How Marlinton Got its Name

 

The town of Marlinton, West Virginia, was originally called Marlins Bottom.

 

A woman named Mrs. Skyles moved to the town from Baltimore and objected to the name. She did not like the word “bottom”. The town's residents agreed with her and changed the name to Marlinton in 1887 at Mrs. Skyles’ request.

About twenty years later, the town almost unanimously petitioned Washington to change the name to McGraw.

 

 This change was refused because there was a post office in West Virginia by the name of McGraws. The name continues to be Marlinton.

The sources don't mention why the residents wanted to change the town’s name to McGraw. They do, however, note that the town's residents seem to be easily influenced by newcomers. They readily agreed to change the town's name at Mrs. Skyles's request, and then they unanimously petitioned to change it again twenty years later. This may suggest that the town's residents are open to new ideas and willing to embrace change.

 

It is interesting to note that the town’s name was originally derived from the first settler, Jacob Marlin.

He settled in the area in 1749 and gave his name to the town. The name was changed to Marlins Bottom sometime later, and then to Marlinton in 1887. This evolution of the town’s name reflects the changing demographics and cultural influences of the area over time.