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Laid out in 1773 by General Adam Stephen, the City has a wealth of architecturally historic buildings. Much of the City was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. We hope you will enjoy the Walking Tour. Martinsburg has long served as the center for culture and commerce in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. It served as the county seat for all of what is now Berkeley and Jefferson Counties until 1801, and for Morgan County until 1820. The original town was laid out by General Adam Stephen as an industrial center along Tuscarora Creek in 1773 and was incorporated in 1778. In 1843, the B&O Railroad brought new growth and prosperity. At this time, large warehouses and hotels were erected, as well as new industrial complexes. Martinsburg's location and railroad brought it much attention during the Civil War. Great losses were suffered during the war and Martinsburg was slow to recover from both the physical and emotional scarring of this national tragedy. With the advent of electricity, Martinsburg was able to recover, grow, and flourish as an outstanding transportation, industrial, and commercial center for Berkeley County. In the late 1940's, Martinsburg experienced a series of changes in businesses which served as the commercial foundation for the town. It is at present in another rebirth, as more and more high-tech industries and governmental agencies locate here. The railroad still flourishes; besides freight, it also provides daily commuter rail service to the Washington Metropolitan area. |
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