Alexander Campbell was an important religious leader, teacher, and writer who helped found the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Born in Ireland, he moved to Brooke County in 1811 and founded Bethany College in 1840.

Campbell supported public education, religious unity, and social reform. He also published religious newspapers and became one of the most influential leaders in early American religion. In addition, he supported greater political rights for Western Virginia at the 1851 Constitutional Convention.

His mansion started out as a farmhouse in 1793, but Campbell expanded it over time. Bethany College's Old Main is also a National Historic Landmark.