The Town of Cedar Grove is the oldest settlement in the Upper Kanawha Valley. The town's first settler, Walter Kelly, settled here in 1773 and built Fort Kelly. Sad to say he was killed by the native Indians during one of the fierce and persistent raids that occurred during that time. The town was a critical point along the trail to the west. Known as the "Boat Yards" because of the dug-out boats constructed here, which were used for the Lewis & Clark exploration, and flat bottom boats that were used to transport goods, salt, lumber, and bricks, down the Kanawha River to the Ohio River and then on to the Mississippi. Several people traveled this trail in early times. To name a few; "Mad" Ann Bailey, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Presidents George Washington & Rutherford B. Hayes, and Mary Ingles. In 1844 William Tompkins built a house, and a mansion, and made his fortune producing salt. That is when the name Cedar Grove was created, due to the abundance of cedar trees around the area. He later built a brick church for his daughter, Virginia's Chapel, which was utilized for medical assistance during the Civil War. Both structures are still available for visitors to see. Cedar Grove was incorporated in 1902.
Experience safety and swift response with the Volunteer Fire Department. Our dedicated team of skilled firefighters stands ready 24/7 to protect lives, property, and peace of mind. cedargrovevfd.com
Enriching lives and fostering connections, the Community Center is a vibrant hub where individuals of all ages gather to engage in diverse activities, from educational workshops to recreational events, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
The town police department is a dedicated law enforcement agency committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. With a team of skilled officers, modern investigative techniques, and community engagement initiatives, we strive to uphold justice for all residents.
