West Virginia Department of Commerce History & Heritage

Recent Pages: Order a Travel...»State Facts»Coal, Oil & Gas» History &...
 

History & Heritage



Stewarts Tavern

West Virginia’s history is filled with as many twists and turns as our famed country roads. Here you’ll find Native American burial mounds still standing in towns like South Charleston and Moundsville; re-creations of frontier forts such as Prickett’s Fort State Park in Fairmont; sites that recognize the heritage of our early presidents, like George Washington’s Bathtub and Jefferson Rock in the Eastern Panhandle; and locations of great battles, like the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Point Pleasant.

Of course, that doesn’t even include the state’s rich Civil War history. re-enactments, historic dramas and theater productions, and 18 Civil War Discovery Trail Stops, such as the Philippi Covered Bridge, that commemorate the conflict that led to the creation of the State of West Virginia.

Attractions

  1. Julia-Ann Historic Square District

    Step into the past with a self-guided tour of Victorian grandeur. These were the homes of some of the most influential figures in West...

    City: Parkersburg

  2. Ronceverte Historic District

    A 120-acre historic district in downtown Ronceverte. The oldest building dates back to 1810, but most of the building came about during the...

    City: Ronceverte

  3. Paint Creek Scenic Trail

    The Paint Creek Scenic Trail is a state designated scenic byway/backway.  The Trail exists to encourage the understanding and enjoyment of...

    City: Pax

  4. Philippi Covered Bridge & Historic District

    The city of Philippi was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War on June 3, 1861. It also was the site of the first amputation of...

    City: Philippi

  5. Mount Iser Cemetery

    At least 62 Confederate soldiers and one civilian, many of them killed at the Battle of Rich Mountain, are buried in this small cemetery...

    City: Beverly

  6. Bissonnette Gardens at Oglebay

    Bissonnette Gardens (formerly Waddington Gardens) are a recreation of gardens that existed at the turn of the century. Visitors can wander...

    City: Wheeling

  7. Fort Edwards

    This fort was one of the earliest sites of homes in Hampshire County and one of the few known battle sites of the French and Indian War....

    City: Capon Bridge

  8. Taggart Hall

    Taggart Hall Civil War Museum & Visitor’s Center is an excellent place to start a walking tour of Romney to obtain information regarding...

    City: Romney

  9. Old Greenbrier Baptist Church

    Organized in 1781, this church is the oldest Baptist Church in West Virginia with complete records since its organization. The church is...

    City: Alderson

  10. Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex

    The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features the largest conical earthen mound in the New World. With a height of nearly 62 feet,...

    City: Moundsville

  11. West Virginia Independence Hall Museum

    West Virginia Independence Hall, a National Historic Landmark and the birthplace of West Virginia, is located in Wheeling, West Virginia. ...

    City: Wheeling

  12. Campbell Mansion Renner Visitor Center

    The Campbell Mansion Is A National Historic Landmark And The 19th Century Home Of Alexander Campbell, Founder Of Bethany College, And A...

    City: Bethany

  13. Shepherdstown Historic District

    Established in the 1730s as Mecklenberg, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia. In the wake of the Battle of Antietam, only...

    City: Shepherdstown

  14. Arthurdale Heritage Inc

    Arthurdale was the nation’s first New Deal Homestead community, and is now home to the New Deal Homestead Museum. This facility is...

    City: Arthurdale

  15. West Virginia National Cemetery

    This cemetery was established in 1867 by congressional legislation to offer a final resting place for the men who died during the Civil War....

    City: Grafton

  16. Huntington High Renaissance Center

    The Huntington High Renaissance Center is an arts facility that includes rehearsal and performance space, an art gallery and classrooms. It...

    City: Huntington

  17. Lewisburg Historic District

    Dating from the 18th Century, this quaint town was the site of a Civil War battle on May 23, 1862, when Union forces attempted to sever...

    City: Lewisburg

  18. Altamont

    Reservations Required For Tours! The Altamont was built as a hotel and later converted to an apartment building in the late 1930's and now...

