MIDDLEWAY
HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Middleway Historic District is among the most charming of the many small settlements in the Eastern Panhandle. John Smith visited the area in 1729 and by 1734, he, his son and brother Rees had established grist and hemp mills along Turkey Run. A small farming and milling community soon developed. Smith had the town surveyed in 1794 and began selling lots in 1795. Three years later, the community was incorporated as Smithfield. In 1807 the Middleway Post Office was established.

A thriving commercial center in the antebelllum period, Middleway was known as “the Paris of the Valley” for its numerous shops and craftspeople. Middleway is also famous for The Legend of Wizard Clip, a series of alleged supernatural events that occurred in the 1790s.

Today, visitors can view well preserved vernacular stone and log architecture by taking a walking tour of the Middleway Historic District which includes 49 historic structures. Middleway Day featuring tours, music and local crafts is held the second Saturday in October.

Location: Leetown Road south of WV51

For More Information: www.middlewayconservancy.org