The pride we have in our heritage is one of the things that makes us such a strong people here in the Mountain State. To that end, the history behind this beautiful and popular park is often overlooked, even though the not-so-politically-correct term for its past use is included in the name of the attraction.
The Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg is a picturesque location featuring a lovely pond, a historic building and large, roomy green spaces in which to roam.
But most often overlooked is the history of this location. Back in the day, and probably before what most of use consider 'the day,' this farm was where the poor and indigent, forgotten people of the area went to live when they had lost their homes, means of earning a living, and oftentimes - their health.
The property was sold to the county in 1850 for use as a poor farm. Later, that term would be changed to one more politically correct: The County Farm. County farms were located all throughout West Virginia. They were often the only place for individuals (even entire families) to turn in times of hardship. This particular county farm has FOUR cemeteries.
Coming up in West Virginia, you may remember someone saying they, "don't want to die in the poor house." This would have been one of them. The gorgeous building that everyone covets (and rightfully so) at the Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg is the very building that sheltered prior generations of our ancestors that were down on their luck, or quite often sick, with nowhere else to turn. It was a period before medicare, social security, and welfare were implemented. Those that were healthy enough worked the farm in return for room and board.
In addition the to peace and relaxation if affords the visitors, it also means all those "forgotten" ancestors of ours that are buried here in anonymous fashion are finally getting the attention and love they deserve.
See more of Poor House Farm Park in this short video from YouTube user 3miphoto:
Want to visit? Poor House Farm Park is located on Poor House Road in Martinsburg, WV 25403. It’s open daily from dawn to dusk. Learn more on the official website of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board.
Do you remember hearing about the County Farms? And do you know of other previous County Farms (poor houses) in West Virginia that are also closed down but with remnants that still exist? We’d love to know about them.
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