Take A Drive Down One Of West Virginia’s Oldest Roads For A Picture Perfect Day
Winding across West Virginia from Parkersburg to the Virginia border, the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike spans 225 miles, nearly 200 years of history, and a swath of beautiful country that has earned it the status of a National Scenic Byway.
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Civil engineer Claudius Crozet mapped out a route over some of the most rugged terrain in what was then Virginia. Despite his efforts, funding to actually build the road was not authorized until 12 years later in 1838, when construction finally began. The road was finally completed after 12 more years, in 1850.
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What follows are just a few of them.
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A few miles further on, note the site of Cheat Summit Fort, built by General Grant, which successfully secured Union control of the turnpike. Earthworks can still be seen.
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Just a few miles off the road is the site of the Battle of Rich Mountain, a scenic spot commemorating one of the early Civil War battles for control of the turnpike. Also in Beverly, you can find the home of Lemuel Chenoweth, a renowned bridge builder who built a number of the bridges along the turnpike. Today, his 165 year old house in Beverly still stands strong as a monument to his brilliant carpentry, and now is a museum.
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From Weston, the turnpike follows Route 47 west to its terminus on the Ohio River in Parkersburg, home to many attractions such as the Blennerhassett Island State Park and the Oil and Gas Museum.
What a road! Whether you like scenic beauty, history, or just a leisurely road trip, follow the route of the old Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike for a perfect adventure! To learn more, visit the Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance. Have you ever taken this trip through history? If you have and want a new drive to take, try the Coal Heritage Trail instead.
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Featured Addresses
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Durbin, WV, USA