The mysterious Ferguson Rock of Beckley will now be getting two historic markers commemorating its historic significance.
Tom Sopher, president of the Raleigh County Historic Society, stated through the current Beckley Frequent Council assembly that the historic marker dedication ceremony will happen on the Wildwood Home Museum on Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m.
The precise origins of the Ferguson Rock are unknown, however native legend has it that the rock was carved in 1814 by a fur-trapper named S. Ferguson.
An article written by Sopher and Merle T. Cole within the Winter 2020 version of Goldenseal states that Ferguson had “rode all day on the long-disappeared Outdated Bluestone Highway.” He had stopped at Piney Creek close to the present sewage remedy plant when he was attacked by a bear or panther. Earlier than his dying, he was capable of carve his epitaph into the rock.
One other story states that the rock was carved to mark Ferguson’s campsite alongside Piney Creek.
Though the precise origin of the Ferguson Rock is unknown, it’s heralded as one in every of Beckley’s oldest relics. The rock was relocated to the Wildwood Home Museum in 2017.
Along with the marker dedication, a Historical past Alive! program that includes Travis Henline of Wheeling as Francis Pierpont the “Father of West Virginia” will happen.
This occasion is free to the general public. In case of inclement climate, the ceremony will happen on the Pemberton Coal City Church positioned on the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
Wildwood Home Museum is positioned alongside South Kanawha Road in Beckley.