Registered Historic Landmarks in Gilmer County, West Virginia
The Arbuckle House
Now known as the GSC Alumni Center, this modified Queen Anne style house was built for John E. Arbuckle, circa 1908. It is located at 213 High Street, Glenville, West Virginia. The two-and-a-half story house’s most outstanding characteristics are its octagonal tower, classical porches, and extraordinary interior detail.
Job’s Temple
Begun in 1860 and completed after the Civil War, this hand-hewn log church building is the oldest in the county. Built with local poplar trees and clay chinking, the church is 9.5 miles from Glenville on West Virginia Route 5 West. A paved driveway, parking lot and picnic shelter are available for easy access and recreation.
Cedarville School
Constructed in 1923 by Albert N. West to meet the needs of a growing population, this historic school sits on a three-acre site that overlooks the village of Cedarville. The stucco covered school retains many of its original features, including rolled-steel window assemblies, wooden gym floor and state, and school bell in the yard. It is located off of Gilmer County’s Route 17, six miles past Cedar Creek State Park.
Duck Run Cable Suspension Bridge
Constructed in 1922 by local residents, this bridge is approximately 350 feet long with a deck ten feet wide. The wooden structure and abutments and piers were made from materials obtained locally, however, steel cables, hangers and anchors were brought down river by boat. The bridge spans the Little Kanawha River at WV 5/CR 30 three miles east of Glenville.
Little Kanawha Valley Bank
Constructed circa 1900, this registered historic building served as the Little Kanawha Valley Bank from 1901-1906 and as the Kanawha Union Bank until 1916. Moved from its original location on Main Street to 5 Howard Street, the rectangular shaped building has a well-preserved, classically detailed, pressed-metal facade, and is still only one block from the original location.
The Poor Farm Infirmary
In service from 1909 to 1941, the Infirmary was closed after the Social Security Act in 1935 eliminated the “poor farm” concept which was well-used in Appalachia. Built around 1845 by the county, the building was designed and constructed at a cost of $6,000. Simple in design, it included sleeping quarters, a clinic and a kitchen. It is located off Sycamore Road on Recreation Center Road, 2.3 miles N-E of the Gilmer County Courthouse.
Stouts Mills Bridge
A rare example of “camel back, Baltimore truss design,” this historic bridge spans the Little Kanawha River at WV State Route 5 and Gilmer County Route 40, Dusk Camp Road. Owned by the WV Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, the bridge is now closed to all traffic.
Ruddell General Store
The interior of this store stands as a timepiece of late 19th commercial design with the decorative tin ceiling still in place. Now owned by the WV State Folk Festival, the store sits on a 40 x 66 foot lot at 6 Court Street, Glenville. It now serves as the County Store Museum, a location to learn about the commercial history of the region.
The Whiting House
Located at 301 E. Main Street, Glenville, the Whiting House has remained in the Whiting family since 1897. An outstanding example of the Queen Anne style, the house was built from brick made and kilned on the site. The most distinctive feature is the interior oak detailing, made from lumber free of know or wide grain striations.
The Glenville Truss Bridge
An early example of wrought iron, fabricated constructed bridges in the region, for the period from 1885-1948, the bridge is 240 feet, six inches long, with a the main span of 147 feet and a deck of 15 feet, seven inches. The superstructure is a steel-pinned Pratt Through Truss designed, which had a height restriction on the supports, and is pinned, not welded, together. Open to pedestrian traffic, the bridge is two blocks from Main Street, Glenville.
