Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
Places to Visit
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George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (VA)
These two forests stretch from one end of Virginia to the other, as well as extending into West Virginia, along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachians. Virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine is available.
Location: Virginia and West Virginia
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Beverly Historic District (WV)
Beverly was founded in 1790 as the original county seat of Randolph County. This turnpike crossroads is significant for early settlement and as a Civil War strategic stronghold.
Location: In Beverly, WV along US Route 250, 6 miles south of Elkins, WV
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Legend states that it was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and that a disgruntled slave woman, who had been a lover of the owner, burnt it down, and died in the inferno.
Location: It is on the south side of the byway, in the town of Burnt House, at the intersection of the byway and road 47/16.
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Camp Allegheny, on both sides of the Turnpike at the Top of Allegheny Mountain, was a Confederate fortification.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From Rt 250 at the West Virginia / Virginia state line, take Camp Allegheny Backway via a signed access road .5 miles to a T intersection, then right about 1 mile.
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Confederate Camp Bartow straddles the turnpike at the base of the mountain, overlooking the Greenbrier River.
Location: Camp Bartow is located south of the byway and on both sides of the backway near Bartow at the intersection of US 250 (the byway), Rt 92 and the old turnpike (the Camp Allegheny Backway).
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Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge (WV)
The nation's 500th National Wildlife Refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of the high elevation, moist valley called Canaan Valley.
Location: The refuge headquarters is on Rt. 32 about 2 miles past Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
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Central West Virginia Genealogy and History Library (WV)
The Central West Virginia Genealogy and History Library is in the old Horner school house on the original Turnpike that runs parallel and very near the newer US 33.
Location: Located on the Byway where it leaves US Rt 33 at Horner. Turn north off Rt 33 at Horner Road and you'll see the old school in front of you.
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Cheat Summit Fort, also known as Fort Milroy, was a Union fortification straddling the turnpike on top of Cheat Mountain.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Traveling westward on the byway Rt 250, turn left onto Cheat Mountain Backway toward the old Cheat Bridge, cross the bridge and follow backway up the mountain to Cheat Summit Fort.
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The Farnsworth House was the home of James Farnsworth, son of our second Governor.
Location: In Gilmer County on the south side of the turnpike on WV 47, one mile west of the intersection with WV 18 near Troy.
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Graceland and Halliehurst (WV)
These mansions were summer homes of Henry G. Davis and Stephen B. Elkins -- town founders, industrialists, and US Senators.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: In Elkins, turn north off of US Rt 250 at the statue of Davis on his horse; go past City Park and turn left into campus; follow one-way loop to the top of the hill.
