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Washington Heritage Trail
 
 
Jefferson County, WV
About Jefferson County
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Jefferson Rock
Shenandoah Canal
Shepherdstown
Entler Hotel
Rumsey Monument and Tobacco Warehouse
Morgan's Grove Park
Peter Burr House
Charles Town
Jefferson County Courthouse and Museum
Zion Episcopal Church
Happy Retreat
St. George's Chapel Ruins
Harewood
Cedar Lawn
Claymont Court/Blakeley
Middleway Historic District
Berkeley County, WV
About Berkeley County
Martinsburg
B&O Roundhouse & Station Complex
Belle Boyd House
Berkeley County Courthouse
Triple Brick Museum
General Adam Stephen House
Green Hill Cemetery
Van Metre Ford Bridge
Bunker Hill Mill
Morgan Chapel
Morgan Cabin
Gerrardstown Historic District
Hays Gerrard House
Mill's Gap
Sleep Creek Wildlife Management Area
Hedgesville Historic District
Mt. Zion Episcopal Church
Snodgrass Tavern
Morgan County, WV
About Morgan County
Spruce Pine Hollow Park
Berkeley Springs
Dutch Cemetery
Throgmorton's Inn
Bath Historic District
Berkeley Springs State Park
George Washington's Bathtub
Roman Bath House & Museum of the Berkeley Springs
Washington's Lots
Sir John's Run
Panorama Overlook
Great Cacapon
Camp Hill Cemetery
Paw Paw
Paw Paw Tunnel
Coolfont Manor House
Cacapon State Park

Washington Heritage Trail

 


Berkeley County



Berkeley county was established in 1772 and named for Norborne Berkeley, colonial Governor of Virginia. Later, both Jefferson and Morgan counties were formed from parts of Berkeley County.

Northern entry to the Shenandoah Valley along the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road (today’s I-81), Berkeley County was a magnet for 18th-century settlers drawn by the fertile land and numerous streams. Mill sites and early plantations still dot the landscape. Commercial agriculture remains important although its land is increasingly over-taken by development in this, one of the fastest growing counties in America.

Local industry evolved from mills and distilleries to textile production and railroads to large-scale manufacturing and printing. Limestone deposits fueled a quarrying industry and quarries still make for compelling scenery.

Mountains define the western border marked by a series of well used gaps. Apple Pie Ridge has been noted as a fruit belt of apples and peaches since 1740.

George Washington often visited the area and drew from it some of his most faithful soldiers in both the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. Berkeley County sent nearly half its male population to fight for independence and gave five generals to the cause. Civil War activity included the first cavalry action of the conflict near Falling Waters.

The county’s rich history is preserved in the more than 25 historic districts seen along the Trail.

 



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