Downs, Charles, II, House
a.k.a. Downs House
WV Secondary Rt. 1, W of US 11, Marlowe, WVThe Charles Downs II House, located in the vicinity of Marlowe in Berkeley County, West Virginia, is significant for its association with the locally important Downs family and as an excellent local example of intact Federal period vernacular architecture.
Charles Downs II was the son of Charles Downs I who came to Berkeley County in 1815 from Washington County, Maryland. In 1832, Charles Downs II purchased 184 acres from Henry Myers and built the brick residence in 1835. Downs was involved in a number of business enterprises, owning three mills in Berkeley County and another close to Washington, D.C. At one time, he advertised for 100,000 bushels of wheat to purchase for his mills. He owned his own canal boats to transfer his products to market on the C & O Canal (just a mile to the east of his house) to the eastern cities. Charles Downs II served as an election official, a court justice, a committeeman for improving the Williamsport Turnpike (presently U.S. Route 11), and later as a committeeman for a reception given for the returning soldiers from the Mexican War. In 1852 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served in that office until 1856. There are numerous mentions of his activities, both commercial and civic, in the Martinsburg Gazette, the leading newspaper of the area. In 1930, his name was included among those of other historical personages on a marble tablet placed in the Berkeley County Courthouse as having contributed to the growth and development of the county.
Another prominent member of the Downs family, though of a slightly more recent period, was H. A. Downs. A prominent attorney, he served as Republican Congressional Committeeman from 1911 to 1913 and was the party's nominee for State Attorney in both 1912 and 1916. In 1913 he was appointed U.S. Commissioner for the Northern District of West Virginia, serving in that office until his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1920. He served in the legislature for a single term 1921-23.
The residence is architecturally significant as being a classical expression of a Federal period country dwelling house. The house is almost completely intact stylistically from the period of its construction, on both the exterior and interior.
The Charles Downs II House is a well-proportioned building with impressive mass. The raked Flemish bond, the bonded brick flat arches over the large windows, the classical entrance doorway, and other features clearly define the Federal style of the house. The Federal theme is carried throughout the interior as well, is represented by all of the five mantlepieces the tiered cupboards, symmetrically molded trim with roundel corner blocks, the open-well stairway, paneled doors with original hardware, and original random-width wood floors. There is a high degree of craftsmanship throughout and a few later alterations. This is a rare example, in Berkeley County, of a large Federal period home, the seat of a prosperous farm, that eluded the "Victorianization" that occurred to so many such properties.
All three structures on the property contribute to the property's significance. The period of significance, 1835 to ca. 1925, represents the period of the Downs family occupancy.
Local significance of the building:
Charles Downs II was the son of Charles Downs I who came to Berkeley County in 1815 from Washington County, Maryland. In 1832, Charles Downs II purchased 184 acres from Henry Myers and built the brick residence in 1835. Downs was involved in a number of business enterprises, owning three mills in Berkeley County and another close to Washington, D.C. At one time, he advertised for 100,000 bushels of wheat to purchase for his mills. He owned his own canal boats to transfer his products to market on the C & O Canal (just a mile to the east of his house) to the eastern cities. Charles Downs II served as an election official, a court justice, a committeeman for improving the Williamsport Turnpike (presently U.S. Route 11), and later as a committeeman for a reception given for the returning soldiers from the Mexican War. In 1852 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served in that office until 1856. There are numerous mentions of his activities, both commercial and civic, in the Martinsburg Gazette, the leading newspaper of the area. In 1930, his name was included among those of other historical personages on a marble tablet placed in the Berkeley County Courthouse as having contributed to the growth and development of the county.
Another prominent member of the Downs family, though of a slightly more recent period, was H. A. Downs. A prominent attorney, he served as Republican Congressional Committeeman from 1911 to 1913 and was the party's nominee for State Attorney in both 1912 and 1916. In 1913 he was appointed U.S. Commissioner for the Northern District of West Virginia, serving in that office until his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1920. He served in the legislature for a single term 1921-23.
The residence is architecturally significant as being a classical expression of a Federal period country dwelling house. The house is almost completely intact stylistically from the period of its construction, on both the exterior and interior.
The Charles Downs II House is a well-proportioned building with impressive mass. The raked Flemish bond, the bonded brick flat arches over the large windows, the classical entrance doorway, and other features clearly define the Federal style of the house. The Federal theme is carried throughout the interior as well, is represented by all of the five mantlepieces the tiered cupboards, symmetrically molded trim with roundel corner blocks, the open-well stairway, paneled doors with original hardware, and original random-width wood floors. There is a high degree of craftsmanship throughout and a few later alterations. This is a rare example, in Berkeley County, of a large Federal period home, the seat of a prosperous farm, that eluded the "Victorianization" that occurred to so many such properties.
All three structures on the property contribute to the property's significance. The period of significance, 1835 to ca. 1925, represents the period of the Downs family occupancy.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.
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.