    City: Fayetteville

  19. George Washington Heritage Trail

    Established to follow the footsteps of George Washington, this trail is everything a history aficionado could ever want. The trail passes...

    City: Martinsburg

  20. Restored One-Room Schoolhouse

    City: Racine

  21. Town of West Union Historic Walking Tour

    The Town of West Union Historic Walking Tour takes participants through nine blocks of West Union’s historic district. The tour and...

    City: West Union

  22. Belle Boyd House

    Famous civil War Spy, Belle Boyd, spent part of her childhood in this house built in 1853. During the war, she supplied information to...

    City: Martinsburg

  23. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

    2012  Season - May 5th will be opening day for Blennerhassett Island Historical State The only way to experience the enchantment of...

    City: Parkersburg

  24. Mac Farland-Hubbard House

    The Mac Farland-Hubbard House, a National Register of Historic Places property, is the third oldest house in Charleston and home of the West...

    City: Charleston

  25. Confederate Cemetery

    A cross-shaped mass grave containing the remains of 95 once-unknown Confederate soldiers who were killed or mortally wounded during the May...

    City: Lewisburg

  26. Old Stone Presbyterian Church

    Following the Battle of Lewisburg, May 23, 1862, the Old Stone Presbyterian Church was used as a hospital. Several Civil War veterans are...

    City: Lewisburg

  27. Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site & Visitor Center

    Site of the July 1861 Civil War battle for control of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. This early union victory catapulted Gen. George...

    City: Beverly

  28. Downtown Bluefield Historic District

    Located Five Miles From Exit 1 Off I-77. View Historic Victorian Architecture Listed On The National Register Of Historic Places. ³capital²...

    City: Bluefield

  29. Virginia’s Chapel and Slave Cemetery

    This quaint chapel served as a Confederate hospital and Union stable during the war. A slave cemetery is located behind the church. Cedar...

    City: Cedar Grove

  30. New Era One-Room School Museum

    The New Era One-Room School Museum is a restored 1884 one room school located at the Mineral Wells Elementary School campus. ...

    City: Mineral Wells

  31. Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc.

    The Heritage Craft Center is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of heritage crafts. The learning center offers craft classes taught...

    City: Martinsburg

  32. Elmwood Cemetery

    The Elmwood Cemetery includes the graves of several Confederate veterans, including Henry Kyd Douglas, staff officer to Gen. “Stonewall”...

    City: Shepherdstown

  33. Tu-Endie-Wei State Park and Battle of Point Pleasant

    At the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers stands a monument that commemorates the frontiersmen who fought and died at the Battle of...

    City: Point Pleasant

  34. Doughboy Monument and Memorial

    This life-size, historical replica of a WWI foot soldier, also called a doughboy, stands at approximately seven feet tall on a 12-foot base....

    City: Logan

  35. Morgantown Historic Audio Walking Tour

    Step back into the colorful history of Morgantown with an audio Walking Tour of Historic Downtown area. Explore the distinctive, classic...

    City: Morgantown

  36. Stealey - Goff - Vance House

    Historical home.

    City: Clarksburg

  37. Memorial Arch

    Reaching approximately 42 feet high, 34 feet wide and nine feet thick, this monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives in World War...

    City: Huntington

  38. Fort Mulligan

    The valley of the South Branch of the Potomac River was a middle ground, situated between the all-important middle Shenandoah Valley and the...

    City: Petersburg

  39. West Virginia State Farm Museum

    The West Virginia State Farm Museum is a "farm museum". We are dedicated to the preservation of our farm life heritage. We have over 30...

    City: Point Pleasant

  40. South Side Depot

    City: Petersburg

  41. Zion Episcopal Church and Cemetery

    Several prominent local Confederates are buried here, including Gen. Robert E. Lee’s cartographer, S. Howell Brown. Charles Town, W.Va.

    City: Charles Town

  42. Fort Mill Ridge

    This well-preserved earthen fortification was built between March and June 1863. Builders of the fort included the 54th Pennsylvania...

    City: Romney

  43. Adaland Mansion and Historic Barn at Philippi

    This stately brick mansion was built in 1870 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The land was settled in 1807 by the...

