Potomac State College was created in 1901 as "Keyser Preparatory Branch of the West Virginia University" by an act of the legislature at the urging of Mineral County delegate Francis M. Reynolds, who was concerned about the quality of secondary education in the area. The bill provided an appropriation of $20,000 for buildings and empowered the governor to appoint a Board of Regents to govern the school. 

Colonel Thomas B. Davis, a local businessman, donated more than 16 acres of land as a site for the new school. That location, formerly Fort Fuller, was a critical fortress in maintaining open roads leading to the South Branch and Shenandoah Valleys and in retaining Union control of the B&O Railroad during the Civil War; the railroad was a major supply route for the Union Army. Two notable figures each served as commander of Fort Fuller, also called Fort Kelly; Major Lew Wallace, who later wrote Ben Hur, and Major Benjamin Harrison, future President of the United States. The land on which the school is built came to be known as Fort Hill.

When it opened its doors for classes in October 1902 as West Virginia Preparatory School, the institution consisted of a multi-purpose administration building fronted by a four-sided clock tower. The building housed offices, classrooms, the library, and gymnasium. Lloyd F. Friend was appointed principal and teacher and was joined by four other teachers.

Potomac State continues as a regional campus of WVU. Legislation enacted in 2000 reorganized higher education in the state; the University now operates with a Board of Governors while Potomac State utilizes a Board of Advisors, who can give guidance to the College and cooperates with the University Board in making recommendations.

Daniel Webster, in his Supreme Court defense of Dartmouth College, said, "It is, Sir, as I have said, a small college, yet there are those who love it." The overwhelming reason Potomac State alumni cite for their love of the college is its smallness, smallness that nurtures a sense of belonging and of family, provides the opportunity to have a one-on-one relationship with the faculty and staff, and facilitates formation of life-long friendships.

n      An Excerpt from "Potomac State College of West Virginia University --

The College History Series"

by Dinah Courrier, Professor of Office Technology &

Social Justice Liaison & Retention & Off-Campus Instruction Coordinator
 

To purchase a copy of the book contact:    Potomac State College Book Store

                                                                 101 Fort Avenue

                                                                 Keyser, WV  26726

                                                                 Phone: 304-788-6908

                                                                 MPMurphy@mail.wvu.edu