National Register Listings in
Jefferson County, West Virginia

Allemong, Christian, House Allstadt House and Ordinary Altona Aspen Hill Barleywood Beall-Air Belvedere Beverley Beverley Boundary Increase Blakeley Boidstones Place Bower, The Burr, Peter, House Cedar Lawn Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing, and Improvement Company Building Charles Town, Old, Historic District Claymont Court Cold Spring Cool Spring Farm Downtown Charles Town Historic District Duffields Depot Elmwood Elmwood-on-the-Opequon Falling Spring-Morgan's Grove Feagans' Mill Complex Fruit Hill Gap View Farm Gibson-Todd House Glenburnie Grubb, William, Farm Halltown Colored Free School Halltown Union Colored Sunday School Harewood Harpers Ferry Historic District Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Hazelfield Hillside Hopewell Jacks-Manning Farm Jefferson County Alms House Jefferson County Courthouse Lee-Longsworth House Lucas, Capt. William and Lucas, Robert, House Marshall, James, House Media Farm Middleway Historic District Morgan's Grove Morgan-Bedinger-Dandridge House New Opera House Potomac Mills Prato Rio Rellim Farm Richwood Hall Rion Hall Ripon Lodge (Boundary Increase) Rock Spring Rockland Rocks, The Rose Hill Farm Rumsey Hall Shepherd's Mill Shepherdstown Historic District Shepherdstown Historic District (Boundary Increase) South Charles Town Historic District Spring Grove St. George's Chapel St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church Strider Farm Sunnyside Farm Tackley Farm Taylor’s Meadow The Hermitage Traveller's Rest Van Swearingen-Shepherd House Washington, Charles, House White House Farm Woodbury Woodlawn Worthington, Robert, House York Hill
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.
West Virginia random facts
Jefferson County, West Virginia, is a region steeped in rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the early 18th century when European settlers first arrived in the area. In 1801, Jefferson County was established following the division of Berkeley County, and it was named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson. One of the county's most significant events occurred during the American Civil War, with the Battle of Harper's Ferry taking place within its borders in 1862.

During the 19th century, Jefferson County experienced rapid growth due to its strategic location along the Potomac River and the development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. These transportation routes facilitated trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of various industries, including flour mills, tanneries, and iron foundries. As a result, Jefferson County became known as an important center of manufacturing and trade in the region.

The abolitionist movement also had a strong presence in Jefferson County, largely due to its proximity to Harper's Ferry, where John Brown conducted his famous raid in 1859. Many local residents actively supported the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their quest for freedom. The county's role in the fight against slavery adds to the historical significance of Jefferson County.

In recent years, Jefferson County has experienced a steady population growth, becoming a hub for commuters working in neighboring cities. Its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and preserved historic sites continue to attract visitors and make Jefferson County a fascinating destination for those interested in its diverse and significant history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, West Virginia.

  • 1801 - Jefferson County is established in the new state of West Virginia.
  • 1803 - Charles Town becomes the county seat.
  • 1806 - Shepherdstown is incorporated as the first town in the county.
  • 1844 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches Jefferson County, facilitating growth and trade.
  • 1861-1865 - Jefferson County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1863 - The Battle of Shepherdstown takes place during the Civil War.
  • 1871 - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is established, preserving the area's significant history.
  • 1909 - The Virginia Air Line Railway opens, providing additional transportation options.
  • 1944 - The U.S. Navy establishes the Naval Ordnance Works, bringing more employment opportunities.
  • 1971 - Historic Shepherdstown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2010 - Jefferson County experiences population growth and increased economic development.