House director Nathan Jones is helping local students gear up for the annual Golden Horseshoe Test by inviting students to learn about West Virgina’s exciting history and its connections to Charleston’s 1834 historic home, the Craik-Patton House. Eighth graders vie for the Golden Horseshoe Award and they are rewarded by being named a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe.

The prestigious program takes its name from the golden horseshoes given to the early explorers of western Virginia. In 1716, Governor Alexander Spotswood saw the need for exploration of the land west of the Allegheny Mountains, most of which is now West Virginia. The governor presented each explorer with a small golden horseshoe to commemorate their bravery.

Today, the award is a symbol of scholastic achievement throughout the state to honor students who excel in the study and knowledge of West Virginia history.

Nathan Jones teaching the kids for the Golden Horseshoe Prep Test.

Director Jones led two school groups on educational house tours in January and more are planned for February and March. The Golden Horseshoe honorees are treated to a tour of the Capitol and Cultural Center. The State Superintendent of Schools inducts each student as he kneels and, with a tap of the sword on the shoulder, is dubbed either a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe Society and is then presented a Golden Horseshoe pin.