National Register of Historic Places listings in Preston County, West Virginia facts for kids

Location of Preston County in West Virginia

Welcome to Preston County, West Virginia! This page is all about the amazing and historic places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect important buildings, sites, and areas across the United States. Think of it like a hall of fame for historical spots!

In Preston County, there are 22 different places that have earned a spot on this important list. Each one tells a unique story about the past. Let's explore some of them!

Historic Places in Preston County

Arthurdale Historic District

The Administration Building in Arthurdale.

Arthurdale is a very special place. It was the first of many "New Deal" communities built during the Great Depression in the 1930s. This project helped families who were struggling by giving them new homes and a chance to start fresh. The historic district includes many of the original buildings and homes that show what life was like back then. You can find it east and west of West Virginia Route 92 in Arthurdale.

Brookside Historic District

Brookside Farm, part of the Brookside Historic District.

Near Cathedral State Park in Aurora, you'll find the Brookside Historic District. This area has a collection of buildings that show the history of the community. It's a great example of how towns grew and changed over time in this part of West Virginia.

Col. Thomas Brown House

The historic Col. Thomas Brown House.

The Col. Thomas Brown House is an old home located south of Reedsville on County Route 92/4. This house has stood for many years and is a reminder of the early settlers and important people who lived in Preston County.

Coopers Rock State Forest Superintendent's House and Garage

The Superintendent's Garage at Coopers Rock State Forest.

About 8 miles east of Morgantown, inside the beautiful Coopers Rock State Forest, you'll find the Superintendent's House and Garage. These buildings are important because they show how state parks were managed and developed. They are a part of the history of outdoor recreation in West Virginia.

Downtown Rowlesburg Historic District

A view of the Downtown Rowlesburg Historic District.

The heart of Rowlesburg, including streets like Buffalo, Church, and Main, is a historic district. This area has many old buildings that tell the story of Rowlesburg's past as a bustling town. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time!

Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District

Remains of the Elkins Coal & Coke Company.

Off West Virginia Route 7 in Bretz, you can find the Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District. This site is important because it shows the history of coal mining and coke production, which was a huge industry in West Virginia. It reminds us of the hard work and industrial past of the region.

Fairfax Stone Site

The historic Fairfax Stone.

The Fairfax Stone is a very old landmark located north of William. It marks a historic boundary point between Grant, Preston, and Tucker counties. This stone has been important for defining land ownership and state lines for centuries.

Gaymont

The historic Gaymont house in Aurora.

Gaymont is another historic property located on U.S. Route 50 west of its junction with West Virginia Route 24 in Aurora. It's an old house that represents the architecture and lifestyle of earlier times in the area.

A.W. Gribble Farm

A barn at the A.W. Gribble Farm.

The A.W. Gribble Farm is found on Loop Road in Pisgah. This farm is a great example of the agricultural history of Preston County. It shows how farming families lived and worked the land long ago.

Hagans Homestead

The historic Hagans Homestead.

The Hagans Homestead is located about 1 mile north of Interstate 68 (Exit 23) on West Virginia Route 26 in Brandonville. This old homestead gives us a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the region.

Indian Rocks Dining Hall

The Indian Rocks Dining Hall.

East of Reedsville on West Virginia Route 7, you'll find the Indian Rocks Dining Hall. This building likely served as a gathering place for meals and community events, playing an important role in the social life of the area.

Kingwood Historic District

Buildings in the Kingwood Historic District.

The town of Kingwood has its own historic district, roughly bounded by streets like Tunnelton, Main, Sigler, High, and Price. This district includes many of the town's oldest and most important buildings, showing its development over the years.

James S. Lakin House

The James S. Lakin House.

The James S. Lakin House is located at 102 Aurora Avenue in Terra Alta. This house is a significant example of historic architecture in the town and tells a part of its story.

James Clark McGrew House

The James Clark McGrew House.

Another important house in Kingwood is the James Clark McGrew House, found at 109 East Main Street. This home belonged to a notable person in the town's history and reflects the style of its time.

Old Hemlock

A building at Old Hemlock.

Old Hemlock is a historic property located at 17098 Brandonville Pike in Bruceton Mills. This site has a unique history and contributes to understanding the past of the area.

Ralphsynder Decagonal Barn

The unique Ralphsynder Decagonal Barn.

On County Route 52/2 in Masontown, you can see the Ralphsynder Decagonal Barn. What makes this barn special is its shape – "decagonal" means it has ten sides! It's a very unusual and interesting piece of farm architecture.

Reckart Mill

The historic Reckart Mill.

West of Cranesville, at the junction of West Virginia Route 28 and County Route 47/2, stands the Reckart Mill. Mills like this were vital for grinding grain and were often the center of local communities in the past.

Red Horse Tavern

The historic Red Horse Tavern.

About 1 mile east of Aurora on U.S. Route 50, you'll find the Red Horse Tavern. Taverns were important stops for travelers and locals in earlier times, offering food, drink, and a place to rest. This one has a long history!

Terra Alta Bank

The Terra Alta Bank building.

The Terra Alta Bank building is located at 109 East Washington Street in Terra Alta. This building represents the financial and business history of the town.

Tunnelton Railroad Depot

The Tunnelton Railroad Depot.

In Tunnelton, on Boswell Street, you can see the old Tunnelton Railroad Depot. Train depots were once busy hubs of activity, where people traveled and goods were shipped. This depot tells the story of the railroad's importance to the town.

Virginia Furnace

The Virginia Furnace.

Along Muddy Creek on West Virginia Route 26 in Albright, you'll find the Virginia Furnace. This furnace was used to make iron, which was a key industry in the past. It's a cool reminder of the industrial history of the region.