West Virginia Explorer

Cain House

The Cain House at Saint Marys, West Virginia, stands along the Ohio River.

David Sibray visits the historic Cain House at Saint Marys, West Virginia, which stands along the Ohio River.

The Cain House at Saint Marys, West Virginia, was a waterfront inn built by Alexander Creel in 1850, when the town of Saint Marys was established. Creel was the founder of Saint Marys and a proponent of the formation of Pleasants County.


The hotel is located where George Washington landed on his journey down the Ohio River in 1770. The landmark is named for Zachariah Cain, who operated a hotel and tavern in the building from 1875 well into the early 20th century. In 1957, the Masons acquired the Cain House for use as a lodge.

George Washington landed at Saint Marys during his exploration of the Ohio River in 1770.

George Washington landed at Saint Marys while exploring the Ohio River in 1770.

The property as of 2015 was owned by the Saint Marys Refining Company of Gassaway, West Virginia.

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