Born in 1823 in Woodstock, MD, Henry grew up quickly after his family lost their father. Quitting school at an early age he worked hard to support his family. At the age of 19 he became a brakeman for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Henry rose quickly through the railroad ranks due to his hard work and reasoning. Quitting the railroad in 1858 he turned his energy towards his own investments which he had made in timberland and coal in what we now know as West Virginia. In 1865 politics found their way into his life and by 1869 he became a U.S. Senator for the new State of West Virginia. In 1881 Davis started the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh railroad. By 1884 he established a line to Davis, West Virginia and his fortunes skyrocketed as his timberland and coal found a quick and easy way to the market. In 1888 the line ran to Parsons, then in 1889 to the Highland Park area. It was then that the town of Leadsville became known as Elkins. 1n 1890 the first Elkins railroad depot was built and the newly formed town grew rapidly and prosperously. Henry's overall plan included the development of major railroad shops in Elkins. With preventive maintenance in this central location his railway could continue to wind its way through the our region and move the timber and coal to market. In 1892 he connected Charleston and Elkins with his Coal & Coke railroad. Senator Davis amassed an estate estimated to be worth thirty million dollars. In 1904 Davis ran for vice-president of the United States under Judge
Alton B. Parker. The election was lost, but it shows his power and influence and the
respect he commanded. |
Graceland As Henry's businesses grew he found it comfortable and advantageous to make Elkins into his summer home. Davis and his business partner, Stephen B. Elkins, who married his daughter Hallie, built their summer homes in the early 1890's on a hill overlooking the new town, named after Elkins. Both summer homes were extravagant for the time. Although Stephen built his magnificent summer home first, Henry soon followed with a stunning Queen Ann style mansion. It took two years to complete the home which was molded out of pink limestone from his son's nearby town of Harding. The stone was quarried, then shipped by train to Elkins and turned by master craftsmen into the a wonderful mansion. Originally known as Mingo Hall the fine home soon became "Graceland" in honor of Davis' daughter, Grace. |
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| The 360 acre estate shared the land with a gatehouse, a caretaker's home, bowling alley, tennis court, employee homes, greenhouse, ice house and barns. The structure was positioned to overlook the town of Elkins, the Tygart Valley, the Cheat Mountain Range and the Rich Mountain Range. Today the views from Graceland are inspiring as they were then. Looking out across the valley one can only imagine the breathtaking views Henry had as his luxurious private railroad car took him through the virgin forests that awaited modern technology. |
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| As you walk around Graceland you marvel at the workmanship of the craftsmen and the architect. Turning away from the building your senses are filled with the sight and smell of our beautifully rugged Randolph County terrain. But, as awe-inspiring as the outside treasures are, a simple step through the front door wraps you in the warm arms of the mansion's wonderfully crafted oak, cherry, and walnut hardwood interior. |
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