The Ebenezer Chapel, a historic brick church, stands in the West Virginia town of Marmet, adjacent to I-77. Originally slated for demolition to make way for the expressway, the chapel’s preservation was secured thanks to the efforts of dedicated local citizens.
Constructed in 1836 by enslaved laborers owned by Marmet’s first settler, Leonard Morris, the chapel played a significant role during the Civil War. It served as a military headquarters and a hospital for Union soldiers.
Jacob Conrad Edelmann, a German immigrant, earned extra income by grinding grain for the Confederacy. In 1863, he was arrested by Union soldiers and imprisoned within the chapel for three days. Appealing to his status as a non-U.S. citizen, he was eventually released. Following the war, Edelmann became a naturalized citizen.
Today, the chapel serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
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