Historical Markers in
Upshur County, West Virginia

Battle of Middle Fork Bridge Buckhannon / Frontier Days C.E. Mylius Building Carpenter Building 1923 Charles Burton "Charley" Harper Cleveland Crislip & Simpson Building D. D. T. Farnsworth Dairy Queen / Buckhannon City Hall Destruction at the Courthouse Explorations West of Blue Ridge / 8 East Main Street / Strawberry Festival 1936 French Creek G.C. Murphy Company / G.O. Young Drug Store George R. Latham God Is My Witness Gray Roscoe Barker Harrison County Honor Roll In Tribute to and in Memory of Buckhannon Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. J.A. Davis Ice Cream Parlor / 1894 Fire on West Main Street Jenkins in Buckhannon Joyce S. Stockert Kesler's Raid Kiddy Building 1932 Leonard Mactaggart "Pare" Lorentz Lorentz McClellan's Buckhannon Camp Operation Desert Storm Memorial Population Center Pringle Tree Pringle Tree Pringle Tree Reger Building 1900 Resting Place Shinn Building 1892 Stockert Building / People's Grocery & Home Hardware Stockert Building 1904 Strawberry Festival / Tillotson Janney House The Bassel House The Bicentennial Sycamore Tree The History Center The Lurch Bench The Pringle Tree The West Virginia Strawberry Festival Upshur County Courthouses / Rainbow Restaurant Upshur County Veterans War Dead Memorial Upshur Militia Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Webster County / Upshur County
The first rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
West Virginia random facts
Upshur County, West Virginia has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois and Shawnee, who relied on the area's fertile land and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, with the first permanent settlement established in what is now Upshur County in 1772.

During the American Civil War, Upshur County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and Confederate causes. The county saw several military engagements, including the Battle of Philippi, which took place in nearby Barbour County and marked a significant victory for Union forces. After the war, Upshur County experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding, focusing on agriculture, timber, and coal mining.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Upshur County began to prosper, with an increase in population and economic development. The discovery of natural gas and oil reserves in the region brought further growth and attracted new industries. The county became home to thriving businesses, schools, and churches. Additionally, the construction of railroads and improved transportation infrastructure enhanced connectivity and facilitated trade.

Today, Upshur County continues to boast a diverse and vibrant community. The county's cultural heritage is celebrated through annual events like the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which draws visitors from far and wide. The area also offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping in the nearby state parks and forests. With its mixture of historical charm and natural beauty, Upshur County remains an important part of West Virginia's heritage and economy.

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

  • 1762: Upshur County is part of the vast Augusta County, Virginia.
  • 1785: Present-day West Virginia becomes part of Virginia.
  • 1793: Upshur County is established in Virginia.
  • 1851: Buckhannon is established as the county seat of Upshur County.
  • 1861-1865: Upshur County experiences impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1863: West Virginia becomes a separate state from Virginia.
  • 1871: A major fire destroys much of Buckhannon.
  • 1889: West Virginia Wesleyan College is founded in Buckhannon.
  • 1930s: Upshur County's economy suffers from the Great Depression.
  • 1952: Stonewall Jackson Lake is created as a result of the Stonewall Jackson Dam.
  • 2001: The Sago Mine disaster takes place in Upshur County.