West Virginia is a major center for glass marble making, with most North American factories located in our state. While a few marbles are made for play, most now have industrial uses—in items like aerosol cans, water filters, and coal scrubbers. Factories also make glass “gems” for flower vases and aquariums.

Machine-made marbles took off as a commercial industry in the early 1900s because West Virginia had cheap natural gas and good glass sand. One of the biggest companies was Akro Agate in Clarksburg, which operated until 1951. Other companies included Master Marble, Heaton Agate, Ravenswood Novelty, and Alley Agate, which became Marble King in Paden City—still running today.

Vitro Agate ran for over 70 years in Vienna, Parkersburg, and Williamstown. Mid-Atlantic in Ellenboro also still operates.

Before machines came along in 1905, all marbles were handmade, and today, handmade marbles have become popular again with collectors.