CHARLESTON, WV – Today, Gov. Jim Justice joined West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History Curator Randall Reid-Smith to unveil a new book for West Virginia travelers – “Signs of the Times: West Virginia’s Highway Historical Marker Program.”
The book features descriptions of each of the state’s historical markers located along highways and byways. A historical marker book for West Virginia was first published in 2002, but hasn’t been updated in almost 20 years.
It can be purchased for $12.95 at the Culture Center in Charleston, at Tamarack in Beckley, The Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville, and at Independence Hall in Wheeling. You can also call 304-558-0230.
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“This book absolutely provides all kinds of wonderful information, all through the book, about all the historical markers all across our highway system,” said Gov. Justice. “It is an absolute jewel and I congratulate Randall in every way.”
The historical marker program was started in 1934, with the first marker displayed in 1937 marking the location of the old Capitol Building in Charleston.
This new book makes all the state’s prehistoric, historic, scenic, and geological highway marker inscriptions and locations available in a readily accessible format. The 334-page publication is the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume with the complete inscriptions of each marker arranged alphabetically by county, with nearly 200 historical photographs and a full index.
Gov. Justice signed a copy of the newly published book to be added to the West Virginia Archives.
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West Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary Byrd White and Deputy Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E., joined Gov. Justice and Curator Reid-Smith at the announcement to present the Governor with a marker inscribed with information on his Roads To Prosperity program that was passed in October 2017.
“I think one of the greatest projects that we have going on right now in the state are the Roads To Prosperity,” said Curator Reid-Smith. “We wanted to do something for the Governor. So Governor, this is your own highway marker. On October 7, 2022, we’re going to do a five-year exhibit of what is a great legacy project and that’s the Roads To Prosperity.”
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“I am so proud, and so proud of the great West Virginians across this state that voted by 73 percent of the vote,” Gov. Justice said. “You made the right decision, West Virginia, and thanks to all these great people and you, it’s going on. And it really, really was the absolute cornerstone that turned this state in the right direction.”
“Signs of the Times: West Virginia’s Highway Historical Marker Program” was published by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
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