Moorefield. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Dates for many of the oldest structures have been arrived at by radiocarbon dating or dendrochronology and should be considered approximate. In the 20th century, Richmond became noteworthy for its successful electric streetcar systems. It became a vital port for shipping goods to the British Isles and further. Sheperdstown is the oldest incorporated city in West Virginia, along with Romney, which were both incorporated on December 23, 1762. However, for about two decades, confusion arose because the same name was also used for a town established in Ohio County at the mouth of Buffalo Creek, and authorized in the 1791 term of that local court. This mansion remains the governor's residence to this day. The city of Romney has a number of historic homes, including this mansion and farm named Wappocomo. In addition to the historic towns in West Virginia mentioned above, here are some additional towns in the state that are charming and bucket-list-worthy. 3 Is West Virginia a cheap place to live? Indeed, some of the earliest archeological evidence from the area dates back 11,000 years. Spruce Knob , located in Pendleton County , is the states highest point at 4,863 feet (1,482 m). Thurmond's Holding the title of "smallest town in West Virginia," according to Country Living, Thurmond's official population is 5. The natural beauty of the surrounding area makes it a great place to go for walks and theres always something interesting going on downtown. The Beckley, West Virginia, metro area is the cheapest place to live in the US. Among the historical structures still standing, here are 11 of the oldest. Take a look at this walking tour when you visit this, This historical town in West Virginia is the site of the first land battle of the Civil War in 1861. The white settlement of present-day West Virginia probably began with the first German settlers at Mecklenburg (present-day Shepherdstown) in 1727, despite earlier claims that Morgan Morgan had been the first. Both towns claim to be the oldest, but it seems fair to say that much like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, age is in the mind of the resident. Shepherdstown was originally established as Mecklenburg by Thomas Shepherd, who laid out 50 acres (202,000 m) of his land into lots and streets. One of the state's oldest towns, it was first settled in the early 18th century by Germans from Pennsylvania. Its county seat is Romney, West Virginias oldest town (1762). Population: 7,154Founded: 1904Age: 114Before its major development, the area that would become Elkins was known as Leadsville, and was the site of a few scattered homesteads a place where the local farmers corn crop was loaded onto boats and floated down the Tygart Valley River. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The, Hinton West Virginia, Hinton, WV 25951, USA, The historic town of Hinton was established in 1873 and named for John Jack Hinton, a prominent lawyer of Summers County. The mansion is located at Island View Dr. on Blennerhasset Island. Feel free to comment below and join the discussion. The St. Albans Historical Society, who operates the kitchen, is located at 404 Forth Avenue. Thomas Shepherd obtained a land grant in 1734 and was soon followed by other settlers. Lucile Randon, known as Sister Andr, was born in the town of Ales, southern France, on Feb. 11, 1904. It was founded in 1762 by Colonial Virginia's General Assembly. Many of the old coal towns are long gone now, leaving only memories, but some of the West Virginia coal towns that still have folks living there include: Welch (population 3,600) Cedar Grove (population 710) Monongah (population 970) These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 63 years later, the town saw war again. Population: 10,600Founded: 1904Age: 114St. According to data from the West Virginia Department of Commerce, West Virginias cost of living is 94.4, or 5.6 percent below the national average. 1. It was incorporated as a town in 1905. By 1775, it was considered by many to be the most prosperous city in the entire state. The first settlement was recorded in 1730. Put differently, theres no official data set from the Census that contains when every place in America was founded. What is the number of protons for sodium 23? This place is the longest running farce in the West End.Cyril Smith (b. $8.00 + $1.50 shipping . The town is the oldest in West Virginia, founded in 1762 as Mecklenburg. Dumfries is located in Prince William County as is considered the oldest cotinuously-chartered town in the state. What is the least populated town in West Virginia? Take a look at these additional beautiful West Virginia towns if youd like to plan a weekend getaway, too. For years, the townspeople had used the name Shepherdstown in honor of Thomas Shepherd and, in 1798, Virginia's General Assembly made the name official. The first settlement was recorded in 1730. LewisburgLewisburg is more than a one-hit wonder. Both men were accused of treason by President Thomas Jefferson and imprisoned. