Few People Know That The Only Memorial To African-American Veterans Of World War I Is Here In West Virginia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
