Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops
a.k.a. See Also: 80004415
300 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WVThe B&O Railroad Martinsburg complex is one of the most important railroad sites in the United States. It possesses national significance in not one, but two distinct areas.
First, the shops are a unique example of innovative nineteenth-century engineering and industrial architecture. In particular, the West Roundhouse possesses an early cast-iron framing system devised by a renowned nineteenth-century civil engineer, railroad manager, and economist Albert Fink. It is also the oldest fully covered roundhouse in the United States. The two auxiliary shop buildings, the Machine/Woodworking Shop and Car Shop were designed by nineteenth-century architect Johann Niernsee and are among the B&O's most significant remaining structures from the post-Civil War period. Individually the buildings are significant from an engineering standpoint, but as a group, these three structures form a stellar collection of nineteenth-century railroad buildings.
Second, the shops played a major role in the first days of "The Great Railway Strike of 1877," a pivotal episode in American labor history. Following an aborted work stoppage by a handful of B&O employees in Baltimore on the morning of July 16, 1877, railroad workers at the Martinsburg shops stopped work en-masse. The killing of a striker outside the Martinsburg Shops the next morning helped spark and solidify the violent nationwide protest against the low wages paid to industrial workers. At Martinsburg, the strike unfolded in and around the shops, yet the complex escaped the destruction that occurred at many other railroad centers where strike activity occurred.
The combination of two areas of significance requires an extended examination of the complex's importance. In the narrative below, the technological significance of the shops is discussed first and the labor significance of the shops second.
Local significance of the building:
First, the shops are a unique example of innovative nineteenth-century engineering and industrial architecture. In particular, the West Roundhouse possesses an early cast-iron framing system devised by a renowned nineteenth-century civil engineer, railroad manager, and economist Albert Fink. It is also the oldest fully covered roundhouse in the United States. The two auxiliary shop buildings, the Machine/Woodworking Shop and Car Shop were designed by nineteenth-century architect Johann Niernsee and are among the B&O's most significant remaining structures from the post-Civil War period. Individually the buildings are significant from an engineering standpoint, but as a group, these three structures form a stellar collection of nineteenth-century railroad buildings.
Second, the shops played a major role in the first days of "The Great Railway Strike of 1877," a pivotal episode in American labor history. Following an aborted work stoppage by a handful of B&O employees in Baltimore on the morning of July 16, 1877, railroad workers at the Martinsburg shops stopped work en-masse. The killing of a striker outside the Martinsburg Shops the next morning helped spark and solidify the violent nationwide protest against the low wages paid to industrial workers. At Martinsburg, the strike unfolded in and around the shops, yet the complex escaped the destruction that occurred at many other railroad centers where strike activity occurred.
The combination of two areas of significance requires an extended examination of the complex's importance. In the narrative below, the technological significance of the shops is discussed first and the labor significance of the shops second.
Transportation; Engineering; Architecture; Invention; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
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 only state in the United States to be created as a result of the Civil War. In 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union, but many residents in the western part of the state opposed secession and eventually formed their own state, which was admitted to the Union in 1863.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.