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About Grafton, WV

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Grafton is known for its rich history, particularly its role in the Civil War and its association with Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day. It has a population of around 5,000 people.

During the Civil War, Grafton was a strategic location for the Union Army due to its location on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, also known as the B&O Railroad. The town was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War in 1861, and a historic marker at the site commemorates the event.

Anna Jarvis, who is credited with founding Mother's Day, was born in Grafton in 1864. The city is home to the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, which is dedicated to preserving her legacy and the history of Mother's Day.

Grafton is also home to several other historic sites, including the B&O Railroad Depot and the West Virginia National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for many veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

More Facts About Grafton 

  • Grafton is home to several parks and recreational areas, including Tygart Lake State Park, which features a 10-mile lake and offers boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The city also has several community parks, such as the West Taylor Community Park, which has playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas.

  • The Grafton Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features many well-preserved historic buildings, including Victorian homes, commercial buildings, and churches.

  • Every year, the city holds the International Mother's Day Shrine Festival, which celebrates the history and legacy of Mother's Day and includes events such as a parade, a flower show, and a craft fair.

  • Grafton is located near several other popular attractions in West Virginia, such as Blackwater Falls State Park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and the Appalachian Mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure.

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