"Historic Places in Jefferson County" Series
Listed below are the historic locations in Jefferson County - present and past - where I have harvested wood for turnings. Archived places are at the bottom link.
Current Jefferson County Series:
Christ Reformed Church
Cool Spring Preserve
Elmwood Cemetery
Falling Spring State Champion Maple
Happy Retreat
Elmwood Cemetery
Morgan's Grove Park
Shepherd University McMurran Hall
Shepherd University Miller Hall
Shepherd University Popodicon
Shepherdstown Battlefield
Shepherdstown's 4-Way Stop
West German St. Elm
York Hill
Archived Jefferson County Series
About Jefferson County
The easternmost county of West Virginia was founded in 1801, when it was carved out of neighboring Berkeley County. Jefferson County encompasses 212 square miles and hosted a 2013 population of just over 55,000. A young George Washington surveyed the county in the mid-18th century and purchased his first piece of land here, as did family members (the County boasts no less than six remaining Washington family homes). It retains its significant agricultural base, and is home to the historic towns of Charles Town (the County Seat), Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown, as well as the village of Middleway, which was established in 1734. The site of key historic events from the original settlement, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and beyond, one could argue without blushing that when one considers both natural beauty and historical significance, Jefferson County is the most scenic AND historic county in these United States. I know I do. The legacy of its rich panoply of historic events and sites that shaped not only local and regional, but national history as well, is preserved by a number of local organizations including, among others:
the Jefferson Historical Society,
the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission,
Historic Shepherdstown,
the Middleway Conservancy,
the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association,
Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society.
and the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board.
You can also visit the Jefferson County Museum, in Charles Town, and can read more about historic homes and places of Jefferson County in these two fine books:
"Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835 by John C Allen, Jr., and
"Between The Shenandoah And Potomac: Historic Homes Of Jefferson County, WV" (available from the Jefferson County Historical Society).
Please note that with a few exceptions the properties listed here are privately owned, and indeed are people's residences. Enjoy the information and photographs provided but PLEASE DO NOT attempt to visit these places without an invitation from the owners.
the Jefferson Historical Society,
the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission,
Historic Shepherdstown,
the Middleway Conservancy,
the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association,
Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society.
and the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board.
You can also visit the Jefferson County Museum, in Charles Town, and can read more about historic homes and places of Jefferson County in these two fine books:
"Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835 by John C Allen, Jr., and
"Between The Shenandoah And Potomac: Historic Homes Of Jefferson County, WV" (available from the Jefferson County Historical Society).
Please note that with a few exceptions the properties listed here are privately owned, and indeed are people's residences. Enjoy the information and photographs provided but PLEASE DO NOT attempt to visit these places without an invitation from the owners.