There’s far from a shortage of historic towns to visit in West Virginia. Regardless if you’re a history buff or if you just want to learn fun facts about the Mountain State, you’ll discover so much when you check out some of the historic towns in West Virginia. While there are countless historic towns in the state, here are 7 West Virginia historic towns that top our list of those to explore during a day out.

1. Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Jan Kronsell
Bjoertvedt
The historic district in Harpers Ferry has existed since the 19th century. This historic town in West Virginia played an important role in the Civil War. Harpers Ferry was the site of John Brown’s Raid, an attempt to start a slave revolt in 1859. Stonewall Jackson also made the town his base command during part of the Civil War.
2. Charles Town
Charles Town, WV 25414, USA
Acroterion
Acroterion
Charles Town was founded in 1787 by Charles Washington; the brother of George Washington. Charles Washington’s estate - named Happy Retreat - was built in Charles Town in 1780. The historic town in West Virginia also played an important part in the Civil War and was the place where John Brown was hanged for treason.
3. Hinton
Hinton West Virginia, Hinton, WV 25951, USA
Tim Kiser
Tim Kiser
The historic town of Hinton was established in 1873 and named for John "Jack" Hinton, a prominent lawyer of Summers County. The downtown area of this quaint West Virginia historic town is on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is also home to several museums including the Veterans Memorial Museum, the Hinton Railroad Museum, and King's Civil War Museum.
4. Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown, WV, USA
Noel Benadom/flickr

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This historic town in West Virginia is also the oldest in the state. It was founded in 1762 by Colonial Virginia’s General Assembly. Take a look at this walking tour when you visit this historic town in West Virginia, too.
5. Buckhannon
Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA
Tim Kiser
Google/Chris Clark
The city of Buckhannon was established in 1816 and charted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1852. Because of its near-central location, the city was considered the site of the state Capitol, but officials decided the river there was not wide enough to accommodate commerce. Its first courthouse was built in 1854.
6. Philippi
Philippi, WV 26416, USA
Google/Randy Wilfong
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
This historical town in West Virginia is the site of the first land battle of the Civil War in 1861. Every year, the battle is reenacted during the town’s Blue and Gray Reunion. It's also the home to West Virginia's longest and oldest covered bridge.
7. Lewisburg
Lewisburg, WV 24901, USA
Google/Mike Little
Google/Chris Clark
Lewisburg is more than 230 years old and has many 18th and 19th-century buildings scattered around. As you can see from this photo, old structures have been converted to new uses.

These are just seven of the most beautiful and historic towns in West Virginia. What other towns would you add to this list? Feel free to let us know in the following comments section.

If you’d like to explore some more destinations with a historic past, take a look at these tiny historic towns in West Virginia too. These West Virginia small towns are ideal for a weekend getaway as well.

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More to Explore

Historic Towns In West Virginia

Marla S. | December 13, 2022

What are some of the most beautiful towns in West Virginia?

In addition to the historic towns in West Virginia mentioned above, here are some additional towns in the state that are charming and bucket-list-worthy.

 

Take a look at these additional beautiful West Virginia towns if you'd like to plan a weekend getaway, too.

What is the best small town to visit in West Virginia? 

Fayetteville tops our list as the best small town to visit in West Virginia for the following reasons.

  • The charming downtown area.
  • Access to outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
  • The landscape and New River Gorge Bridge.
  • The culinary scene.
  • Access to art galleries.

 

Take a look at why Fayetteville is the best small town to visit in West Virginia.

What are some ghost towns in West Virginia? 

The following historic towns in West Virginia are ghost towns. Are you brave enough to visit each one?

 

For a day out, check out this West Virginia ghost town road trip, too.

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