Chilson Legacy Signage Dedication Ceremony

The Raleigh County Historical Society, City of Beckley Parks and Recreation, and National Coal Heritage Area Authority (NCHAA) held a ceremony at Historic Black Knight Municipal Park to dedicate commemorative signage honoring Ernest Earl Chilson’s contributions.

The Chilson Legacy signage is easily accessible along side Beckley’s Historic Black Knight Municipal Park property near 2400 South Kanawha Street in Beckley WV

Watch the Signage Dedication Ribbon Cutting Ceremony video here https://fb.watch/ncjR4N8Rli/

Ernest Earl Chilson (1869-1931) was a visionary leader of growth and success for southern West Virginia coal resources. As president of Raleigh Coal and Coke Company, he grew employment from 150 to 900 men, and boosted annual production from 150,000 tons to 1 million tons. Chilson was also a noted community leader, whose major achievements included creating the posh Black Knight Country Club, and the Raleigh Mining Institute. His stately home, Casa Loma, was a high society hub for decades.

Funding for the signage was provided by NCHAA and the City of Beckley.

Thank you to all involved for inviting BRCCC to be part of the dedication ceremony and Thank you to @Academy of Careers of Technology for being our Official BRCCC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony sponsor.