This marvelous structure first known as Andrew's Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in 1873.  After a Grafton woman, Anna Jarvis requested a day honoring all mothers, the first official Mother's Day celebration was held here on May 10th, 1908. 

On May 15th, 1962, the site was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine and stands as a  tribute to mothers across the globe.

For more information, visit them at www.mothersdayshrine.com . 

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, whose name derived from the objective to provide a rail route over the Allegheny Mountains to the banks of the Ohio River, was established in 1827, and was the first railway in the United States chartered for both freight and passenger service.

The construction of the nation's first trans-Appalachian railroad brought Grafton to life and established this small town as a central hub.  The B&O railroad played an important strategic role in the Civil War, and was used to carry troops and supplies.  Following the Civil War, Grafton continued its growth.  From a railroad town, it expanded to become a small retail and industrial center.  The coal industry began a boom that would last until the late-1920's, and made up 90 percent of the B&O's freight, but the railroad also hauled glass, pottery, and brick from Grafton's emerging industrial plants.

    The B & O Station was erected in 1911 along the mainline of tracks that cut a path west through the Appalachian Mountains.  Carrying hundreds of passengers and freightcars in and out of the Grafton yards, the B & O Railroad expanded the town into a small retail and industrial center. 

    The adjacent six-and-one-half story Willard Hotel was then built in 1912, and was named for the B & O President of the time, Daniel Willard.

    An interesting feature of both buildings was that the facades faced both the railroad tracks and the Main Street.

    In 1998, the Vandalia Heritage Foundation secured funding for the restoration of these icons of our railroad heritage.

    For further information on this project, please visit the Vandalia Heritage Foundation or Virtual Grafton.

    Currently owned and  under renovation by the Taylor County  Historical & Geneological Society.

Over 2000 veterans graves document the sacrifice of West Virginia men and women, at the Grafton National Cemetery, located at 431 Walnut Street, Grafton.  Established in 1867, this 3.21 acre site is the resting place of veterans of the Spanish- American War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 

The West Virginia National Cemetery was established in 1987 and renewed burial services to veterans and their dependents previously offered at the Grafton National Cemetery.  The entry to the cemetery becomes an "Avenue of Flags" on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other designated holidays when over 150 flags line the road.

    The Tygart River runs through the Grafton City limits dividing the downtown, west side, and south side at the point shown above.  Known for some of the best trout fishing in West Virginia, many visitors come to Grafton to enjoy one of greatest natural treasures.