Holderby Landing

Holderby Landing, owned and operated by James Holderby, came into existence in 1821. He built a brick house and landing near the foot of 16th St. (now Hal Greer Boulevard). The landing was near the Old State Road, and later the James River and Kanawha Turnpike.

C. P. Huntington purchased part of the Holderby farm from James' sons, William and Edward. James sold the trustees of Marshall Academy (later the State Normal School, then Marshall College, finally, Marshall University) land for the school in 1838. James Holderby's presence in the area predates this purchase. He originally bought 100 acres along 12 Pole Creek and started a trading post. He served as Sheriff of Cabell County in 1819.