Boydville Historic District
Roughly bounded by W. Stephen, S. Spring, and S. Queen Sts., including Boydville grounds, Martinsburg, WVThe Boydville District is significant as the affluent residential area of Martinsburg. Many of its architecturally/historically significant buildings were built or became the homes of the military, political, and business leaders who served in the Federal, State, and local governments. -t is significant as the site of the early 1778 Episcopal Church and Catholic Church (1825) and the cemetery (1802) which contains outstanding sculpture work. Also the burial site and monument of Gen. Adam Stephen, founder of Martinsburg. The area also contains an early 1883 architecturally/historically significant Public Graded School.
Located on the south side of originally platted Martinsburg, it was here that the Episcopal Church and cemetery were established in 1778. The church was used until the 1840s when the congregation moved to West King St. Just across the street from the Episcopal Cemetery on W. South St, the Catholics established a cemetery in 1802 and a church in 1825 which was used until the 1840s. Both cemeteries are surrounded by stone walls and have outstanding grave markers. The demure angel, life-size, holding a wreath located near the Episcopal cemetery entrance is an outstanding example. The cemeteries add a scenic view and space to the elegant mansions located east of the cemeteries in the 400 and 500 blocks of S. Queen St. The private Boydville cemetery joins the Episcopal Cemetery on the south side. In the 600 block of S. Queen St. is "Boydville". Its spacious lawn with large trees extends almost the length of a block to the significant Georgian mansion. To the north adjoins the southern corner of the Episcopal Cemetery is the "law office", one of the outstanding dependencies of Boydville. On the west of the mansion are the original smokehouse, ice house, washhouse, and summer kitchen. The 1812 Boydville estate is already listed in The National Register. Known for its fine interior woodwork and original 1812 wallpaper in the hall, it has few equals in the State and Nation. As Martinsburg grew and became more wealthy so did this area of the town.
The west side of the 400 blocks of s. Queen St. Which originally contained the early 1795 home of Elisha Boyd and the home of Gen. Adan Stephen's daughter acquired fine architecture or historically significant buildings the 1883 Public High School, a beautiful High Victorian Gothic style building at 401, the 1880s brick Presbyterian Manse at 407 the brick Alexander Parks, Jr. house, at 409. Alexander Parks was a leading businessman in Martinsburg and built a large brick house. The Sheriff McDonald Miller house at 413 is a frame house with Palladian windows and elliptical windows, and The Link Emmert house at 417 is a very fine Queen Anne house that has wood sheathing and shingle covering various wall planes. Allen Emmert was associated with Emmert and Sons who ran a leading dry goods store in Martinsburg for over 50 years. On the east side of the 400 blocks is the Martin house at 418, one of the oldest homes on the street and the former honor of Clarence E. Martin, born March 13, 1880, and began the practice of law in Martins burg in 1901. Martin was president of the West Virginia Bar Assn. in 1924 and president of the American Bar Assn in 1932-33. In 1927 he was named president of the American Catholic Historical Assn.
Local significance of the district:
Located on the south side of originally platted Martinsburg, it was here that the Episcopal Church and cemetery were established in 1778. The church was used until the 1840s when the congregation moved to West King St. Just across the street from the Episcopal Cemetery on W. South St, the Catholics established a cemetery in 1802 and a church in 1825 which was used until the 1840s. Both cemeteries are surrounded by stone walls and have outstanding grave markers. The demure angel, life-size, holding a wreath located near the Episcopal cemetery entrance is an outstanding example. The cemeteries add a scenic view and space to the elegant mansions located east of the cemeteries in the 400 and 500 blocks of S. Queen St. The private Boydville cemetery joins the Episcopal Cemetery on the south side. In the 600 block of S. Queen St. is "Boydville". Its spacious lawn with large trees extends almost the length of a block to the significant Georgian mansion. To the north adjoins the southern corner of the Episcopal Cemetery is the "law office", one of the outstanding dependencies of Boydville. On the west of the mansion are the original smokehouse, ice house, washhouse, and summer kitchen. The 1812 Boydville estate is already listed in The National Register. Known for its fine interior woodwork and original 1812 wallpaper in the hall, it has few equals in the State and Nation. As Martinsburg grew and became more wealthy so did this area of the town.
The west side of the 400 blocks of s. Queen St. Which originally contained the early 1795 home of Elisha Boyd and the home of Gen. Adan Stephen's daughter acquired fine architecture or historically significant buildings the 1883 Public High School, a beautiful High Victorian Gothic style building at 401, the 1880s brick Presbyterian Manse at 407 the brick Alexander Parks, Jr. house, at 409. Alexander Parks was a leading businessman in Martinsburg and built a large brick house. The Sheriff McDonald Miller house at 413 is a frame house with Palladian windows and elliptical windows, and The Link Emmert house at 417 is a very fine Queen Anne house that has wood sheathing and shingle covering various wall planes. Allen Emmert was associated with Emmert and Sons who ran a leading dry goods store in Martinsburg for over 50 years. On the east side of the 400 blocks is the Martin house at 418, one of the oldest homes on the street and the former honor of Clarence E. Martin, born March 13, 1880, and began the practice of law in Martins burg in 1901. Martin was president of the West Virginia Bar Assn. in 1924 and president of the American Bar Assn in 1932-33. In 1927 he was named president of the American Catholic Historical Assn.
Landscape Architecture; Economics; Military; Education; Architecture
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.
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.
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.