Boydville
601 S. Queen St., Martinsburg, WVBoydville in Martinsburg, W.Va., is notable for its land, its buildings, and the people who lived in them.
The mansion, erected in 1812, but still, along with its numerous outbuildings in a remarkably fine state of preservation, stands on land granted by Lord Fairfax in 1754 to Morgan Morgan, West Virginia's first settler. The property later came into the possession of General Adam Stephen, long a military associate of George Washington, and then John Boyd, one of the earliest settlers of Berkeley County.
John Boyd's youngest son, Elisha, became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate; commander of the Fourth Virginia Regiment in the War of 1812; and was elected Brigadier-General by the Virginia Assembly in 1830.
It was Elisha Boyd who built "Boydville," leaving it in his will to his daughter Mary at his death in 1841. Mary had been wedded.to Charles J. Faulkner I, son of Major James Faulkner of Martinsburg, a merchant who had distinguished himself in the defense of Craney Island, near Norfolk, as commander of a volunteer company in the War of 1812.
Faulkner (1806-1884), a graduate of Georgetown University, and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates urged the gradual abolition of slavery. He condemned the South Carolina doctrine of nullification but otherwise supported the state's rights doctrine of Calhoun. He earned a widespread reputation as an advocate of war with Mexico and the annexation of Texas, even to the extent of offering to pay volunteers for their services.
Regionally, Faulkner will be remembered for his skill in adjudicating the boundary dispute between Virginia and Maryland, acting as Governor John Floyd's commissioner.
on the national scene, Faulkner will be remembered for his service in the House of Representatives, 1851-59 and 1875-77, and for notable services rendered as Buchanan's Minister to France, 1859-61. During the Civil War, he served as assistant adjutant-general under Stonewall Jackson, preparing Jofficial battle reports from Jackson's rough notes. As temporary president of the West Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1872, he was influential in framing the constitution of that year.
Local significance of the district:
The mansion, erected in 1812, but still, along with its numerous outbuildings in a remarkably fine state of preservation, stands on land granted by Lord Fairfax in 1754 to Morgan Morgan, West Virginia's first settler. The property later came into the possession of General Adam Stephen, long a military associate of George Washington, and then John Boyd, one of the earliest settlers of Berkeley County.
John Boyd's youngest son, Elisha, became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate; commander of the Fourth Virginia Regiment in the War of 1812; and was elected Brigadier-General by the Virginia Assembly in 1830.
It was Elisha Boyd who built "Boydville," leaving it in his will to his daughter Mary at his death in 1841. Mary had been wedded.to Charles J. Faulkner I, son of Major James Faulkner of Martinsburg, a merchant who had distinguished himself in the defense of Craney Island, near Norfolk, as commander of a volunteer company in the War of 1812.
Faulkner (1806-1884), a graduate of Georgetown University, and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates urged the gradual abolition of slavery. He condemned the South Carolina doctrine of nullification but otherwise supported the state's rights doctrine of Calhoun. He earned a widespread reputation as an advocate of war with Mexico and the annexation of Texas, even to the extent of offering to pay volunteers for their services.
Regionally, Faulkner will be remembered for his skill in adjudicating the boundary dispute between Virginia and Maryland, acting as Governor John Floyd's commissioner.
on the national scene, Faulkner will be remembered for his service in the House of Representatives, 1851-59 and 1875-77, and for notable services rendered as Buchanan's Minister to France, 1859-61. During the Civil War, he served as assistant adjutant-general under Stonewall Jackson, preparing Jofficial battle reports from Jackson's rough notes. As temporary president of the West Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1872, he was influential in framing the constitution of that year.
Military; Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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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The New River Gorge Bridge, located in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was completed in 1977 and spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.