Springfield can be explored through two distinct themes: its early local history and White Horse Mountain as a nature destination. The Springfield Brick House, also known as Frenchwood, connects a single building with the town’s historic layout; at White Horse Mountain, the focus is on the landscape, wildlife habitat, and regulated recreational opportunities. This gives you a clear comparison between cultural history and outdoor activities as you plan your trip.
Frenchwood and the Original Town Plan
Springfield was laid out in 1790 with lots of a quarter acre each. The Springfield Brick House stands on Lot 20 of the original town plan. This connects a specific building with the town’s early parceling. The lot arrangement gives Frenchwood a historical context beyond its architecture and makes the town plan another way to explore Springfield’s history.
Frenchwood is a two-story brick building with an L-shaped floor plan and strong Georgian and Greek Revival influences. Along with Lot 20, it offers a view that extends from the individual building to the layout of Springfield. For those interested in cultural history, the building form, stylistic influences, and parceling all come together here: the town’s history is reflected both in its lot system and in the design of a house.
Local History Along Route 28
A later turning point came in 1928, when Route 28 was built through Springfield, destroying the old town square. In contrast with the 1790 layout, this road construction marks a different phase in the town’s development. The early parceling and the later transformation of the town center thus stand alongside one another as distinct historical themes.
Springfield United Methodist Church and Washington Bottom Farm are also associated with specific locations. The church is at the corner of Route 28 and Vine Street; Washington Bottom Farm is on WV 28 in Springfield. The church can be located by its intersection, while WV 28 provides the location reference for the farm.
White Horse Mountain: Landscape and Activities
White Horse Mountain covers 1,725 acres and spans the two ridges of Valley Mountain and River Mountain, as well as a small hollow between them at Swisher Hollow. The focus here is a varied landscape, not a single building or property. The area provides habitat for black bears, bald eagles, and bobcats.
From Springfield, White Horse Mountain can be reached via County Route 3, also known as Springfield Pike, and then Swisher Hollow Road. Hiking is permitted without prior registration. Horseback riding is restricted to the main roads. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed on the main roads; bicycles are not allowed off-road or on trails. Check current hunting notices before your visit.
Two Focus Areas for Planning Your Trip
Frenchwood and the history of Route 28 represent architecture and town development; White Horse Mountain turns the focus to landscape, habitat, and outdoor activities. If you are considering Springfield as a destination, these different themes can help guide your plans: Would you like to focus primarily on local history, or also include the natural area and its regulated recreational opportunities?
Discover more destinations: Romney, Purgitsville.
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