Beverly Blog: Featured Event
Civil War Symposium
A New Route Along the Underground Railroad?
The history of the Underground Railroad in West Virginia is still something of a mystery even after all these years. A series of safe points from the Deep South leading into Canada, spirituals such as “Follow the Gourd” were integral to guiding enslaved men, women, and children to a life of freedom up north. While certain routes along the Underground Railroad are well-known in the Northern and Eastern Panhandles and along the Ohio River, the heart of the Mountain State has not been examined in great detail. The Beverly Heritage Center researched the role of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, an east-west…
Civil War Symposium
RMBF is hosting our annual Civil War Symposium in partnership with Davis and Elkins College this year! Hunter Lesser, Kristen Bailey, and Rick Wolfe will all explore what the First Campaign of the Civil War meant for West Virginia Statehood. Following the Symposium, there will be a reception at the Beverly Heritage Center featuring a tour of Beverly’s Civil War-era graffiti!
Laura Jackson Arnold
Laura Jackson Arnold and her famous older brother were very close until the Civil War intruded in their lives. Laura was a staunch and unapoligetic supporter of the Union, while her brother became one of the most beloved generals in the Confederate Army. Their relationship was destroyed by the war, and they never saw each other again. General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863.
Northwestern Virginia In 1861: The First Campaign
Upon the outbreak of Civil War in 1861, the Staunton-Parkersburg Pike was a vital link between the heart of Virginia and its western counties, as well as a gateway to the B&O Railroad. Richmond was anxious to hold onto all of its territory, and sent Col. George Porterfield to hold northwestern Virginia for the south. The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, and its connecting pikes to the north and south, gave the South access into the mountain territory to strike at the railroad. As Virginia moved towards secession from the Union, many in the far western counties were determined to stay in the…
The 1900 Beverly Bank
This building, dating to 1900, sits on the corner of Court and Main streets in the lot between the courthouse and the street. Dr. Humboldt Yokum was president of the bank, which for many years was the only bank in the community. It closed during the Banking Holiday of March 1933. It is a rectangular white brick building, loosely connected to the courthouse. The entryway is at an angle on the northwest corner of the building. It is a loose example of Neoclassical Revival style, which was popular at this time for commercial buildings. It has Roman arched openings and…
The 1907 Hill Store Building
Aries Hill’s store building was built between the courthouse and the Bushrod Crawford house in 1907, in the space where the circuit clerk’s office had been. For about thirty years it was a general store with an upper floor dwelling; it has also been a pool hall. Its front (north) facade is stamped metal, with decorative moldings on the upper windows and pediment. It has two storerooms on the first floor and living quarters above. After being closed during rehabilitation for several years, this building was reopened as part of the Beverly Heritage Center.
Live on the Lawn – Grayson Samples
Live on the Lawn featuring Grayson Samples! In the case of poor weather, we have alternative inside spaces available and the event will continue as planned inside.
Beverly Heritage Day
Beverly Heritage Day: The Circus Comes to Town! Downtown Beverly will come alive with the people, sights, and sounds of our historic past as our annual timeline heritage event returns Saturday, July 22nd. Come interact with Living History camps representing 18th, 19th, and 20th century eras with reenactors, demonstrations, presentations, displays, and more. Join us for a Parade of History, children’s activities and games, food, live music, and a circus sideshow performance including fire dancing and juggling! Out of the Ashes Fire and Flow Arts will provide performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Beverly Town Square. Their…
The 1808 Randolph County Court House
In June 1808, a committee was appointed to contract tobuild a brick courthouse to replace the original log one on Court Street. This building cost approximately $1200, including $35 for hinges and other ironwork paid to Solomon Collett. The courthouse was completed in 1815, and the wing on the south, which contained the county clerk’s office, was completed in 1838.A separate addition on the east side housed the circuit clerk’s office. Thomas J. Arnold describes tells of the court in its heyday, “These Courts were attended by prominent lawyers from Staunton, Clarksburg, Weston, and elsewhere. Aside from jurors and witnesses,…