7 Towns In West Virginia With Rich History
Although the Appalachian state of West Virginia is probably best known for its rugged beauty and mountain peaks, the wild and wonderful state is also home to rich American history. Several small towns throughout the state were established before the founding of the United States in 1776. These small towns are home to 18th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and national historic districts. From Wheeling, the state's first capital, to Shepherdstown, West Virginia's oldest town, and the Civil War history found in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia provides a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Uncover seven towns in West Virginia with rich history that are sure to delight any history buff.
Harpers Ferry
Situated along the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is where history and nature converge. The lower town is located in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, an area that President George Washington chose for the United States Armory and Arsenal in the 1790s. The 1848 Armory fire engine and guard house became the site of John Brown's Fort in October of 1859. Brown and several men raided the building to fight against slavery, a precursor to the Civil War.
The upper town is in the town's National Historic District, made up of nearly 100 buildings from the 1800s. The buildings are now shops, restaurants, and inns for visitors to explore while strolling the 19th-century streets. More historical sites are located on the Appalachian Trail, including St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and the ruins of St. John's Episcopal Church, used as a hospital during the Civil War.
Wheeling
Wheeling invites visitors to explore its historical significance in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The town's history reaches back to the late 1700s and 1800s, when it became a major transportation. During the westward expansion, part of the 620-mile National Road reached Wheeling in 1818. The road features the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, spanning the Ohio River, and the oldest vehicular suspension bridge still used in America.
Wheeling was the original state capital of West Virginia when it became a state in 1863. History buffs can visit West Virginia Independence Hall to learn more about the state's history. Built in 1859, it was the site of the first West Virginia Constitutional Convention. The area is part of the town's historic district, showcasing buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s, including Centre Market, which was built in 1853. The market is home to local shops and festivals throughout the year.
Shepherdstown
One of the oldest towns in West Virginia, Shepherdstown was established in 1762. Visitors can explore the town's historic district on a self-guided walking tour featuring cobblestone streets and architecture from the 1700s and 1800s. The historic district played a vital role in the Civil War, as many buildings became hospitals for over 8,000 Confederate soldiers during the nearby Civil War Battle of Antietam.
More history is on display at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located in the Entler Hotel, which was built in 1768. The historic museum showcases 19th-century furniture, local artefacts, and historical documents from the area. Located behind the town's museum is the Rumsey Steamboat Museum, where visitors can view a working replica of James Rumsey's 1787 steamboat. The same year, the original steamboat was exhibited on the Potomac River. Tourists can also hike along the river on the C&O Canal, featuring the Shepherdstown River Lock.
Parkersburg
The historical town of Parkersburg is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture. The town's Julia-Ann Square Historic District is the largest and oldest historic district in the state. Featuring 126 homes built from 1850 to 1910, visitors can take a self-guided tour anytime of year or a Christmas Homes Tour during December.
Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg was important for the oil and gas industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can learn more about the town's history at the Oil and Gas Museum near the confluence of the rivers. For a unique view of the rivers and Civil War history, visit the hilltop Fort Boreman Park. Nearby is Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, which played a role in the Aaron Burr conspiracy in 1805. Visitors can tour the island on a covered wagon, visit the Blennerhassett Museum, and view the Blennerhassett Mansion.
Charles Town
The quaint town of Charles Town was founded in 1786 by Charles Washington, George Washington's younger brother. History buffs can tour the founder's home, Happy Retreat, built in 1770. The area boasts homes that once belonged to several members of Washington's family. These homes include Barleywood circa 1842 and Annaswood from 1900. The founder of Charles Town also named several streets in the town after his family, including George Street, which can be seen today in the historic downtown. The downtown area boasts buildings from the 1800s and includes the Jefferson County Museum. Museum visitors can view artefacts from the Civil War, John Brown's Raid in Harpers Ferry, and various historic items from the area. More history can be discovered along the African American Heritage Trail in Charles Town. The town features six buildings on the trail, including Old Stone House, built by John Locke in the 1790s.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, located in southern West Virginia, was established in 1782. One of the oldest towns in the state, visitors can step back in time while strolling cobblestone streets and viewing 18th-century architecture in the Lewisburg Historic District. The area features the 1837 Greenbrier County Courthouse and the John Wesley Methodist Church, which was attacked by a cannon in the 1862 Civil War Battle of Lewisburg. History buffs can also visit Old Stone Presbyterian Church, which dates back to 1796 and is thought to be the oldest church building in continuous use west of the Allegheny Mountains. During the Civil War, the church served as a makeshift hospital. More Civil War and local history is on display nearby at the North House Museum. For a unique historical and entertaining experience, enjoy a show at Carnegie Hall. Built in 1902, it is one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world that is still continuously used.
Weston
Nestled along the West Fork River in central West Virginia, Weston boasts a history beginning with the Civil War. Located near the boyhood home of Confederate Army General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Weston was besieged by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. In the late 19th century, the discovery of oil and gas fueled industrial growth in Weston, leading to the town's flourishing glassmaking industry. Today, visitors can learn more about the town's glassmaking legacy at the Museum of American Glass. Another iconic museum for history buffs in town is the Mountaineer Military Museum, honoring the region's military contributions.
For those looking for haunted history, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers spirited adventures. Built between 1858 and 1881, this former psychiatric hospital offers ghost tours and overnight ghost hunts. Visitors can also take history tours of the National Historic Landmark, which is the largest hand-cut stone building in North America.
Wild And Wonderful History
These small towns in West Virginia are rich in history, each offering a unique glimpse into America's past. As visitors explore cobblestone streets, Civil War landmarks, and architectural treasures in these small towns, the legacy of West Virginia unfolds. Whether learning about the haunted history of Weston or exploring the state's largest historic district in Parkersburg, the rich history that defines the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia is ready to be discovered.
