg Confederate Graveyard, Singer Hank Williams’ Death, John Stuart, New River Gorge Bridge, Battle of Lewisburg, Fort Savannah, Greenbrier Ghost, Sodder Family Fire Mystery, Zero Mile Stone, Booker T. Washington, Lewisburg Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier College For Women, Kanawha County Public Library and Abraham Lincoln Memorial. HUNTINGTON REGION: Ensign-Seelinger House, Samantha Burns Abduction Death, Leah Hickman, and Murder, Keith-Albee Performing Art Center, Campbell-Hicks House, Enslow Mansion Site, 2005 Prom Night Murders, Kerr Glass Company Closing, Ohio River Flood Wall Barriers, Owens-Illinois Closure, Ritter Park Hanging, Woodmere Cemetery, Mother Blood, Patterson Murder-Suicide, Battle of Matewan, Hotel Frederick, DAR Buford Chapter Log Cabin House, Diamond Teeth Mary McClain, Coin Harvey House, Frostop Root Beer, Hotel Prichard, Memorial Arch, Old Main Marshall University, Tipton Theatre, Alex Cox Mansion Ruin, B’Nai Sholom Congregation, Buffington-McGinnis Home, Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House, Titanic Survivor Eloise Hughes Smith, Billy Crystal’s Marshall University Year, East Drive-In Theatre, Basketball Legend Hal Greer, Joshua Martin Death, Madie Carroll House, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Barboursville’s Pink Elephant, White Pantry restaurant, Cabell County Jail Break, Carnegie Public Library, Fifth Baptist Church, Huntington Railroad Museum, Second Presbyterian Church fire, Trinity Episcopal Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and Charles Manson hometown.

The Mountain State's irregular borders and rugged geography are home to a fascinating mix of cultures, landscapes and foods. West Virginia's culinary history is rooted among the native fauna and flora that early residents hunted and foraged, and the taste of pawpaws and ramps is familiar across the state. Immigrants brought international flavors to Appalachian cuisine, resulting in local traditions like moonshine and the iconic pepperoni roll. Historian, author and West Virginia native Shannon Colaianni Tinnell explores a history that is still being written by a new generation hungry for tradition and authenticity.

Do not mistake this book as just another rehash of old news. What is presented within these pages is much shocking new information in the form of court records and many 1875 period photographs. It is the first fact-based, carefully researched account of how the James-Younger Gang actually operated and escaped capture by “looking for themselves” in a bona fide posse composed of KGC lawmen. This book was written by a descendant of the participants.

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Thrilling stories of supernatural occurences in West Virginia, including the restless spirits of Harpers Ferry, the legendary Mothman of Point Pleasant, the ghosts of Twistabout Ridge, the phantom hitchhikers on the West Virginia Turnpike, and many more.