THE WASHINGTON HERITAGE TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CENTER

 

The 136-mile trail encompasses all three historic counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle with 45 designated sites and hundreds of attractions showcasing geology, natural wonders, and nearly three centuries of recorded history. The trail houses five 18th century towns heralded for their historic importance. One of those five towns is Berkeley Springs.

In Morgan County, the 54 mile-trail traces George Washington’s footsteps throughout the area. Washington’s mentor, Thomas Lord Fairfax, once owned millions of acres in the region. Washington surveyed this land for Fairfax beginning in 1748 when he was 16- years old. After the young Washington first visited “ye fam’d warm springs,” he returned often with family and friends. Later, he encouraged industry to bloom in the area, and he eventually bought land both in the town and along the Potomac. Washington’s first elected position was as a representative for this area in the Virginia House of Burgesses. As a young officer, Washington defended the region in the French and Indian War. His final link to Morgan County occurred at his death in 1799 when two major pieces of property here were bequeathed in his will.

Washington-related sites along the trail include everything from his bathtub in Berkeley Springs State Park to a mountaintop trail where he loved to ride.

Visit The Washington Heritage Trail in Morgan County

The Museum of the Berkeley Springs displays Washington’s artifacts in several of its exhibits.