National Register Listing

Morton House

Union St., Webster Springs, WV
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of West Virginia.
The world's largest sycamore tree is located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The tree is over 300 years old and stands 177 feet tall with a circumference of 28 feet.
West Virginia random facts
Webster County, West Virginia has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. It was originally home to the Native American tribes of the Shawnee and Delaware, who utilized the area's abundant natural resources for hunting and gathering. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, primarily from Scotland and Ireland. The county was officially established in 1860 and named after statesman Daniel Webster.

During the American Civil War, Webster County played a significant role. It was situated on the border between Confederate and Union territories, leading to frequent skirmishes and military actions. The county saw several battles, including the Battle of Droop Mountain in 1863, which resulted in a Union victory and helped secure West Virginia as a Union state.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the timber industry became the driving force behind Webster County's economy. The lush forests provided an abundance of valuable timber, which was logged and transported via railways. As logging operations boomed, small towns and communities developed to support this industry. However, over time, unsustainable logging practices depleted the forests, leading to a decline in the timber industry.

In recent years, Webster County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. The county is home to recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and camping, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. It is also famous for its beautiful scenery, including the breathtaking views of the Monongahela National Forest. Today, Webster County remains a close-knit community that values its natural heritage and strives to preserve its unique history for future generations.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Webster County, West Virginia.

  • 1769 - European settlers arrive in the area and establish the first permanent settlements.
  • 1863 - Webster County is officially formed from parts of Braxton, Nicholas, and Randolph Counties.
  • 1888 - The town of Webster Springs is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
  • 1896 - The Holly River State Park is established as one of West Virginia's first state parks.
  • 1921 - The first Webster County High School is built in Cowen.
  • 1941 - The Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is established to commemorate the Battle of Droop Mountain during the American Civil War.
  • 1954 - The Back Fork Bridge, a historic covered bridge, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1985 - The Cranberry Wilderness Area is designated as part of the Monongahela National Forest.
  • 2013 - Webster County celebrates its 150th anniversary.