Hampshire County, West Virginia

Abandonment of Fort Mill Ridge An Outpost in Enemy Territory Bloomery Iron Furnace / Bloomery Gap Skirmish Blue's Gap Battle Camp Washington Capon Lake Whipple Truss Bridge Capon Springs Captain George W. Stump Confederate Memorial Construction of Fort Mill Ridge Control of the Mechanicsburg Gap Easton Family Homesite Edward's Fort Stockade Replica Engagement at Romney Engagement with McNeill's Rangers Fight at Bloomery Gap Fort Edwards Fort Forman Fort Mill Ridge Fort Mill Ridge Trenches Fort Pearsall 1754 Forts in Col. George Washington's Chain of Forts Guarding the Eighteenth Century Virginia Froniter Gen. Braddock is Defeated Gilbert Proctor Miller Grapeshot Among the Pines Hampshire County / Virginia Hampshire County Courthouse Hampshire County World War I Memorial High Knob Historic Whipple Truss Ice Mountain In Memory Indian Mound Indian Mound Cemetery Interior of the Central Redoubt Jackson's Headquarters Lew Wallace's Raid on Romney Mechanicsburg Gap / Col. Claudius Crozet Mount Bethel Church Mt. Pisgah Benevolence Cemetery My Dream Northwestern Turnpike Old District Parsonage Old Literary Hall Oriskany Sand Oriskany Sand Pinoak Fountain Presbyterian Church Romney / Early Memorial Romney in 1861–1865 / “Stonewall” Jackson Romney In The Civil War Romney in Union Hands Romney's Oldest House Soldiers and Settlers Some French and Indian War Incidents in Hampshire County Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Taggart-Hall House The Central Redoubt The Civil War in the South Branch Valley The Ditch as a Second Line of Defense The Great Raid The Guns Of Jacob Sheetz The Ken Edmonds Memorial Heritage Trail The Stone House To Our Hero Dead In World War II Town of Romney United States Navy Recruiting Aids Facility Veterans Memorial W. Va School for the Deaf and Blind W.VA.'s Oldest Public Office Building Wire Bridge Engagement “Caudy’s Castle”
Hampshire County, located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th-century colonial era. The county was established in 1754, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. It was named after the English county of Hampshire and was originally part of the vast Virginia Colony.

In its early years, Hampshire County played a significant role in the American Revolution and the subsequent westward expansion. The area was strategically important due to its position along major transportation routes and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. Hampshire County saw several skirmishes and battles during the Revolution and the later conflicts, including the Civil War.

During the Civil War, Hampshire County saw divided loyalties, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The region experienced raids and skirmishes from both sides, causing widespread destruction and hardship for its inhabitants. However, Hampshire County remained firmly in Union control throughout the war and was a haven for Confederate deserters seeking refuge.

In the years following the war, Hampshire County experienced a period of recovery and growth. Agriculture, particularly farming and livestock production, became the backbone of the county's economy. The county also gained attention as a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, thanks to its scenic beauty and abundance of natural resources.

Today, Hampshire County continues to preserve its rich history while embracing modern development. The county is home to many historical sites and landmarks, including the Hampshire County Courthouse, the oldest continuously operating courthouse in West Virginia. Hampshire County's natural landscape and recreational opportunities make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Hampshire County, West Virginia:

  • 1754 - Hampshire County is established by the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1756 - The French and Indian War breaks out, affecting Hampshire County.
  • 1777 - Hampshire County becomes part of the newly formed state of West Virginia.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and Hampshire County becomes a borderland between Union and Confederate forces.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Romney takes place in Hampshire County.
  • 1863 - Hampshire County is raided multiple times by Confederate forces.
  • 1866 - The West Virginia Colored Institute is established in Hampshire County, later becoming West Virginia State University.
  • 1871 - The Potomac River is bridged at North River Mills, connecting Hampshire County to Maryland.
  • 1933 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes Camp MP-1 in Hampshire County, providing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression.
  • 2012 - Hampshire County celebrates its 250th anniversary.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hampshire County, West Virginia.