History comes alive in Berkeley County.
Now that spring has arrived, our museums and historic sites are open and anxious to share our incredible stories and rich past with you.
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.
Historic Roundhouse
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. The Martinsburg Roundhouse is open for tours Monday - Friday from April through October with a ten day advance appointment.
Adam Stephens House
Built of native limestone in the late 1770s to early 1780s, the Adam Stephen House is a fine example of colonial stone architecture. 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. The building now contains a museum of artifacts and life memorabilia in old Martinsburg. The Adam Stephen house is open for tours on weekends from April through end of October.
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. 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. Located next door to the Belle Boyd house, the Historical Society has a wealth of photographs, family records, maps, books, microfiche and more.
Located next door to the Belle Boyd house, the Historical Society boasts a wealth of photographs, family records, maps, books, microfiche, and more, in a collection that includes family portraits, architectural subjects, industry, and events in the history of Berkeley County and surrounding areas.
Morgan Cabin
Morgan Cabin was home to one of the first white settlers in West Virginia, Morgan Morgan, who was the state’s first licensed tavern keeper and builder of West Virginia’s first public road. While the original cabin, built between 1731 and 1734, is not still standing, it was rebuilt in 1976 – using many of the original logs – as a West Virginia and Berkeley County Bicentennial Project. It is decorated as it would have been in the 1700s.
Several of these attractions are part of West Virginia’s Washington Heritage Trail, which also includes historic cemeteries, taverns, churches, and bridges in the Martinsburg area. There are more than 40 official sites on the trail, which can be completed by car or on foot. Enjoy exploring Martinburg’s history and heritage.