Kimball African American WWI Memorial 

The McDowell County coal mines, known for high quality coal, employed a variety of nationalities. In the early 1900’s most of the black miners employed in the United States worked in southern West Virginia. Blacks held the same economic status as whites and made the same amount of money for the same work—something unique for the time.

1500 of these miners left McDowell County to serve in World War I. The first memorial to honor these and all black World War I solders was completed and dedicated in 1928 in Kimball. Besides being a memorial, the building also served as the cultural and social center for all races until the late 1970’s.

The once prosperous town abandoned the building because maintenance work became too expensive for the towns declining population. A 1991 fire left the memorial with the appearance of a bombed out ruin—only the exterior shell was left. But a group of residents, including Lorenzo Henderson, worked to rebuild the memorial. The Mountain RC&D provided funding, time, guidance, chaired meetings, and assisted in obtaining grants.

The restored memorial will provided the community with a gathering place and is expected to bring tourism to the now economically depressed area. It is part of the West Virginia Coal Heritage Trail in and will have displays and visitor services.

The building is in the classical style.	The restored building has an auditorium and conference rooms.
The windows are arched industrial style.	An elevator was added to make the building accessible.

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