West Virginia offers numerous historical sites that offer visitors insight into this Mountain State. Visitors interested in coal mining, Civil War history and Appalachian culture will all find something here that meets their interests.
This underground facility, covering 112,000 square feet and designed to shelter Congress from nuclear attack during the Cold War, can be seen on 90-minute tours that showcase its cafeteria, House of Representatives chamber and decontamination areas.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Relive a bygone era where steam-driven locomotives were essential components of daily life at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This popular attraction features an 11-mile heritage railroad and authentic company town, boasting rich histories, unparalleled views and sights of another time period from West Virginia’s past.
Ride a vintage train or visit Cass, founded by Greenbrier Valley Pulp and Paper Company in 1901 for logging purposes, to explore this historic town built in 1901 with restored company houses, a museum, company store and several excursions including two and five hour trips up Bald Knob, West Virginia’s third highest mountain peak.
Native Americans mined flint from this cave for centuries to craft arrowheads and cutting tools, adding it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Cacapon Fort
Reconstructed 1774 fort where George Washington sought shelter from French and Indian allies. The fort features a meeting house, gun shop, 14 small cabins and interpreters demonstrate techniques such as flint knapping, looming and blacksmithing. Open April through October.
Nearby Berkeley Springs is home to numerous historic sites, such as the Matewan Massacre which occurred during a labor conflict and resulted in eight detectives and two miners dying as a result. There are also buildings which played key roles during West Virginia Mine Wars that may also be found here.
At the base of Cacapon Mountain lies this state park resort park – where many historical events took place and where an array of recreational activities such as fishing, golfing, boating, swimming and horseback riding take place – that offers camping spaces as well as cabins equipped for housekeeping purposes.
Delf Norona Mound
Adena builders (pre-Columbian Native Americans) used over 60,000 tons of dirt to construct this massive conical-type burial mound in Ohio River Valley known as Grave Creek Mound. Standing 62 feet high and 240 feet in diameter, Grave Creek Mound stands as one of the largest and most significant prehistoric structures still standing today.
Visitors can walk atop this massive mound. Additionally, this complex features the Delf Norona Museum named for an amateur archaeologist who co-founded West Virginia Archaeological Society.
The museum features exhibits about the site’s prehistoric culture. Other displays showcase mining history in town as well as artifacts from the Civil War. Furthermore, there is a library with extensive archaeological research materials. Open year-round with free admission and parking on park grounds available nearby, the museum is available year round with admission being completely free for admission and parking available within walking distance of its premises.
Wheeling Courthouse
Wheeling Courthouse, one of West Virginia’s oldest and best-known historic landmarks, boasts an enthralling national history. Visitors are invited to tour its rooms – once serving as a courthouse, governor’s office and post office during its 19th century service – enabling guests to gain insight into its story.
Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson lived on this farmstead that features his original log cabin home. Additionally, there is a barn where costumed interpreters provide candle dipping, paper marbling and blacksmithing demonstrations.
This 62-foot-high multi-level burial mound was constructed by the Adena people around 250 B.C and now serves as a National Historic Landmark. Special events hosted here include Native American dance performances and musical concerts; visitors may take a guided tour through its property.
Stonewall Jackson Homestead
Jackson’s Mill Historic Area in Lewis County, West Virginia is the boyhood home of General Stonewall Jackson and includes his family’s log house as well as historic and replica structures from his life.
The Jacksons first arrived in the area around 1800, eventually purchasing 1500 acres. Unfortunately, their homestead was left behind when General Jackson entered West Point to begin his military career.
Property was granted to West Virginia in 1921 and transformed into a 4-H state camp and conference center, becoming its oldest 4-H camp in America today. Today, this historic location hosts multiple events each year for visitors interested in frontier skills and West Virginia history – such as grist milling, basket making, candle dipping, woodworking and blacksmithing demonstrations.
