National Register Listing

Downtown Elkins Historic District

Roughly bounded by Railroad Ave., Fifth St., Randolph Ave., Henry Ave. and First St., Elkins, WV
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program established during the Great Depression to provide employment and training to young men, built many of West Virginia's state parks and recreational areas.
West Virginia random facts
Randolph County, West Virginia, has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seneca and Shawnee, who hunted and fished along the rivers and lived off the land. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the abundant natural resources and fertile land.

The county was officially established in 1787 and named after Edmund Jennings Randolph, the first Attorney General of the United States. The early years were marked by conflicts with Native American tribes and the establishment of fortresses for protection, such as Fort Strader. During the American Civil War, Randolph County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. This led to a number of skirmishes and raids throughout the region.

Following the war, Randolph County experienced economic growth and development. The timber industry became a major source of income, with numerous sawmills and logging operations established throughout the county. The railroad arrived in the late 1800s, bringing further economic opportunities and connecting Randolph County to larger markets.

Today, Randolph County is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is home to parts of the Monongahela National Forest, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The town of Elkins, which serves as the county seat, has a vibrant arts and culture scene and is home to Davis & Elkins College. Randolph County continues to evolve and thrive, maintaining a balance between preserving its history and embracing new opportunities for growth.

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

  • 1787: Randolph County, WV is established on October 16th as part of Virginia.
  • 1808: The town of Beverly is incorporated.
  • 1861: West Virginia secedes from Virginia and becomes a separate state during the Civil War.
  • 1864: The Battle of Rich Mountain takes place in Randolph County during the Civil War.
  • 1900: The City of Elkins is incorporated.
  • 1935: The Monongahela National Forest is established, including parts of Randolph County.
  • 1968: The Tygart Valley Homesteads are added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1989: The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad begins excursion train rides in Randolph County.
  • 1998: The Mountain State Forest Festival celebrates its 62nd year in Elkins.
  • 2019: Randolph County celebrates its 232nd anniversary.