Eastern West Virginia is steeped in history, and few routes will take you to the core of that history like the Washington Heritage Trail. Drive this road past scenic state parks, Washington family homes, and several charming 18th-century historical towns, where you'll encounter evidence of our country's rich past. Here you can learn about influential individuals like founding father George Washington, and national social struggles such as the Civil War. In addition, each town offers contemporary attractions that keep them vibrant 21st-century centers.
The eastern entry to the byway begins at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, marking the boundaries of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Both a national historical park and an inviting village, Harpers Ferry will be your first taste of the byway and its intriguing history, including early industrial development and John Brown’s raid in 1859. To honor this valiant, slave-freeing attempt, the 2009 Sesquicentennial at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes a number of John Brown-related events including re-enactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures, and special tours. Any time you come to Harpers Ferry you’ll find plenty to learn and do. Visit the living museums that bring the 1800s to life. Tour the park on trails such as the Bolivar Heights Trail where "Stonewall" Jackson trained confederate troops, or hike the 1.3-mile Murphy Farm Trail that passes the fort where John Brown was captured.
After enjoying Harpers Ferry, take a quick side trip to Charles Town, founded by George’s brother, where you’ll see Washington family homes and a cemetery with more than 80 Washington family members. Then follow the Washington Heritage Trail just over 12 miles northwest to the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown. Walk the heritage-laden streets and see buildings built before the Declaration of Independence was written. Peruse the Historic Shepherdstown Museum to see, among other artifacts, a model of the steam-powered boat driven by James Rumsey, an acquaintance of George Washington.
From Shepherdstown, head 10 miles west along the byway to Martinsburg, another city brimming with history. Tour the redbrick home of Belle Boyd, the cunning Confederate spy who eavesdropped on Union troops and reported her findings to “Stonewall” Jackson. Also be sure to visit the B&O Roundhouse, which “Stonewall” nearly destroyed in 1861.
For a relaxing way to sink into the history along the byway, come to Berkeley Springs State Park, only about 25 miles over the mountains west of Martinsburg. Let the warm spring waters flow over you as you contemplate the country’s first spa town, visited by George Washington beginning in the 1740s, and established by him and his friends in 1776. Visit the stone-lined spring pool in the park that’s jokingly known as George Washington’s Bathtub. Then “take the waters” in today’s refreshing spas, have lunch in one of the local cafes, and then stroll through the art galleries in this quaint West Virginia town.
Drive a few more miles west on the Trail for the Panorama Overlook, long rated by National Geographic and others as one of the finest views in the east. The westernmost entry to the trail is the old railroad town of Paw Paw with the Paw Paw Tunnel, completed in 1850, presenting itself as the largest structure built on the C&O Canal.
Linking the past to the present, the Washington Heritage Trail will take you on a memorable journey through the historical sites and events that helped shape the United States we know today. Although the trail is called Washington’s Heritage, you’ll learn, after driving the byway, that it’s really a part of everyone’s history.
