History of Berkeley County, West Virginia
Berkeley County, West Virginia, located in the Eastern Panhandle of the state, is rich in historical significance. Originally part of Virginia, the county was founded in 1772 and has played an essential role in the region’s military, agricultural, and economic development. It was named after the Berkeley family, who were early colonial landowners. Throughout its history, Berkeley County has been a key site during the French and Indian War, American Revolution, Civil War, and even World War II. Today, the county is known for its blend of small-town charm, historical sites, and proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C.
Origins of Berkeley County
Native American Inhabitants
Before European settlers arrived, the region that would become Berkeley County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Iroquois nations. The area’s fertile lands and proximity to the Potomac River made it an ideal location for hunting, fishing, and trade. The Shawnee people primarily lived along the Potomac and its tributaries, engaging in both agriculture and trade with neighboring tribes.
When European settlers, particularly the English and Scots-Irish, began arriving in the mid-18th century, they pushed the Native Americans out of the area through a series of military actions and forced relocations. Despite these tensions, the Native American influence can still be seen in place names and cultural remnants in the region.
Early European Settlement and the Formation of Berkeley County
European settlers first arrived in the Berkeley County region during the 1730s, primarily from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas. They were drawn to the fertile soil and the region’s access to the Potomac River, which was a key route for transportation and trade. The area was part of Virginia until the creation of West Virginia in 1863, but its early settlement history was directly tied to Virginia’s colonial expansion.
In 1772, Berkeley County was officially formed from parts of Frederick County, Virginia. It was named in honor of Norborne Berkeley, a colonial Virginia governor and member of the prominent Berkeley family. The county’s location along the Potomac River was vital to its growth, as it allowed easy access to the river for trade and communication, linking the county to larger cities like Alexandria, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland.
Key Historical Events in Berkeley County
The French and Indian War (1754-1763)
Berkeley County’s history dates back to the French and Indian War, a conflict between British and French forces in North America, as well as their respective Native American allies. The region played a strategic role in the war due to its location along the Potomac River, a major trade route. While the actual fighting was primarily located farther west, several key military movements and troop deployments occurred through Berkeley County.
The Battle of Great Meadows, which was fought in 1754 near present-day Morgantown, West Virginia, marked a significant early confrontation between British forces, including George Washington, and French forces. While the battle did not take place within Berkeley County, its aftermath had far-reaching consequences in the region, affecting the movement of British troops through the valley and the military buildup along the Potomac.
The American Revolution (1775-1783)
Berkeley County played a key role during the American Revolution, providing support to the Continental Army and engaging in several important military campaigns. The county was strategically positioned between Virginia and the rebel colonies to the north, making it a key part of the revolutionary supply lines.
Berkeley County also became a center for rebellion against British rule. Residents of the area, particularly those in Martinsburg, which became the county seat in 1778, supported the patriot cause. During the war, the Berkeley Riflemen, a group of local militia, fought at important battles such as Yorktown, which helped secure American independence.
The Civil War (1861-1865)
Berkeley County was heavily impacted by the American Civil War, as it was located along the border between the Union and Confederate territories. Although the state of Virginia had seceded from the Union in 1861, Berkeley County remained a divided region, with many of its residents supporting the Union while others supported the Confederacy.
One of the most notable events during the war was the First Battle of Kernstown in 1862. It took place just outside Martinsburg and marked an early Confederate defeat, which helped boost Northern morale. However, the war deeply affected the county’s agricultural economy, especially with the extensive use of the Potomac River for transportation by both sides.
During the war, the county’s economy, which had been primarily agricultural and reliant on crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat, suffered greatly due to the disruption of trade routes and military actions. The Battle of Martinsburg, fought in 1864, was a significant event in the region during the later stages of the war.
Post-Civil War Era and Reconstruction
After the war ended in 1865, Berkeley County, like much of the South, faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The economy was in ruins, with many plantations abandoned and agricultural productivity significantly reduced. The town of Martinsburg, which had been a hub of Confederate activity, became a site for rebuilding and reintegration during this period.
In the 1880s, the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad through Martinsburg spurred economic development in the county. This railroad connection helped revive local industry and connected Berkeley County to major markets in the East. By the early 20th century, the county’s economy began to recover, with agriculture and industry working together to create a more diversified economic base.
Historical Sites in Berkeley County
1. Belle Boyd House
Overview:
The Belle Boyd House in Martinsburg is a key historical site that offers insight into the Civil War history of the area. The house is named after Belle Boyd, a notorious Confederate spy who used her position to gather intelligence for the South. Boyd’s actions, which involved passing on critical information to Confederate generals, made her a significant figure in local history. The house is now a museum that showcases artifacts from the Civil War and provides educational programs about Boyd’s espionage activities.
Location:
Belle Boyd House, 313 East John Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Ticket Price:
Free admission
Parking Information:
Street parking is available in the vicinity of the house.
2. Martinsburg Roundhouse and Railroading Heritage Park
Overview:
The Martinsburg Roundhouse, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the most important historical sites in Berkeley County. Built in 1848 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, it served as a locomotive repair facility during the Civil War and is a symbol of the area’s rich industrial past. The roundhouse offers visitors a chance to explore exhibits about the railroad industry, Civil War history, and the development of Martinsburg as a transportation hub.
Location:
Martinsburg Roundhouse, 300 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Ticket Price:
$5 for adults, $3 for children (ages 6-12), free for children under 6
Parking Information:
Free parking is available near the roundhouse and visitor center.
3. Berkeley Springs State Park
Overview:
Located in the town of Berkeley Springs, this park is home to a historic bathhouse and has been a popular location for therapeutic mineral springs since the early 18th century. Native Americans first used the area for medicinal purposes, and it later became a popular destination for European settlers. The state park includes historic bathhouses, a public pool, and walking trails, providing visitors with a chance to relax and explore the region’s history.
Location:
Berkeley Springs State Park, 2 S Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Ticket Price:
$10 for a bath, free admission to the park
Parking Information:
Free parking is available within the park.
4. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Overview:
Though not located directly in Berkeley County, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is in close proximity and plays a crucial role in the county’s history. The park commemorates the 1859 raid led by John Brown, which was a significant event in the lead-up to the Civil War. It also represents the site where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge and served as a major transportation hub during the 19th century. The park offers hiking, educational tours, and living history demonstrations that highlight the military and social significance of the area.
Location:
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Ticket Price:
$15 per vehicle, free admission for hikers
Parking Information:
Parking is available in various lots within the park.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Berkeley County is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, bordered by Maryland to the north and Virginia to the south. The county’s landscape is characterized by the Potomac River, which forms part of its northern boundary, and the Cacapon River to the south. The county is primarily rural, with rolling hills and fertile farmland that support agriculture. Its location between the mountains of the Appalachian range and the Shenandoah Valley gives it a unique geography, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
The climate in Berkeley County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The county receives about 40 inches of rain annually, with spring and summer being the wettest seasons.
County Facts:
- Year Founded: 1772
- County Seat: Martinsburg
- Population: 126,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 288 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Martinsburg, Inwood, Hedgesville
- Major Highways: Interstate 81, U.S. Route 11, U.S. Route 9
- Adjacent Counties:
- Jefferson County (north)
- Morgan County (west)
- Hampshire County (south)
- Frederick County, MD (northeast)
- Loudoun County, VA (south)