Morgan County, West Virginia

A Castle Built for Love A Winter Refuge Bath Historic District Battle for Bath Berkeley Springs Berkeley Springs / James Rumsey Berkeley Springs Baths Berkeley Springs Sanitarium Berkeley Springs State Park Bryan Fairfax, Thomas Bryan Martin, & George William Fairfax Bryan Fairfax, Thomas Bryan Martin, & George William Fairfax Cacapon Mountain Overlook Cacapon State Park Cacapon State Park Picnic Grills Cacapon State Park Playground Equipment Camp Mud Campaign in the Snow Capt. John Swann Catholic War Memorial Centennial Time Capsule Center of Hospitality Charles Carroll Charles Carroll Charles Dick Charles T. O'Ferrall Charles Yates Community Services Building Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer / Robert Townsen Hose Dutch Cemetery Edward Lloyd Engagement at Great Cacapon Fielding Lewis Frederick Conrad Frederick Conrad / Robert Rutherford Frederick Duckwall, Jr. George Dick George Irwin Great Cacapon Hampshire County / Morgan County Harry Dorsey Gough Henry Whiting Henry Whiting / Angus McDonald / Jane and Katherine Dalton / Angus McDonald Hugh Walker Hugh Walker Hugh Walker In Memoriam James Elliott James Muir James Smith John Barns John Donovan John Donovan / Andrew Pearce / Andrew Pearce John Ridout John Smith and John Philpot Joseph Booth Joseph S. Wheat Judiah Higgins Lot owned by George Washington Lovers' Leap Morgan County / Hampshire County Morgan County Court House Stone Morgan County Veteran's Monument Morgan County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Mount Olive United Methodist Church Site Original Town of Bath Lots One and Two Oriskany Sand Overlook at Cacapon State Park Panorama Overlook Paw Paw / Paw Paw Tunnel / The Fruit Paw Paw Korean War Memorial Paw Paw, W. Va Honor Roll Prospect Peak Richard Graham Ridge Fish Hatchery Robert Brown Robert Carter Willis Robert Throckmorton, Jr. Roll of Honor Roman Bathhouse and Museum of the Berkeley Springs Sam Purviance / George Irwin Samuel Hughes Samuel Washington Sir John's Run Site of the Snyders Evangelical Church Skirmish at Sir Johns Run Solomon Smith Streetscapes Goes Green Tannery vs Hotels The Industrial North End The Sons and Daughters of Morgan County Thomas Ayers Thomas Blackbourne Thomas Lawson and John Orr Tuscarora (Clinton) Sand Welcome to Cacapon State Park West Virginia (Morgan County) / Maryland West Virginia (Morgan County) / Maryland West Virginia (Morgan County) / Virginia William Herbert / Dr. John Meade Travers William Ramsey and James Stuart William Weathers Windel Freshour "Stonewall" Jackson Hill
Morgan County, located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the pre-colonial era. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who utilized its abundant natural resources for hunting, fishing, and farming.

European settlement in Morgan County began in the mid-18th century with the arrival of German and Scotch-Irish immigrants. The area was initially part of Virginia's Frederick County before becoming part of the newly formed West Virginia in 1863 during the Civil War. The county was named after General Daniel Morgan, a renowned Revolutionary War hero.

Throughout the 19th century, the local economy of Morgan County revolved around agriculture, mainly focusing on the cultivation of corn, wheat, and livestock farming. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the 1830s and later the expansion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1840s further stimulated economic growth and transportation in the region.

In the 20th century, Morgan County experienced a shift towards tourism and recreational activities, with its natural beauty and access to the Potomac River attracting visitors from nearby urban areas. Today, the county remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the scenic beauty of the eastern panhandle. The historical Berkeley Springs State Park, once frequented by George Washington, also draws tourists with its healing mineral waters and charming spas.
Brief timeline of the history of Morgan County, West Virginia:

  • 1747: Morgan County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1762: The first European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1776: The area becomes part of the newly formed state of West Virginia.
  • 1801: The town of Bath, later known as Berkeley Springs, becomes the county seat.
  • 1863: During the Civil War, Morgan County is occupied by both Union and Confederate troops.
  • 1871: The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad reaches Berkeley Springs, boosting the local economy.
  • 1929: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county.
  • 1941: The construction of Cacapon State Park begins, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • 2004: The Lost River Valley is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
  • 2019: Morgan County celebrates its 272nd anniversary.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morgan County, West Virginia.