Cunningham, Samuel, House
a.k.a. Pleasant View Farm
SE of Hedgesville off WV 9, Hedgesville, WVThe Samuel Cunningham House, located near Hedgesville, Berkeley County, West Virginia, is a representative sample of the end of early, frontier-associated struggles in the farming life of the area, for it helps depict the beginnings of substantial growth and prosperity for those who would work diligently to improve their standing in a settled and established section. Perhaps this evolution reached its height in the person of William Cunningham, Samuel's son, who not only provided well for family heirs at the time of his death just prior to the Civil War but who also emancipated his slaves and devised a sizable allotment for their well being. The major dwelling house which was constructed by Samuel and added to by William is a fair example of a considerable farm residence that grew from the application of wealth gained largely through agriculture and real estate transactions.
By the beginning of the nineteenth century, Berkeley County, Virginia, established in 1772, had settled to a position more in the mainstream of life directed toward the state capital to the southeast and the new national capital at Washington. What until recently had been more or less on the fringes of the frontier had stabilized and grown in population after the Revolutionary War, and the gently rolling hills to the east of the North Mountain barrier continued to attract Washingtons, Lees, Tuckers, and others of prominent and established families. For the most part, though, the land drew the small farmer who carved out a living on stock which grazed in sight of numerous limestone outcroppings and often near woods or the stumps of trees recently removed. The second and third generations were building larger houses of stone, brick, or frame, sometimes adding to structures their ancestors had built. The day of the log house had long since gone, and readily available limestone could be seen in many fine farmhouses.
The numerous Hedges offspring in the area west of Martinsburg (the county seat) and near the gap of North Mountain that was destined to become Hedgesville were beginning to offer their extensive holdings--some improved and some not--to newer residents. Between 1815 and 1819, Samuel Cunningham purchased over one hundred acres of land along Warm Springs Road from the heirs of Benjamin Hedges. Before his death in 1824, Cunningham had what was to become, in the hands of his son, William, a substantial estate. One of the outstanding portions of Samuel's holdings was his dwelling which was situated on a rise overlooking his prosperous farm. In addition, he had accumulated enough wealth to retain several slaves.
Although not outstanding in style or feature, the limestone dwelling which Samuel Cunningham and their family occupied around 1820 was impressive, nonetheless. It consisted of a high, two-story main section and a lower, two-story wing which included a porch to its rear. The house was only one room deep, but in the main section, these rooms were about twenty-four feet long. On the first floor was a wide hall between the large dining room and parlor, and on the second level was the master bedroom, which was as large as the parlor below, and what appear to have been two smaller bedrooms. Appointments and woodwork were not elaborate, but the mantels on the main fireplaces, the built-in closets or presses in the master bedroom, deep-seated windows, and wainscoting on the first floor and stairwell gave the interior an appearance of being quite comfortable. About 1840 William added a two-story brick section which was attached to the lower stone unit and extended the house an additional eighteen feet. The overall length reached over seventy-two feet, presenting a fine picture of a substantial farmhouse associated with relatively well-to-do inhabitants.
Samuel's estate consisted of the house, land, several slaves and a fair amount of livestock when he died. His will provided for the disbursement of his chattels, cows, sheep, hogs and horses as well as at least $3,720 in cash. Sometime after 1832, his son William bought the interests in the house and most of the lands and set about a prosperous business. The census of 1850 showed the value of his real estate to have been $18,820, and by the time of his death in 1857, his estate consisted of land in Ohio as well as Berkeley County.
William was nothing short of magnanimous in his will. After providing well for his wife, he devised $9,400 outright to several nieces and nephews and offered his brother Hugh $200 per year until death. His concern for the well-being of his family extended even further, for two bequests of $500 each were to be applied to purposes of education, and at least five servants (he did not list them as slaves, but they were certainly Negroes) were to be emancipated and given $200 and a suit of clothes. In addition, one servant boy was to be hired out until twenty-one years of age to learn a good trade, presumably to be freed at that time.
The Cunningham House has remained in various branches of the family almost continuously to this day, and it is once again being maintained by descendants of Samuel and his offspring. For the most part, the major association with the house has been farming, and it seemed to have provided a comfortable living for early occupants, especially in the person of Samuel's son, William.
Local significance of the building:
By the beginning of the nineteenth century, Berkeley County, Virginia, established in 1772, had settled to a position more in the mainstream of life directed toward the state capital to the southeast and the new national capital at Washington. What until recently had been more or less on the fringes of the frontier had stabilized and grown in population after the Revolutionary War, and the gently rolling hills to the east of the North Mountain barrier continued to attract Washingtons, Lees, Tuckers, and others of prominent and established families. For the most part, though, the land drew the small farmer who carved out a living on stock which grazed in sight of numerous limestone outcroppings and often near woods or the stumps of trees recently removed. The second and third generations were building larger houses of stone, brick, or frame, sometimes adding to structures their ancestors had built. The day of the log house had long since gone, and readily available limestone could be seen in many fine farmhouses.
The numerous Hedges offspring in the area west of Martinsburg (the county seat) and near the gap of North Mountain that was destined to become Hedgesville were beginning to offer their extensive holdings--some improved and some not--to newer residents. Between 1815 and 1819, Samuel Cunningham purchased over one hundred acres of land along Warm Springs Road from the heirs of Benjamin Hedges. Before his death in 1824, Cunningham had what was to become, in the hands of his son, William, a substantial estate. One of the outstanding portions of Samuel's holdings was his dwelling which was situated on a rise overlooking his prosperous farm. In addition, he had accumulated enough wealth to retain several slaves.
Although not outstanding in style or feature, the limestone dwelling which Samuel Cunningham and their family occupied around 1820 was impressive, nonetheless. It consisted of a high, two-story main section and a lower, two-story wing which included a porch to its rear. The house was only one room deep, but in the main section, these rooms were about twenty-four feet long. On the first floor was a wide hall between the large dining room and parlor, and on the second level was the master bedroom, which was as large as the parlor below, and what appear to have been two smaller bedrooms. Appointments and woodwork were not elaborate, but the mantels on the main fireplaces, the built-in closets or presses in the master bedroom, deep-seated windows, and wainscoting on the first floor and stairwell gave the interior an appearance of being quite comfortable. About 1840 William added a two-story brick section which was attached to the lower stone unit and extended the house an additional eighteen feet. The overall length reached over seventy-two feet, presenting a fine picture of a substantial farmhouse associated with relatively well-to-do inhabitants.
Samuel's estate consisted of the house, land, several slaves and a fair amount of livestock when he died. His will provided for the disbursement of his chattels, cows, sheep, hogs and horses as well as at least $3,720 in cash. Sometime after 1832, his son William bought the interests in the house and most of the lands and set about a prosperous business. The census of 1850 showed the value of his real estate to have been $18,820, and by the time of his death in 1857, his estate consisted of land in Ohio as well as Berkeley County.
William was nothing short of magnanimous in his will. After providing well for his wife, he devised $9,400 outright to several nieces and nephews and offered his brother Hugh $200 per year until death. His concern for the well-being of his family extended even further, for two bequests of $500 each were to be applied to purposes of education, and at least five servants (he did not list them as slaves, but they were certainly Negroes) were to be emancipated and given $200 and a suit of clothes. In addition, one servant boy was to be hired out until twenty-one years of age to learn a good trade, presumably to be freed at that time.
The Cunningham House has remained in various branches of the family almost continuously to this day, and it is once again being maintained by descendants of Samuel and his offspring. For the most part, the major association with the house has been farming, and it seemed to have provided a comfortable living for early occupants, especially in the person of Samuel's son, William.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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 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 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.