Aspen Hall
a.k.a. Beeson, Edward, House
End of Boyd Ave., Martinsburg, WVAspen Hall is very significant for its Georgian architecture. It's the largest, most Legant, and one of the oldest, if not the oldest, house ia Martinsburg, built high on a hill above the Tuscarora Creek. Its 300 acres border the land that Adam Stephen laid out for the town of Martinsburg. Its builder, Edward Beeson II was a wealthy, prominent, and influential Quaker. It was Edward Beeson who owned the "Red House" where the first Berkeley Court met in 1772, where he was residing, while he was building his fine mansion. While other Quakers were dismissed from the Quaker church for furnishing supplies during the Revolutionary War Edward Beeson was paid for furnishing supplies and still remained a prominent, active member. Edward Beeson II's grandfather, Richard Beeson, Sr., was among the early prominent Quaker settlers of the State of West Virginia, settling bere long the Tuscarora Creek in 1735 from Lancaster Township, Chester Co., Pa.' He purchased a large tract of land of 1,650 acres (actually closer to 3,000 acres whes surveyed) taking in about 1/2 of Tuscarora Creek. Edward Beeson II acted as one of the early trustees of Martinsburg. He operated a grist mill on his Aspen Hall plantation and acquired 631 acres on the plantation and other lands in Berkeley County. In 1813 he paid tax on 954 acres in Berkeley County. He died in May 1827. He bequeathed over $72,000 to his heirs.
Aspen Hall was sold by his executors in 1821 to Mathew Ranson of Jefferson County. It then passed to another prominent, influential Berkeley Countian John W. Stewart who was prosperous and owned much property in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. At his death, Aspen Hall went to his son William T. Stewart who resided there. I was sold out of the Stewart family in 1926. The Charles Shimp family has owned Aspen Hall since 1929. It was later rented as apartments. The 1798 house tax for Berkeley County, Va., which included all of present Berkeley and Jefferson Cos. and 3/4 of present Morgan Co., lists Aspen Hall as the second most valuable house in Berkeley County, valued at $2,362.50.
Aspen Hall is one of the finest buildings of its period that can be found anywhere in the United States. Built by a very wealthy family, its classic architecture is significant. The entrance hall is 40 feet long.
Aspen Hall was sold by his executors in 1821 to Mathew Ranson of Jefferson County. It then passed to another prominent, influential Berkeley Countian John W. Stewart who was prosperous and owned much property in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. At his death, Aspen Hall went to his son William T. Stewart who resided there. I was sold out of the Stewart family in 1926. The Charles Shimp family has owned Aspen Hall since 1929. It was later rented as apartments. The 1798 house tax for Berkeley County, Va., which included all of present Berkeley and Jefferson Cos. and 3/4 of present Morgan Co., lists Aspen Hall as the second most valuable house in Berkeley County, valued at $2,362.50.
Aspen Hall is one of the finest buildings of its period that can be found anywhere in the United States. Built by a very wealthy family, its classic architecture is significant. The entrance hall is 40 feet long.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
The West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, operated from 1866 to 1995, and was known for its harsh conditions and numerous executions. The prison is now a tourist attraction and offers tours of the facility.
About Berkeley County
Berkeley County Timeline
Berkeley County, West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Tuscarora and the Seneca, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 17th century, European settlers started arriving in the region, primarily from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany.
In 1772, Berkeley County was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly and named after Irish philosopher and bishop George Berkeley. The county's location along the Potomac River made it an important transportation route, leading to increased trade and economic growth in the area. During the American Revolutionary War, Berkeley County played a significant role as it provided troops and supplies for the Continental Army.
The early 19th century brought about the expansion of industry and infrastructure in Berkeley County. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s further facilitated trade and development, connecting the county to major markets. The county's economy thrived with the establishment of iron foundries, mills, orchards, and tobacco farming.
Berkeley County experienced various significant events during the Civil War. While the county itself remained under Union control, it saw several small-scale battles and skirmishes. Despite the devastation caused by the war, the county bounced back and witnessed growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and education during the latter part of the 19th century.
Today, Berkeley County continues to be a growing and thriving community. Its proximity to major cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, as well as its picturesque rural landscapes, make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Berkeley County Courthouse, which was built in 1854 and still stands as a symbol of the area's past. With a blend of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, Berkeley County remains an important and vibrant part of West Virginia's heritage.
In 1772, Berkeley County was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly and named after Irish philosopher and bishop George Berkeley. The county's location along the Potomac River made it an important transportation route, leading to increased trade and economic growth in the area. During the American Revolutionary War, Berkeley County played a significant role as it provided troops and supplies for the Continental Army.
The early 19th century brought about the expansion of industry and infrastructure in Berkeley County. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s further facilitated trade and development, connecting the county to major markets. The county's economy thrived with the establishment of iron foundries, mills, orchards, and tobacco farming.
Berkeley County experienced various significant events during the Civil War. While the county itself remained under Union control, it saw several small-scale battles and skirmishes. Despite the devastation caused by the war, the county bounced back and witnessed growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and education during the latter part of the 19th century.
Today, Berkeley County continues to be a growing and thriving community. Its proximity to major cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, as well as its picturesque rural landscapes, make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Berkeley County Courthouse, which was built in 1854 and still stands as a symbol of the area's past. With a blend of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, Berkeley County remains an important and vibrant part of West Virginia's heritage.
Berkeley County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Berkeley County, West Virginia.
- 1745 - Berkeley County, WV was established as the second county in the state of West Virginia.
- Late 1700s - Berkeley County became an important center for commerce and trade due to its location along major transportation routes.
- 1863 - During the American Civil War, Berkeley County was occupied by Union forces.
- 1878 - The Martinsburg Roundhouse, a significant railroad facility, was completed in Berkeley County.
- Late 19th century - Berkeley County experienced industrial and economic growth, with the establishment of glass manufacturing, textile mills, and other industries.
- 20th century - Berkeley County saw continued development and population growth, becoming an important suburban area and commuter hub for nearby metropolitan areas.
- Present - Berkeley County is home to a diverse population and continues to experience growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and tourism.