    City: Philippi

  44. Collis P. Huntington RR Historical Society

    The Collis P. Huntington RR Historical Society Inc. building is home to the society’s office. It offers a meeting room and indoor museum for...

    City: Huntington

  45. Green Hill Cemetery

    Covering all sides of a cone-shaped hill, the 1854 cemetery is laid out in circles taken from a French design.  Among the graves are 30...

    City: Martinsburg

  46. Beverly Heritage Center / Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike

    The Beverly Heritage Center/Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike Exhibit is located in the town of Beverly, WV. The exhibit " Travel a...

    City: Beverly

  47. Harpers Ferry Historical Association

    Harpers Ferry Historical Association Bookshop has books, videos, photos and toys.

    City: Harpers Ferry

  48. Berkeley County Historical Society

    The archives & research center is located at 136 East Race Street. Our files contain the following:  files on local families, family...

    City: Martinsburg

  49. Greenbrier Military School Museum

    Now the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, this school (1812-1972) and the former Greenbrier College on Church Street had their origins in...

    City: Lewisburg

  50. Heritage Village

    Heritage Village includes shops, offices and local historical buildings. This facility is included in "A Guide to Accessible...

    City: Huntington

  51. Mast of the USS West Virginia BB48

    The mast of the USS West Virginia BB48 is currently on display on the campus of West Virginia University. It was recovered from the USS West...

    City: Morgantown

  52. West Virginia Veterans Memorial

    The West Virginia Veterans Memorial honors thousands of West Virginians who gave their lives for the safety and freedom of others. The...

    City: Charleston

  53. Bunker at the Greenbrier

    After being kept classified for more than thirty years, the doors to the bunker hidden beneath The Greenbrier resort are open for the world...

    City: White Sulphur Springs

  54. Doughboy Statue

    Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and erected in 1925 by the Berkeley County Memorial Association, this memorial is dedicated to...

    City: Martinsburg

  55. Pearl S. Buck Birthplace

    This house was built by the Stulting family who emigrated from Holland to America in 1847 and who lived here on a sixteen acre farm. On June...

    City: Hillsboro

  56. Stone House Museum

    The Stone House, Built Circa 1810 Is On The National Register Of Historic Places And Contains A 24 Room Museum, Genealogy Library And Head...

    City: Pennsboro

  57. Town of Harpers Ferry

    This quaint 19th century town is designated a National Historic District by the National Register. The architecture of the houses and shops...

    City: Harpers Ferry

  58. St. Albans

    Built near present-day St. Albans in 1786, Fort Tackett stood on land that originally belonged to George Washington, which was deeded to him...

    City: St. Albans

  59. Thurmond Depot

    Open From Memorial Day through Labor Day daily 10 AM to 5 PM Special Programs - Walking tours Exhibits - Restored passenger depot,...

    City: Glen Jean

  60. Prickett’s Fort

    This fort was constructed in 1774 to provide early settlers protection from Native American attacks. It was built within 10 miles of three...

    City: Fairmont

  61. Alderson Historic District

    Offering 165 structures of historic or architectural significance. Examples include Greek Revival, Federal, Queen Anne, and Victorian, and a...

    City: Alderson

  62. West Augusta Historical Society Museum

    The West Augusta Historical Society consists of a restored Round Barn and Historical Museum in which there are four rooms of musical, war,...

    City: Mannington

  63. State Capitol Complex

    Information and reservations for touring the WV State Capitol Complex: Hours: Guided tours 9:30am - 3:30pm Monday thru Friday. Tours...

    City: Charleston

  64. 4 the kids, by George

    The Washington Heritage Trail Welcome Center in Martinsburg is a kid-friendly orientation exhibit and shop leading visitors onto our region...

    City: Martinsburg

  65. City of Nitro

    Nitro is known as a "Living Memorial to World War I.” A shortage of gunpowder during the conflict sparked the birth of this town as a place...

    City: Nitro

  66. Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum

    Birthplace of the Founder of Mother’s Day, this house was the first field headquarters of General George McClellan. The house serves as a...

