Downtown Martinsburg Historic District
Roughly bounded by W. Race, Water, Stephen, and Charles Sts., Martinsburg, WVThe Downtown Martinsburg Historic District is the largest and most comprehensive of the Martinsburg historic districts. The area includes the centers of city and county government, industrial areas along Race Street, several major schools, firehouses, and churches, the two main city commercial and professional areas alongQueen and King streets, a major hospital, and incredibly diverse residential areas. Complexes of pre-Civil War structures, including Federal and Greek Revival residences, survive on John Street, Race Street, and North Spring Street, while additional earlier residences -- late 18th century to the Civil War era -- are spotted elsewhere throughout the district. Along with W. Martin and W. Burke are nationally important blocks of late 19th-century residences and combined residential/commercial structures.
Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Neo-Classical Revival, French Second Empire, and Queen Anne in many guises appear. The Italianate Row of 204- 214 W. Martin, with its well-preserved storefronts, has few peers, nor does the collection of late Victorian extravaganzas in the 500 block of W. Burke. Many of these maintain their lots with barns, carriage houses, wood sheds, laundries, etc. and the system of service alleys is in the main intact.
The High Victorian Gothic row at 224-242 N. Raleigh is another of the architectural landmarks of the city. The skillful blending of brick colors, marble, tile, wood, and iron evidence and attention to detail were found infrequently. There are several significant Mansard or French Second Empire buildings, but the best probably is the John Fitz House at 127 E. Burke built in 1880 and now endangered.
Several houses can claim important residents/owners. David Hunter Strother -- Porte Crayon lived and worked at 396-398 W. Race, while the Confederate spy and local heroine Belle Boyd spent part of her childhood in the home her father built in 1854 at 126 E. Race. Rear Admiral Charles Boarman lived at 208 S. Queen, Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of War Newton D. Baker at 213 E. Burke, and significant local architect Goerge D. Whitson at 210-212 E. King. All these houses have an additional cached of architectural value.
One major, though late hotel, survives in business while others, now closed, have left buildings. The Apollo Theater, built in 1912 after designs by noted theater architect Reginald Geare, survives as do Italianate, Romanesque, and Renaissance Revival commercial structures, along with Beaux Arts and Moorish touches. Brick sidewalks, and streets, a street clock, street trees, locally made iron, all abound.
Local significance of the district:
Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Neo-Classical Revival, French Second Empire, and Queen Anne in many guises appear. The Italianate Row of 204- 214 W. Martin, with its well-preserved storefronts, has few peers, nor does the collection of late Victorian extravaganzas in the 500 block of W. Burke. Many of these maintain their lots with barns, carriage houses, wood sheds, laundries, etc. and the system of service alleys is in the main intact.
The High Victorian Gothic row at 224-242 N. Raleigh is another of the architectural landmarks of the city. The skillful blending of brick colors, marble, tile, wood, and iron evidence and attention to detail were found infrequently. There are several significant Mansard or French Second Empire buildings, but the best probably is the John Fitz House at 127 E. Burke built in 1880 and now endangered.
Several houses can claim important residents/owners. David Hunter Strother -- Porte Crayon lived and worked at 396-398 W. Race, while the Confederate spy and local heroine Belle Boyd spent part of her childhood in the home her father built in 1854 at 126 E. Race. Rear Admiral Charles Boarman lived at 208 S. Queen, Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of War Newton D. Baker at 213 E. Burke, and significant local architect Goerge D. Whitson at 210-212 E. King. All these houses have an additional cached of architectural value.
One major, though late hotel, survives in business while others, now closed, have left buildings. The Apollo Theater, built in 1912 after designs by noted theater architect Reginald Geare, survives as do Italianate, Romanesque, and Renaissance Revival commercial structures, along with Beaux Arts and Moorish touches. Brick sidewalks, and streets, a street clock, street trees, locally made iron, all abound.
Industry; Commerce; Economics; Education; Politics/government; Architecture; Religion
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.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program established during the Great Depression to provide employment and training to young men, built many of West Virginia's state parks and recreational areas.
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.