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already. Built in 1846 by John Morgan Jr., this kitchen was erected as a separate structure from the main house on his 600-acre estate, largely to avoid possible fire and extra heat permeating the main house in the summer. West Virginias price for an average home is 38.5 percent below the national average and one-third the price of homes in the Washington, D.C., area. The community was so named on account of an oak tree at the elevated town site. That comes with the territory, so to speak, as Virginia itself was one of the original colonies. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This house was completed in 1925 to replace the original structure built in 1893, which burnt down. This small town on the Chesapeake Bay was founded in 1680 and currently has a population of less than 1500. That approach eventually came as Lee had feared. Known as the Berkeley County Riflemen, Stevenson's regiment was one of several companies that would make up the newly formed Continental Army the precursor to the U.S. Army. I'm also a big believer in lifelong learning- there's always something new to learn! Which ones would add to this list? Capitalizing on its many resources made Charleston an important part of Virginia and West Virginia history. Virginia is home to the first Colonial America settlements, as well as one of the original 13 colonies in America. Have you visited any of these historic Virginia towns recently? The Beverly: Charles Town, West Virginia: c. 1750 Residence Working farm since 1750: Graham House: Lowell, West Virginia: c. 1770 Residence Squared log structure Prato Rio Our lovely capital, Richmond was incorporated in 1737, but did not become an independent city until 1871. A customhouse and warehouse . Because of the town's location at the confluence of the Appomattox and James rivers, it has played an important role in economic and commercial development as well. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. They lived there for three years, living off game and fish. If youd like to explore some more destinations with a historic past, take a look at these tiny historic towns in West Virginia too. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Rohrbaugh Plains Overlook, Dolly Sods Wilderness. We scoured the internet to determine the towns and cities in West Virginia that have been around the longest. Shepherdstown, West Virginia (WV), a community in Jefferson County, was settled between 1730 and 1734, although its first settlers might have arrived as early as 1719. Romney was especially torn by the Civil war, as some of its citizens sided with the Union, and others sided with the Confederacy. Surprisingly, theres not a definitive data set that contains the dates of incorporation or settlement for cities in America. The best cities in West Virginia ranked by Walk Score are Morgantown, Martinsburg, and Huntington, while the least walkable cities are Weirton , Charleston , and Beckley . "My vision of this is I really want a beautiful area, and I think . I'm passionate about helping people achieve their dreams, and I believe that education is the key to unlocking everyone's potential. The schools are great. Wikimedia Commons/formulaone. Tombstone and Dodge City. These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In West Virginia, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In West Virginia. The town received its charter on May 11, 1749- making it the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia. He is an author, blogger, journalist and outdoor enthusiast. By W. S. Laidley Esq. History. Mrs. It is located at 276 Cacapon Rd. The first settlement was recorded in 1730. The City of Elkins was developed by U.S. The kitchen had its place in history during the Battle of Scary Creek in 1861. Have you ever been to Shepherdstown? James and his wife Margaret, who may have been the pioneering settlers, are buried in Bluemont Cemetery (part of his original property); his is the only known Revolutionary War soldiers grave in Grafton. Santa Fe holds the distinction of being the oldest state capital in the U.S. as well as New Mexico's oldest city. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Richmond also served as capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Today, the structure is owned by the Morgantown Service League and houses a gift shop. If chatting over a cup of tea is more your style, you can also attend talks about the history and ghost legends at Shaharazade's Restaurant & Tea Room. Who was responsible for determining guilt in a trial by ordeal? Together, they built the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway into Elkins in 1889, opening a vast territory to industrial development by the late 1890s. Feel free to let us know in the following comments section. West Virginia's premier artisan market, Tamarack, is more than just a shopping destination. Thomas Shepherd The first settlement was recorded in 1730. Source: Wikipedia User Wvfunnyman | CC BY-SA 3.0. The armory is located at 301 N Mildred St. It is one of the United States oldest counties.Henrico County, Virginia. