National Register Listing

Barbour County Courthouse

Court Sq., Philippi, WV
The Durlacher Residence is significant in the area of community planning and development. The property signifies the importance of merchants living in the area and building large homes as a display of their wealth and influence. The Durlacher Residence is significant as an early example of these homes. This residence, in its neighborhood setting, conveys the residential development pattern in the southern portion of the original plat during the late nineteenth century. It also remains as one of the most well preserved of this group of substantial, merchant-built homes and serves as a testament to the success of his business and the prominence of Durlacher's family in the community
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

law courthouses buildings
West Virginia is home to the Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. It is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and is located in the Allegheny Mountains.
West Virginia random facts
Barbour County, located in West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who utilized the region's abundant natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

European settlers began arriving in the late 1770s, with the first permanent settlement established in 1780. The county was officially created in 1843, named after Philip Pendleton Barbour, an influential Virginia politician. During the 1800s, Barbour County became an important center for agriculture, logging, and later, coal mining.

Barbour County played an important role during the American Civil War. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces, including the Battle of Philippi in 1861, which is considered the first organized land battle of the war. Following the war, the county experienced economic growth as industries such as lumber and textiles flourished.

In the 20th century, Barbour County continued to evolve, with the advent of modern transportation and infrastructure. The construction of railroads allowed for easier access to markets, while the expansion of roads and bridges further connected the county to neighboring areas. Today, Barbour County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and tight-knit communities that preserve its historical heritage.

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

  • 1789: Barbour County is established as a county in what was then Virginia.
  • 1820: Philippi becomes the county seat of Barbour County.
  • 1861-1865: Barbour County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1863: The Battle of Philippi takes place, marking the first organized land action of the war.
  • 1929: A flood devastates the communities in Barbour County.
  • 1972: Audra State Park is established in the county.
  • 1990: The Barbour County Historical Museum is opened in Philippi.