Philippi B & O Railroad Station
a.k.a. Barbour County Historical Society Museum
146 N. Main St., Philippi, WVFor three years the road ran only to Philippi. Then in 1887, the road was extended to Belington. It continued to run on a narrow-gauge until 1891 when the B&O bought the road and make it a standard gauge. Extensions were made from time to time. By 1920 there had been a great expansion of railroad service -- six passenger trains a day went through Philippi including trains between Pittsburgh and Charleston.
In January 1911 the present station, now known as the Museum, was built. It was substantial and of the Mission architectural style. The interior was designed with a spacious waiting room, men's and women's waiting rooms with toilets, a ticket office, a small supply room, an express room with a floor made of wood blocks resembling large bricks, a small basement with furnace, red tile floor, and perhaps one would say, a sophisticated atmosphere.
By 1956 service on the railroad had dwindled to one passenger train each way per day, consisting of baggage and mail car, and one passenger car. Even this failed to make its way, and train service was completely discontinued. Now coal trains are all that move through Philippi. The whistling of the passenger trains is only in the memories of townspeople.
After 1956 the B&O used the station as a workshop. The building deteriorated seriously. In 1979 the City of Philippi purchased the building and grounds for $75,000. The historical society then leased the building for an "indefinite" period. From 1981 until June 1985 the society worked on raising funds and restoring the building, spending over $100,000. It was dedicated on June 3, 1985, for the people of Philippi and Barbour County.
Local significance of the building:
In January 1911 the present station, now known as the Museum, was built. It was substantial and of the Mission architectural style. The interior was designed with a spacious waiting room, men's and women's waiting rooms with toilets, a ticket office, a small supply room, an express room with a floor made of wood blocks resembling large bricks, a small basement with furnace, red tile floor, and perhaps one would say, a sophisticated atmosphere.
By 1956 service on the railroad had dwindled to one passenger train each way per day, consisting of baggage and mail car, and one passenger car. Even this failed to make its way, and train service was completely discontinued. Now coal trains are all that move through Philippi. The whistling of the passenger trains is only in the memories of townspeople.
After 1956 the B&O used the station as a workshop. The building deteriorated seriously. In 1979 the City of Philippi purchased the building and grounds for $75,000. The historical society then leased the building for an "indefinite" period. From 1981 until June 1985 the society worked on raising funds and restoring the building, spending over $100,000. It was dedicated on June 3, 1985, for the people of Philippi and Barbour County.
Commerce; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
About National Register Listings
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.
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West Virginia is the leading producer of coal in the United States. The state's coal mining industry has a long history, dating back to the early 1800s, and has played a significant role in the state's economy. However, the industry has faced challenges in recent years due to environmental concerns and competition from other energy sources.
About Barbour County
Barbour County Timeline
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.
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.
Barbour County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.