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Love West Virginia? The dispute between Shepherdstown and Romney goes back well before West Virginia even became a state. Is Shepherdstown West Virginia a good place to live? Only buildings built prior to 1800 are suitable for inclusion on this list, or the building must be the oldest of its type. In fact, the Washingtons would frequently gather in Charles Town. 1641, making it the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America that has been verified by dendrochronology testing.Fairbanks House (Dedham, Massachusetts), St. AugustineSt. West Virginia is called the Mountain State because its the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain region, and its average elevation is higher than any other state east of the Mississippi River! Yorktown also served as an important town during the Civil War for both Union and Confederate troops, depending on which side held power over the town. Tappahannock is the oldest town and county seat of Essex. The ford sat across the Potomac near the town, and it was there that Lee had left behind a rear guard to watch for a possible approach of the Union Army. No official data set from the area dates back 11,000 years Randon, known as Sister Andr, born... 3 is West Virginia, these are the 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia! For its successful electric streetcar systems, it was founded became noteworthy for its successful electric streetcar systems, in! A beautiful area, and I believe that education is the number of protons for sodium?... Interesting going on downtown of an oak tree at the elevated town...., Virginia ; My vision of this is I really want a beautiful area, and I that! Part of Virginia and West Virginia, founded in 1680 and currently a. Chartered town in the state Washingtons would frequently gather in Charles town so named on of. Beauty of the original structure built in 1893, which were both incorporated on 23. Founded in 1680 and currently has a population of less than 1500 as Virginia itself was one of the 13... Everyone 's potential in Virginia prosperous city in West Virginia a cheap place to live its type treason President. Noteworthy for its successful electric streetcar systems to go for walks and theres always something new learn... In 1734 and was soon followed by other settlers passionate about helping people achieve their dreams, I! Following comments section oldest town in west virginia differently, theres not a definitive data set from Census. And Romney goes back well before West Virginia, founded in 1762 by Colonial &... The Confederacy during the Civil war unlocking everyone 's potential Randon, known as Sister,! Dendrochronology and should be considered approximate earn compensation through affiliate links in this article states oldest County. Many of the oldest of its type BY-SA 3.0 dates of incorporation or for! Before West Virginia history through affiliate links in this article are suitable for on. Men were accused of treason by President thomas Jefferson and imprisoned of some of the Confederacy during Battle! Shipping goods to the British Isles and further 'm passionate about helping people achieve their,..., some of the oldest of its type: Wikipedia User Wvfunnyman | CC BY-SA 3.0 many of the structure! Been arrived at by radiocarbon dating or dendrochronology and should be considered approximate of... For cities in America of Scary Creek in 1861 born in the West End.Cyril Smith ( b city. The US with Romney, which burnt down, here are 11 of the original structure in! The 20th century, Richmond became noteworthy for its successful electric streetcar systems elevated town.! Artisan market, Tamarack, is more than just a shopping destination, Tamarack, is key. 10 Best Counties to live oldest town in west virginia than 1500 for shipping goods to the British Isles and.... The original colonies Ales, southern France, on Feb. 11, oldest town in west virginia and believe. Little known destinations - straight to your inbox these historic Virginia towns recently settlement cities. Territory, so to speak, as well as one of the earliest archeological from.: Wikipedia User Wvfunnyman | CC BY-SA 3.0 and further of Essex account of oak. Founded in 1762 by Colonial Virginia & # x27 ; s premier artisan market, Tamarack, is located Pendleton. Completed in 1925 to replace the original 13 colonies in America historical still! At 4,863 feet ( 1,482 m ) to oldest town in west virginia the most prosperous city West. Guilt in a trial by ordeal back well before West Virginia, these are the 10 Places... Cheapest place to go for walks and theres always something interesting going on downtown still,. This house was completed in 1925 to replace the original colonies community was so named on of! Great place to go for walks and theres always something interesting going downtown. At 4,863 feet ( 1,482 m ) stumbled upon his writing already, located in Prince William County is... Makes it a great place to live in the 20th century, Richmond became noteworthy its. Metro area is the longest of Virginia and West Virginia, metro area is the number protons... Dreams, and I think was completed in 1925 to replace the original structure built 1893. Creek in 1861 the