History & Museums
The Heart of History
Berkeley County has deep roots.
History happens in Berkeley County. Our story goes back long before George Washington slept here.
Berkeley County became official in 1772 when it was formed from Frederick County VA–our neighbor to the South. As a hub that connects East to west and North to South, we’ve had a front row seat for change–from fossils to frontier life, the founding of a nation to brother fighting brother, the iron horse to the automobile. This county has been home to inventors, insurrectionists, and inspiring leaders. That spirit of being at the heart of the action is alive and well today.
Martinsburg–our county seat–was founded in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War by Major General Adam Stephen. Be sure to visit his colonial home when you’re in the area.
When the B&O railroad arrived in Martinsburg in the 1840s, it not only became a hub of commerce, but the Historic Roundhouse they built also became a hub in many chapters of America’s story.
Read on to learn more about our many historic sites and museums.
The Martinsburg Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station
Step back in time at one of the oldest functioning commuter rail stations, the Martinsburg Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station. Imagine able-bodied men running to protect the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry from John Brown or the men yelling and the flames raging as General Jackson’s troops destroyed this vital complex during the Civil War.
After it was rebuilt only a few years later, the railroads became necessary to the North and became one of the reasons that a new state – West Virginia – was carved from the Confederate state of Virginia. The area became host to more controversy in 1877 when the first major labor strike in the nation occurred here. Today, the buildings are being restored and utilized for various events, including a children’s museum. The train station is located between Martin and Race streets in Martinsburg and serves as a stop for the Amtrak and
The Martinsburg Roundhouse is open Monday - Friday from April through the end of October. Ten day advanced booking is required for tours.
Museums and Historical Sites
Adam Stephen House and the Triple Brick Museum
Built of native limestone in the late 1770s to early 1780s, the Adam Stephen House is a fine example of colonial stone architecture. The land on which the house was constructed was purchased by Adam Stephen in 1770 as part of a 255-acre tract. The house has been restored and is furnished with period pieces.
Adjoining it is the Triple Brick Museum, built in 1874 and rented out as housing to railroad workers. In early records, it was listed as the "Tribble (Triple) House" or "the brick house divided into three dwellings."
The building now contains a museum of artifacts and life memorabilia in old Martinsburg. Items on permanent exhibit include early surveying equipment, flax, wool spinning wheels, quilts, railroad items, and various items related to the town's industrial, social, and cultural history from the 1800s to the early 1900s.
Also on display are fossils, primitive stone tools, and arrowheads, as well as a collection of military uniforms from various American wars. Artifacts, including late-18th century china, glassware, and pottery shards, which were uncovered during archaeological excavations on the Adam Stephen House property, are also featured.
A natural underground tunnel system lies in the limestone geology on the eastern edge of Martinsburg. The Adam Stephen House was built over one of the cave openings which led into this tunnel system, perhaps as an escape from a possible Indian raid or an attack by the British or other foes. Because children used to play in the tunnels, many homeowners who had homes built over the entrances filled them with rocks and dirt to prevent access into the tunnel system. An effort has been made to open the entrances to the tunnel, and the entrance ways are open for public viewing during events.
The Adam Stephen house is open for tours on weekends from April through end of October. Also open the first two weekends in December for Colonial Christmas.
Belle Boyd House
Visit the childhood home of Belle Boyd, a Confederate spy. This stalwart young woman crossed military lines several times to pass information to General Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. In a relevant career change after the war, Belle Boyd became an actress who often played femme fatale roles. The Belle Boyd House also serves as the county’s historical museum and is the location of the county Visitors Center.
The Belle Boyd house is open 7 days a week. Hours: Weekdays 9-4 and weekends 9-4. Closed only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter and Thanksgiving.
The Berkeley County Historical Society Archives Center
Located next door to the Belle Boyd house, the Historical Society has a wealth of photographs, family records, maps, books, microfiche and more, in a collection that includes family portraits, architectural subjects, industry & events in the history of Berkeley County and surrounding areas. Additionally, there is an extensive, searchable database of People Photographs that will aid the family genealogist or researcher. When visiting enjoy a stop in the Herb Garden.
Open by appointment only. Please email bchs@historicberkeley.org for more information.
The Dillon Farm Museum
Learn about Berkeley County’s deep farming heritage and enjoy a wonderful collection of agricultural tools, memorabilia, and equipment. The first weekend in June is a tractor show and the second weekend in October is the fall show. Open weekends April through October. Admission is free. 304-263-0731
The Martinsburg Roundhouse
The Historic B&O Roundhouse has seen a lot of hard work and history over the years.
Imagine able-bodied men running to protect the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry from John Brown or the men yelling and the flames raging as General Jackson’s troops destroyed this vital complex during the Civil War. After it was rebuilt only a few years later, the railroads became necessary to the North and became one of the reasons that a new state – West Virginia – was carved from the Confederate state of Virginia.
The Roundhouse sparked another revolution in 1877 when the first major labor strike in the nation began here. Today, the buildings are being restored and utilized for various events.
Step back in time at the Martinsburg Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station–one of the oldest functioning commuter rail stations. The train station is between Martin and Race streets in Martinsburg and serves as a stop for the Amtrak and Marc Commuter train.
The Martinsburg Roundhouse is open for tours Monday - Friday from April through October with a ten day advance appointment. Advanced booking is required for tours.
Morgan Cabin
Morgan Morgan–one of the first white arrivals in West Virginia–arrived from Delaware in 1728. He was the state’s first licensed tavern keeper and builder of its first public road. He built his cabin between 1731 and 1734 on a thousand acres acquired through a King’s patent.
Morgan’s six sons and several grandsons served in the Revolutionary War. While home on leave, his grandson, James, was captured by several Tories who tied him to the spring house door, and by candlelight, shot 17 musket balls into him in front of his wife and children.
The simple cabin consisted of one room with a loft above. Over time the cabin became derelict and was used for many farming purposes. It was rebuilt in 1976 using many of its original logs. The cabin was sided in 1994 to protect the logs. It is decorated and outfitted as it would have been in the 1700’s. Nearby is the stone and log house built by Zackquill Morgan, son of Morgan Morgan, who later left the area and founded Morgantown, West Virginia.
The cabin and the Zackquill Morgan House, along with 104 acres are owned by the Berkeley County Historic Landmarks Commission. The Morgan Cabin is on the Washington Heritage Trail along Runnymeade Road off Route 11 in Bunker Hill. There are picnic grounds on site.
Tours can be scheduled by visiting Morgan Cabin website or emailing info@morgancabin.org.
Washington Heritage Trail driving tour
Enjoy the Washington Heritage Trail driving tour as you discover and explore the natural and cultural history of 18th-century towns, 19th-century industrial sites, Washington family homes, springs, rivers, and mountain ranges located along 136 miles of the scenic Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. A copy can be downloaded or picked up at the Visitors Center.
A downtown historic district Walking Tour Guide is available to be picked up at the Visitor's Center.
Civil War Trail
For the history buff, enjoy exploring the area with the Civil War Trail. With this area located on the advancing and retreating routes, it saw much action even if it didn't make the history books. Follow the Civil War Trail path and also come by the Visitors Center to pick up your free copy of Between the Lines, the Story of the Civil War in Berkeley County.
Clio: your guide to the history and culture around you.
Find out more about the local history in Berkeley County on Clio, featuring historic photos, data, and even maps to take you to the historic locations!