West Virginia is home to many famous individuals, providing a wide range of historical sites for visitors to check out during their vacation. One unique and important figure with ties to this state is Pearl S. Buck, who was born in the town of Hillsboro. Here's a closer look at the life of this author and civil rights advocate.

What Was Pearl S. Buck Famous for?

Though Pearl S. Buck was born in West Virginia, she spent much of her life in China. Her time in the country began as the result of her parents’ work in Asia as Southern Presbyterian missionaries. The period she spent in China—both in childhood and during her first marriage—was extremely influential throughout her life.

Buck’s famous novel The Good Earth was largely influenced by her time in China. The book became a critical and commercial hit, and in 1932, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. In 1938, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

Later in life, Pearl S. Buck advocated for a variety of causes, including women’s rights, civil rights, the care of Asian children, and adoption. In 1949, she founded Welcome House, the United States' first interracial and internationally-focused adoption agency, in response to other adoption services claiming Asian children and mixed-race children weren't adoptable. She also opened orphanages in several Asian countries to support underprivileged children in these areas.

What's at the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum?

Those interested in combining some history with their vacation to the Pocahontas County area should make a stop at the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace in Hillsboro. This historic home offers guided tours from May through November. In addition to the home itself, the museum also features a barn and carpentry shop with historical tools, as well as the relocated log home of her father’s family. 

The museum offers a unique look into this amazing woman’s life, as well as the time in which she lived. Quilting and craft workshops are held periodically throughout the year, and rare autographed books are available for purchase.

For a unique vacation lodging experience, check out Jerico Bed/Breakfast & Pre-Civil War Log Cabins in Pocahontas County, WV. Featuring log cabins built in the 1800s that have been restored and upgraded with modern amenities, this unique vacation site is conveniently located near a variety of natural and historical sites, including the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum. Visit them online to learn more about their accommodations, or call (888) 499-6241 to make a reservation.