Berkeley County Courthouse

The Berkeley County Courthouse served continuously as the county seat from its construction in 1855-56 until October 11, 2024. Located in the central town square, the historic courthouse is built on the site of the original, which was completed in 1779.

Documents providing for the acquisition of land selected by George Washington for Armory/Arsenal at Harpers Ferry was filed and recorded here, as well as the recording of the first commercial orchard initiated by Washington in what is now Jefferson County and the guardianship papers for the son of Washington’s brother, Samuel, who served as Berkeley County’s second sheriff.

Interior details of the 19th century building include pressed tin ceilings, lighting fixtures, iron vaults and hardware. Ornate columns and a majestic dome amply illustrate the wealth that the railroad brought to the area during the period when the courthouse was constructed. It was designed by B&O railroad architect Albert Fink.

During the Civil War, Confederate Spy Belle Boyd was captured and held in the courthouse by occupying Union troops.

Today the County seat is in the historic Crawford Woolen Mill and Martinsburg Worsted and Cassimere Company building complex along West Stephen Street.

If you go: Located at 100 West King St., Martinsburg, WV; Not open for tours.