Until this time in Huntington’s history, the Democrats dominated the city’s politics. In 1886, however, there was a major political upset when Albert H. Woodworth, a Republican, was elected mayor.
It was at this time that the city purchased property on 9th Street and erected there a city building and fire station.
In 1887, a referendum moved the county seat to Huntington from Barboursville. Construction of the new Cabell County Courthouse was delayed and wasn’t completed until 1901. Until then, the county and municipal governments had to share space in the cramped city building.
Woodworth died in 1904.
