Eastern Panhandle Fast Facts

Location: The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is a narrow stretch of territory in the northeast of the state bordering Maryland to the north and Virginia to the south.
Counties: Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Hampshire and Pendleton.
Population: 260,000 (2007-approx).  Berkeley is the most populous county, (100,000), which includes the Panhandle’s largest city, Martinsburg. ( 20,000). 
Ancient:  West Virginia’s oldest chartered towns (Sheperdstown and Romney—1762) are located in the Panhandle, as are its two oldest counties: Hampshire (1753) and Berkeley (1772).
Historic: The Eastern Panhandle is home to 249 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  This represents 27% of the total statewide.
Proximate:  The Panhandle is proximate to many major cities in the region.   From Jefferson County, Washington DC is only 58 miles away.  Other sample distances: Baltimore, MD: 67 miles; Harrisburg, PA: 100 miles; Charlottesville, VA: 129 miles.
Rural Charm:  The Panhandle is full of natural wonders and rural charm.  The Appalachian Trail winds through the region, as does the Washington Heritage Trail.  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a local landmark.
Fast Growing: The Panhandle is West Virginia’s fastest growing region for population and housing.
Easy Access:  Local airports include Eastern Panhandle Regional, plus Hagerstown MD  and  Winchester VA  (40 min. drive).  International airports include Dulles  (DC—1 hr drive), BWI  (MD—90 min. drive), Reagan National  (DC—90 min. drive).

Jefferson County Fast Facts

Founded: 1801
Named for: Thomas Jefferson, third President of the US.
Population:  52,000 (approx—2007)
County Seat: Charles Town
Major Towns: Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry
Labor Market Areas: Martinsburg (WV), Frederick & Clarke (VA) Counties, Frederick & Washington (MD) Counties.
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CHARLES TOWN
 
Charles Town was established in 1786 by Charles Washington, brother of George Washington, who donated land to the town and named many of the streets after his relations.  Charles Washington’s estate, ‘Happy Retreat’ adjoined the town and is still standing today, restored as a national heritage property.  Charles Town is the County Seat of Jefferson County, and site of the Jefferson County Museum, where much of the region’s history is on display.  Charles Town’s population at the 2000 census was 2,907.  The town’s name is occasionally confused with that of Charleston, the state capital (although never by locals…).  Modern attractions in the town include the Charles Town Racing and Slots facility and the nearby Summit Point Raceway.

SHEPHERDSTOWN

Founded in 1734 by Thomas Shepherd, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in the state of West Virginia.  Originally known as ‘Mecklenburg’, the town was renamed Shepherds Town, which was shortened to Shepherdstown after the Civil War.  Sheperdstown is full of history.  The old James Rumsey steamboat replica is a signature landmark.  German Street, site of many historical buildings, now offers quaint shops and cafes.  The Bavarian Inn, an old stone and timber lodge overlooks the Potomac and is a popular dining spot.  Sheperdstown is home to Shepherd University,  which lends the town a lively academic flavor. Seasonal highlights in Shepherdstown include The Contemporary American Theatre Festival each July, when the town is flooded with theatre-lovers from across the county.
 
HARPERS FERRY

Harpers Ferry is nestled at the confluence of the Potomac  and Shenandoah rivers, where the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet.  The town is small (307 residents in 2000), but rich in history.  The Harpers Ferry Historic District includes the entire town, much of which is designated Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where many small museums are housed in original buildings.  The town is best known for abolitionist John Brown’s raid on the Armory in 1859, which was a major catalyst for the Civil War.  As headquarters for the Appalachian Trail, the town is a natural for recreation: hiking, biking, rafting, canoeing or tubing are all popular pastimes.  For antique-lovers, the Harpers Ferry flea market is a popular attraction on spring, summer and fall weekends along hwy US 340.

Berkeley County Fast Facts

Founded: 1772
Named for: Norborne Berkeley, Colonial Governor of Virginia.
Population: 97,500 (approx—2006)
County Seat: Martinsburg
Major Towns: Martinsburg, Hedgesville
Metro Area: Part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. 
Fast Growth: Berkeley is the fastest growing county in the state of WV.
Website: Click Here.

MARTINSBURG

Founded in 1778 by General Adam Stephen, Martinsburg was named in honor of Thomas Bryan Martin, an early American jurist and legislator.  As a longtime railroad hub for the area, Martinsburg was a coveted stronghold in the Civil War, with the town changing hands more than 60 times.  The town is divided into seven historic districts today.  Historic Boarman House features the Martinsburg Visitor’s Center and a lively arts and gallery facility. Main Street Martinsburg preserves the historic flavor of the old commercial district, while several new Outlet centers are increasingly popular shopping destinations.  Martinsburg’s 20,000 (2007-approx.) population is on the increase.  The town's central location on I-81, coupled with the current growth of Berkeley County, make it a natural choice for business and real estate.

Founded: 1820
Named for: General Daniel Morgan, prominent soldier of the American Revolutionary War.
Population: 15,000 (approx—2000)
County Seat: Berkeley Springs
Major Towns: Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Historic: Morgan County has 32 sites listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Famous: For the city of Berkeley Springs, the first Spa in the United States.
Website: Click Here.

BERKELEY SPRINGS

Berkeley Springs was established in 1776 around a natural hot spring in Berkeley County, WV.  The town was originally named Bath, after the British medicinal Spa town, but the name was later changed to Berkeley Springs to avoid confusion with the rival town of Bath, VA.  Berkeley Springs has been a focal point in the region for over two centuries.  As the first official Spa of the United States, the town has been visited by dignitaries, politicians, and members of the entertainment world.  A thriving Arts and Cultural Scene has grown up around the town, with galleries, restaurants, heritage societies and tourism outlets.  Berkeley Springs is frequently cited as one of the best Arts Towns in the United States.