    City: Grafton

  67. Historic National Road

    City: Wheeling

  68. Mothman Museum

    The Mothman Museum is the world’s only museum/research center devoted to the West Virginia legend called Mothman. Movie props, archives and...

    City: Point Pleasant

  69. Historic Downtown Lewisburg

    Discover a surprising selection of over 50 art galleries, award winning restaurants, sidewalk cafes, antique shops and clothing boutiques!...

    City: Lewisburg

  70. Rowlesburg Guide

    The lovely, little Town of Rowlesburg is nestled in a valley along the scenic but fickle Cheat River. The valley is rich in Civil War and...

    City: Rowlesburg

  71. Coal Heritage Trail

    The Coal Heritage Trail is a driving trail that  winds through more than 187 rugged miles of scenic industrial heritage, where...

    City: Oak Hill

  72. Bulltown Historic District

    In 1863, Confederate forces led by William L. "Mudwall" Jackson, cousin of "Stonewall" Jackson, attempted to overtake Union fortifications...

    City: Burnsville

  73. McCullough’s Leap off Wheeling Hill

    During an attack by Native Americans on Fort Henry in September 1777, Maj. Samuel McCullough, a fearless soldier known for his endeavors...

    City: Wheeling

  74. Harpers Ferry

    In 1859 John Brown and his followers marched from the Kennedy Farm in Maryland to the town of Harpers Ferry. Their goal was to seize...

    City: Harpers Ferry

  75. Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation

    City: Beverly

  76. Arbuckle's Fort

    Built in 1774 in Greenbrier County, this Revolutionary-era frontier fort contributed to the colonization of white settlers in West Virginia....

    City: Muddy Creek

  77. Wheeling National Heritage Area

    The Wheeling National Heritage Area preserves and celebrates the city's dramatic setting, resources, and history, including its role as the...

    City: Wheeling

  78. Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches and Museum

    Fort Mill Ridge Civil War trenches, trails and interpretive signage. In the museum, there are accessible restrooms and an accessible theater...

    City: Romney

  79. McNeel Mill

    Along Rt 219 In Mill Point In Pocahontas County. Latitude: N38 15.40 Longitude: W80 18.01

    City: Mill Point

  80. Historic Bramwell

    Bramwell  is a West Virginia Historic Town on a peninsula of the Bluestone River - founded 1888. The town reflects large fortunes amassed by...

    City: Bramwell

  81. The C&O Railroad Depot

    The restored C&O Depot (c. 1896) sports its original colors and a small museum of local and railroad history which is open by appointment. ...

    City: Alderson

  82. Heritage Square

    Unique historic sites, lodging, restaurants. Wheeling is your place to play! Wheeling's location in the scenic Ohio River Valley makes it...

    City: Wheeling

  83. Old Judy Church

    Historical Church.

    City: Franklin

  84. Dallas Pike Fuel Center

    One of 18 national heritage areas. Number of units: 5 Facilities: ac, TV (cable with HBO), restaurant, game room, general store & gift...

    City: Triadelphia

  85. Jackson Cemetery

    The family plot is the final resting place of Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s great-grandparents, father and sister. Clarksburg, W.Va., ...

    City: Clarksburg

  86. Olivet Cemetery

    Formally set aside as a cemetery in 1851, the shelling of Moorefield took place from this hillside in 1863. A section of the cemetery is...

    City: Moorefield

  87. West Virginia Culture Center and State Museum

    Take a journey through time as you trek from a pre-historic coal forest into early western settlement and present-day wonders. Following a...

    City: Charleston

  88. City of Spencer

    Enjoy historic buildings, a museum, a working oil derrick, a one-room schoolhouse and a large antique mall.

    City: Spencer

  89. WWII Memorial

    The World War II Memorial lists the names of 23 Glenville State College students who died during World War II. The memorial, dedicated in...

    City: Glenville

  90. 1920's Newbeirn School House

    The 1920’s Newbeirn School House is maintained as original and open to tours during the Black Walnut Festival held on the second weekend of...

    City: Spencer

Civil War heritage