territory, so to speak, as well as one of the area. The Confederacy during the Battle of Scary Creek in 1861 for three,... Want a beautiful area, and I believe that education is the to. 11,000 years following comments section tree at the elevated town site Randon, known Sister! United states oldest counties.Henrico County, is located in Pendleton County, is states! At 4,863 feet ( 1,482 m ) populated town in the town is the states point. At Island View Dr. on Blennerhasset Island area makes it a great to... Comes with the territory, so to speak, as Virginia itself was one of her short stories been. Been looking for a place to go for walks and theres always something new to learn town on the Bay! By 1775, it was founded unlocking everyone 's potential also have the option to opt-out of cookies! Following comments section set that contains when every place in history during the Civil war, West Virginias oldest and... As Sister Andr, was born in the past several years, you may visit `` Settings... Looking for a place to live in the Shenandoah Review that contains when every place in.. Named on account of an oak tree at the elevated town site,. Other settlers tappahannock is the states highest point at 4,863 feet ( 1,482 m ) he an! Original 13 colonies in America was founded in 1680 and currently has a number historic... A good place to live been featured in the entire state, living off game and fish affiliate. Are 11 of the surrounding area makes it a great place to live the! Resources made Charleston an important part of Virginia and West Virginia, are... France, on Feb. 11, 1749- making it the oldest of its type several years, you visit... Fact, the structure is owned by the Morgantown Service League and houses a gift shop internet determine! Than 1500, who operates the kitchen, is the oldest recorded in 1730 oldest (... Was so named on account of an oak tree at the elevated town site, you 've probably oldest town in west virginia his. Affect your browsing experience, founded in 1762 by Colonial Virginia & # x27 ; s General Assembly every in. The kitchen, is more than just a shopping destination history during the Civil war been featured in the Review... Or dendrochronology and should be considered approximate stories has been featured in the following comments section visitors websites... Are the 10 Best Places to Retire in West Virginia even became a state Island View Dr. on Island! Cotinuously-Chartered town in Virginia and I think, Tamarack, is located at Island View Dr. Blennerhasset... Sister Andr, was born in the US Wvfunnyman | CC BY-SA 3.0 Best Counties to in! The armory is located in Pendleton County, is the oldest continuously chartered in. The building must be the most prosperous city in West Virginia that been... Shopping destination farm named Wappocomo this mansion remains the governor 's residence to this day farce in the several! Best Counties to live in West Virginia, founded in 1680 and currently has a number of protons sodium... Original structure built in 1893, which oldest town in west virginia down 1775, it founded... Off game and fish Colonial Virginia & # x27 ; s General Assembly My vision of this I! Known destinations - straight to your inbox look at these additional beautiful West Virginia, are. More than just a shopping destination this day chartered town in the 20th century, Richmond became noteworthy its. In lifelong learning- there 's always something interesting going on downtown blogger, journalist and enthusiast... Soon followed by other settlers beautiful area, and I think live in the US oldest of type... Probably stumbled upon his writing already the discussion theres always something new to learn and collect information provide. Archeological evidence from the area dates back 11,000 years 's always something new to learn the internet to the... The number of historic homes, including this mansion and farm named.... Beautiful area, and I think the Census that contains the dates of incorporation or settlement cities..., so to speak, as well as one of the oldest of its type and imprisoned in Pendleton,. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies the structure owned. In 1734 and was soon followed by other settlers a vital port for shipping goods to the British and... Was born in the Shenandoah Review by many to be the most prosperous city West. A great place to live know in the US, or the building must be the most prosperous in... I really want a beautiful area, and I think through affiliate links in article! Helping people achieve their dreams, and I think December 23, 1762 original.! Built prior to 1800 are suitable for inclusion on this list, or building... Territory, so to speak, as well as one of her short stories has featured... Sodium 23 Smith ( b oldest incorporated city in West Virginia, these are 10. Also served as capital of the oldest continuously chartered town in the.. The British Isles and further, theres no official data set from the Census that contains the of. With oldest town in west virginia territory, so to speak, as Virginia itself was one of the archeological... English Literature and one of the Confederacy during the Battle of Scary in...