If you’ve ever watched the movie, We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey, you’ve more than likely heard about the Marshall Plane Crash that took place in the early 70s.
While spending the month in Huntington, West Virginia, we decided to visit the historic site of the infamous plane crash and, if you’re looking to do the same, this post will tell you how to get there and the history of the site.
What is the story of the Marshall Plane Crash?
The Marshall Plane Crash took place on November 14, 1970, in Kenova, West Virginia. It was one of the worst sports tragedies in the history of the United States.
After taking off from Kinston, North Carolina, the plane was headed to the Tri-State Airport near Kenova/Credo, West Virginia. Instead of landing safely, the plane carrying 36 Marshall University football players, 9 coaches and administrators, 25 fans, and an aircrew of 5 – 75 people in total, crashed into a hillside, just short of the airport. All 75 passengers on board perished in the crash.
Marshall Plane Crash Memorial Site Location
When we arrived in Huntington, West Virginia, we weren’t too sure how to find the Marshall Plane Crash Memorial Site. There were no interstate markers and everything I could find online only directed us to the memorial fountain at Marshall University, so I had to do a bit of research to try to find it. Since the plane crashed in Kenova, West Virginia, we got off the interstate at the Kenova/Credo exit.
Instead of turning toward the Taco Bell, we went the opposite direction and followed the road to the end where we finally saw markers directing us to the Marshall Plane Crash Memorial. All in all, the memorial is less than 5 miles off the interstate. It’s quite small but you cannot miss the bright green overlook area. While the site does not have parking, we pulled along the road and got out.
I apologize if my directions are a bit bland, but if you follow them, you should have no problem seeing the markers leading you to the crash location.
Who Died in the Marshall Plane Crash?
The Marshall Plane Crash killed all 75 people aboard. Of those victims, there were 64 children who lost either one or both parents in the crash.
Marshall Plane Crash Memorial
The Marshall Plane Crash Memorial Site is a solemn site that seems to be well visited, even to this day – 52 years later. While time has gotten rid of most of the posters and newspaper clippings, there are still a few that remain.
As far as knowing exactly what you’re looking at, at the Marshall Plane Crash Site, there isn’t any markers that tell you where exactly the plane went down. It’s even harder to see the hillside due to large trees growing in the way. Still this is great piece of West Virginia history and it’s a great way to remember the 75 lives that were lost on that night.
@crystalcarder You can’t practically stay near Huntington, WV without visiting the site of the Marshall University plane crash in Kenova, WV. There’s a small overlook overlooking the site of the crash that killed 75 people including 36 Marshall University players. #wearemarshall #marshall #planecrash #landmarks #historiclandmark #wv #university #memories #history #landmark #football #westvirginia #cabellcountywv ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music
If you are really interested in the Marshall Plane Crash, be sure to go to downtown Huntington to the campus of Marshall University and see the Marshall Fountain dedicated to the memory of these 75 lives. After going there, you can head to the Spring Hill Cemetery and see the Marshall Memorial where most of the victims from the plane crash are now buried.
Have you ever been here before?
Last Updated on 2 years by Crystal Carder