Martinsburg’s history unfolds across several themes: historic architecture, railroad and industrial sites, and museums with different areas of focus. You can shape your stay around the subject that interests you most or combine different perspectives on the city’s history.
Architecture in the Cityscape
About 281 buildings contribute to the Downtown Martinsburg Historic District. The buildings reflect 19th-century architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne. The district includes important commercial and professional areas along Queen Street and King Street, as well as adjacent residential areas. To appreciate the architecture, it’s worth viewing these different areas and styles as parts of a shared historic district.
If you’re planning a walking tour of downtown, maps and guides are available at the Belle Boyd House Visitor Center. The Belle Boyd House at 126 East Race Street is the house where Belle Boyd spent her childhood and is now a museum. It also houses the Berkeley County Visitor Center. The visitor information available there offers a practical starting point for including downtown in your stay.
Railroad and Industrial History
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops are among the few surviving examples of innovative 19th-century engineering and industrial architecture. The Historic Caperton Train Station is also part of the city’s railroad history: it is located between Martin Street and Race Street and serves as an Amtrak stop. The station also houses the For the Kids, by George Children's Museum.
The Frog Hollow Rail Spur leads to another chapter in the area’s industrial history. Built in the 1880s, it connected the Martinsburg Train Station/Roundhouse Complex to the Standard Lime and Stone Company south of Martinsburg.
Museums and Historic Homes
The General Adam Stephen House is a historic residence in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, West Virginia. An example of colonial stone architecture, it was built from local limestone in the late 1770s to early 1780s. A seasonal tour schedule included weekend tours from April through the end of October, as well as tours during the first two weekends of December for Colonial Christmas. Before visiting, check whether these dates are currently offered.
Built in 1874, the Triple Brick Museum houses artifacts and memorabilia from historic Martinsburg. Its collections include surveying equipment, spinning wheels, quilts, and railroad artifacts. The Berkeley County Museum has a different focus: its permanent exhibits cover industry, fashion, the military, African American history, Belle Boyd and her family, and the Jewish community. Together, the museums offer different ways to explore everyday life, community history, and historic collections.
Art and Bike Trails
At Berkeley Art Works, The Artists at the Works Co-op is set up as a curated gallery space. Local and regional artists exhibit and sell their work there year-round. This offers a different way to experience the region than its historic homes and railroad sites: rather than architecture from the past or collection pieces, the focus is on contemporary artists’ work.
For a trip that includes cycling, the WV Route 9 Bike Path from Martinsburg to Ranson in Jefferson County and the Frog Hollow Trail are additional options. The first section of the Frog Hollow Trail is open to visitors; the trail is intended to connect downtown with the existing Route 9 Trail. Check current access before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Inwood, Falling Waters.
For the regional travel overview: Berkeley County.
