The Campbell–Flannagan–Murrell House Museum is helping bring Hinton, West Virginia’s past to life. The oldest standing residence in the Historic District of Hinton, WV. Built in 1875 by Edgar Campbell, who came over the mountains from Virginia to establish a dry goods store, the home reflects how the arrival of the C&O Railroad changed the town. As railroad workers came to support the steam engines the workers also needed homes and the supplies to build them, shaping Hinton’s boom years from 1873 through the 1950s.
Visitors step inside the museum meeting the three families who lived in the house: the Campbells, Flannagans, and Murrells. Tours begin at street level in the dry goods store, where display cases highlight the items sold to railroaders building their homes. Upstairs, guests explore Victorian rooms filled with furniture, household items, and artifacts while hearing family stories, meeting Lula, and getting to know the family members.
Museum organizers say what sets the attraction apart is more than local railroad history. The museum also features a gallery currently showing the Black History of Summers County, and it often partners with Coal Country Paranormal (previously Appalachian Ghost Tours). The last special overnight paranormal investigation event was held on October 10th.
The museum is open on Saturdays from 1 to 4 PM, with appointments available at other times by calling Julia at 518-423-0725. Tours are free, though donations are appreciated. The City of Hinton owns the house, and the museum’s Board of Trustees rents it for $1.00 per year. A dedicated group of volunteers maintains the house, leads tours, and continues restoring rooms.
The museum welcomes visitors of all ages and hopes guests will get to know Hinton from its earliest years. The museum is located on 5th and Temple Street. Take a day trip to Hinton for a trip back in time
