West Virginia Explorer

Mullens National Historic District

Mullens National Historic District: Building on Howard Street on the Mullens Commercial Historic District.

Buildings on Howard Street in the Mullens Commercial Historic District. (WVExplorer photo by David Sibray)

The Mullens National Historic District is a federally designated historic district in Mullens, West Virginia, in eastern Wyoming County. It is also known as the Mullens Commercial Historic District.

Largely an economic development program, through the district, the owners of properties in the downtown may be eligible for grants and tax credits to repair, maintain, and otherwise develop their properties.

History of Mullens

The district expanded, as many small towns in the region grew to meet the needs of residents of nearby coal camps and small communities. Unlike many other communities in the coal-mining region, which were established by mining interests, Mullens was developed by independent entrepreneurs.

A faded sign graces the Tomchin Furniture and Coca-Cola Bottling Works building.

A faded sign graces the Tomchin Furniture and Coca-Cola Bottling Works building.

The site of the city was settled in 1894 by Andrew Mullins, who purchased 69 acres around the junction of the upper Guyandotte River and its Slab Fork. Lumber and coal resources in the area were reported by Jed Hotchkiss in 1872. By 1903, logging operations had attracted more than 250 residents to the vicinity. The first coal mine in the county followed in 1908. Mullens began to grow in 1912 as the Virginian Railroad extended its main line into town.

By 1915, Mullens resembled a Western frontier settlement, according to most historical accounts, which featured numerous wooden buildings. However, two fires and a flood in 1917 prompted the city to require that buildings be constructed of stone and brick. Many of these buildings were raised by the Early Brothers Construction Co., the owners of which were the descendants of Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early. The 38-acre district comprises 95 contributing buildings, all of which were built between 1918 and 1929.

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Notable buildings in the district include the Highlawn Baptist Church, the Old Presbyterian Church, the Wyoming Hotel, the Bank of Mullens Building, the Masonic Hall Building, the Welch Apartment Building, the Old Hospital-Webster Apartments, the Smiley Department Store Building, the Piggly Wiggly Building, and the Wyoming Theatre. The Norfolk Southern Locomotive Repair Shop Building was recently demolished.

The Art Moderne Union Power Co. Building stands at Third and Howard streets.

The Art Moderne Union Power Co. Building stands at Third and Howard streets.

Grants and Tax Credits

Historic buildings in the district are eligible for grants of up to 50 percent and tax credits of up to 44 percent for rehabilitation and repair. Funding can be used for wiring, plumbing, HVAC, new roofing, elevators, water intrusion—any costs deemed useful to keep buildings functional. For more information, contact the state historic preservation office at 304-575-7390.

Mullens Landmark Commission

A landmark commission was established by the city as a branch of its government to oversee the development of the downtown, though it has been determined to be non-feasant. By law, the commission:

  • Enforces preservation laws to protect historic properties.
  • Maintains a qualified preservation review commission.
  • Keeps an up-to-date inventory of historic properties.
  • Provides opportunities for public participation in preservation efforts.
  • Fulfills responsibilities under federal and state law.

No records of the body’s commission of its duties can be found.

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