Frenchburg, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frenchburg, West Virginia
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 Frenchburg, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
Frenchburg, West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Hampshire |
| Elevation | 1,007 ft (307 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 304 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1539262 |
Frenchburg is a small, unincorporated community in Hampshire County, West Virginia. It is located along U.S. Route 50, also known as the Northwestern Turnpike. This is where the Little Cacapon River begins, formed by two smaller streams joining together. Another road, Little Cacapon River Road (County Route 50/9), also starts here. Frenchburg is mostly known for its role during the American Civil War.
History of Frenchburg
The community of Frenchburg likely got its name from the French family who lived in the area a long time ago.
Frenchburg During the Civil War
When Frenchburg was first settled, it had a general store and a place to fix wagons. During the American Civil War, Frenchburg was a small village with a few houses and a mill. The Cummins family ran this mill, which was located along the Northwestern Turnpike.
In late 1861, Union troops burned down the town. They believed that the people living in Frenchburg were helping Confederate bushwhackers. Bushwhackers were fighters who hid in the woods and attacked soldiers by surprise.
One day, a group of seven Confederate soldiers, led by Sergeant John C. Leps, attacked Union soldiers near Frenchburg. This surprise attack hurt and killed several Union men. After this, Union General Frederick Lander warned the people of Frenchburg and the surrounding area. He said that if any more surprise attacks happened against Union troops, the residents would face punishment.
Even though Frenchburg's residents probably weren't directly helping the bushwhackers, General Lander still ordered the town to be burned.
Confederate troops and their allies used a secret "back road" that went from Frenchburg to Buffalo Hollow. Parts of this old road are now called Little Cacapon River Road, Three Churches Hollow Road, and Don McCauley Road.
After the war ended, Frenchburg became a special place for Confederate veterans and their families. They would gather at a spot called Camp Walker for reunions until the 1930s.
