Railroad History #25

History

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Highlawn was at one time the most privileged residential area in Huntington.  Many of the city’s early business, civic and social leaders chose the 550-acres of high ground, now known as Highlawn, for their home sites.   Located east of Marshall University, it’s said that the area’s name came from the expansive lawns which once stretched from the Avenues to the water’s edge. It is from the steps of one of those original estates, Pleasant View, that development for the Jewel City began.

In 1870, Delos Emmons purchased the 434-acre Thomas Buffington Plantation and divided the land. Porches and porticos gave birth to a grand Colonial Revival mansion and it was renamed Pleasant View. The estate included nearly twenty acres of farmland where tobacco, vegetable and flower gardens flourished. West of the manor house stood an orchard, a cemetery and stone barns for the horses and cattle. Delos and his wife Mary frequently entertained guests including her brother, railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington. For more than thirty years, Delos worked from his riverfront home, overseeing the planning of Collis’ new city. This history is reflected in the names of two of the neighborhood’s brick thoroughfares:Emmons and Collis Avenues.

One year after the City was incorporated development of the acreage commenced. Collis P. Huntington and other backers organized the Ensign Wheel and Car Works. Now recognized as the ACF Industries, the busy plant turned out as many as 4,000 cars a year for the Chesapeake & Ohio and other railroad companies. Lumber mills and rail yards followed and affordable housing was constructed nearby to attract a workforce to meet the demands of growing industry. In the fall of 1911, the Highlawn extension was put on the market.

Today, Highlawn reflects this diverse socio-economic background. The neighborhood’s brick streets and tree lined sidewalks are fronted with anarray of architectural styles including Four Square, Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial, Federal, Tudor, Victorian and even a unique home which boasts a Moroccan influence.

Recognized for it’s friendly people, strong neighborhood leadership and convenient location to educational resources, major employers and entertainment, it’s easy to see why so many call historic Highlawn home.

http://www.highlawnneighbors.org/a/?page_id=476