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Washington Heritage Trail map |
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One of West Virginia's four National Scenic Byways, the Washington Heritage Trail, loops through the three-county region of the Eastern Panhandle, following the routes of existing county, state and federal roads. Passing through miles of Panhandle history, the Washington Heritage Trail is a mix of agrarian landscapes, picturesque towns, and remnants of bygone industries interspersed with contemporary development. All along its length, the trail interweaves beautiful scenery and recreational opportunity with small towns that beckon the visitor to take the time to explore historic sites and cultural activities. The trail is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the historic villages, scenic vistas and rural lifestyle found along its way. George Washington's legacy to the Eastern Panhandle came from his association with Lord Fairfax, who owned this 5.3 million acre "Northern Neck" of Virginia. The future president came to the Panhandle as a sixteen-year-old surveyor in the employ of Lord Fairfax in 1748 and continued this work through 1751. During that time he acquired a good bit of land himself, some of which is still in the Washington family. Martinsburg A driving tour of the Eastern Panhandle begins in Martinsburg, the county seat of Berkeley County. Martinsburg is rich in Revolutionary and Civil War history as well as 19th and 20th Century industrial history. It is the central city of the Eastern Panhandle, a gateway to the region for travelers exiting Interstate 81 from the north/south; Interstate 70 from the east/west. Martinsburg was established in 1772 and laid out as a colonial village in 1774. Today, tree-lined main streets invite visitors to stroll through the historic districts of a town where many colonial and post-Civil War structures have been preserved, including the only remaining historic railroad roundhouse of its kind left in the world. Transportation History Located in the B&O Railroad and Related Industries Historic District, the present roundhouse was built in 1866 to replace the one destroyed by Stonewall Jackson's troops in 1862. A portion of the reconstructed train station has been dedicated as a major interpretive center for the Washington Heritage Trail. In addition to railroad history, the C&O canal is included as well as the triple-arch Van Metre Ford Bridge. The oldest bridge still in use in West Virginia was built of native limestone across Opequon Creek in 1832. While the B&O Railroad brought prosperity to Martinsburg and Berkeley County, the relationship was not always ideal. In July of 1877, railroad workers in Martinsburg, upset about the poor working conditions and pay cuts, went on strike. They refused to allow trains to leave the B&O station. The strike grew to include much of the population of Martinsburg and lasted until Federal troops broke it up three days later. Nine people lost their lives in the revolt, which caused a wave of anti-railroad sentiment. Angry mobs stopped operations along the B&O line in Cumberland and Baltimore and brought national attention to the plight of industrial workers. The Civil War Before the Civil War, railroads like the Baltimore & Ohio had opened up the Eastern Panhandle, placing it along important supply routes from the east coast to the west and paving the way for late 19th century industrialization of the region. The B&O Railroad and facilities in and around Martinsburg were hotly contested throughout the war, even though Stonewall Jackson's forces had demolished miles of track, bridges, trains and railroad buildings in 1861. Martinsburg itself changed hands some 30 times as both sides jockeyed for control of this strategic transportation hub. One of Martinsburg's most colorful figures from the Civil War era is Belle Boyd, who earned fame as a Confederate spy and confidante of General Jackson. In addition to running messages with sensitive information to the Confederates, Miss Boyd shot and killed a Union Soldier who entered the Family home in 1861. She was imprisoned in Washington, D.C., on two separate occasions. Greek Revival Belle Boyd House on East Race Street was built by her father, Ben Boyd, in 1853. It is now the headquarters of the Berkeley County Historical Society and the Berkeley County Historic Landmarks Commission. Books, Civil War memorabilia and publications of the society are sold in the store. A Civil War Museum features Berkeley County people and artifacts. Another collection dates to pre-Columbian days. An extensive Archives and Genealogy Division is also housed here. After the war, West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle remained a place of split loyalties. Although the region was taken over by the Union during the war, it did not become a part of West Virginia until 1872. Confederate sympathies ran deep throughout the war years and well after statehood was reluctantly achieved. Today, Washington Heritage Trail visitors can travel some of the same routes used by troops throughout the war, passing many engagement sites along the way. The southern leg of the Trail, from Martinsburg west through Smithfield, Gerrardstown, Shanghai and Mill's Gap, was frequently used in 1864 by Union forces on scouting missions. Cultural Qualities Like the region's historic resources, cultural qualities abound along the Washington Heritage Trail. They reflect the rich history and diverse culture of West Virginia's heritage, which blends Virginia gentility with Mountain hospitality and charm. The Panhandle's pioneers are recognized by annual events such as the Morgan Cabin Fall Festival near Bunker Hill. Held at the restored home of Morgan Morgan, the first white settler in West Virginia, the festival features a delicious meal, craft demonstrations and many special events. The tiny cabin is the site of spectacular views of the distant mountains. The Boarman Arts Center and Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau are located in the Admiral Boarman House, c. 1802. The house was built in Martinsburg on land granted to Adam Stephen by Lord Fairfax. Open Tuesday through Saturday, the Center's art gallery has changing displays with year-round juried exhibits. Adults and children alike enjoy a wide range of art appreciation and hands-on workshops. Fall festivals, like Martinsburg's Mountain State Apple Harvest denote the importance of orchards and the apple crop in the development of the Panhandle's economy. Held annually the third weekend in October, the festival celebrates the apple harvest with a queen's coronation and ball, sports breakfast and parade, plus a two-day juried arts and crafts show. The Norman Dillon Farm Museum, near Hedgesville, is bound to satisfy those who hunger for a more in-depth treatment of the region's agricultural history. The Railroad Days Festival in July is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the B&O Roundhouse. Festival-goers enjoy a day of arts and crafts, train and military displays, great food and entertainment. Tours of the Roundhouse showcase its fabulous architecture. Live stage productions, musicals and concerts are presented at Martinsburg's historic Apollo Theatre. Historic Sites The 112-mile Washington Heritage Trail passes through a dozen historic districts, seven of which are in Berkeley County. The structures and landmarks provide great insight into the lives and times of past inhabitants. The General Adam Stephen house, built in 1774, was the home of Martinsburg's founder. Born in Scotland, General Stephen served in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War as a surgeon and soldier. The house was donated to the city of Martinsburg in 1959 and has been restored and furnished in the 1780-1820 period. It is open to visitors January to November. The nearby Triple Brick Museum building was built in 1871 and is a local museum. Exhibits include early surveying equipment, flax and wool spinning wheels, quilts, railroad items and various pieces related to the social and cultural life of the town from the 1800s through the early 1900s. Formerly used as housing for B&O railroad workers, it was known as the "Tribble House" or "the brick house divided into three dwellings." Now a private residence, the Snodgrass Tavern on Rt. 9 is one of the oldest known houses in Berkeley County. The first log section of the house was built in 1742. Operated as a tavern until 1847, the building has a fabulous history. The most famous guest, George Washington, enjoyed a meal there in 1784. Other sites, too numerous to mention, are outlined in the Driving Tour Guide. From the WHT Corridor Management Plan compiled by the Heritage Resource Group || Order your FREE West Virginia Magazine | Request FREE regional travel information | Washington Heritage Trail Map | Locator Map | Back to the top | Take me home ||
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