Col. James Graham House

The Col. James Graham House is a two-story log structure built from poplar, walnut, and oak timbers, standing on stone foundations with two substantial chimneys. Its ceilings reach about 12 feet high, giving the interior rooms generous proportions.

The house was built in 1770 as the residence of the area's first settler and survived an attack in 1777 during frontier conflicts. This event marked a turning point in the region's early settlement history.

The house demonstrates how early settlers lived and what building materials were available in the region. Its construction style using local wood reflects the craftwork traditions of that era and continues to shape our understanding of rural settlement patterns.

The building operates today as a museum open to visitors on weekends during summer months. Check ahead about current visiting times and special events that take place throughout the year.

The house stands out as the oldest multistory log structure in the state, with original dimensions of about 25 feet by 28 feet. A notable feature is its complete use of original wood species, reflecting regional resources available at that time.

Location: West Virginia

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.65190,-80.73110

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41