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.

The story of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike dates back to 1826, when - after years of lobbying - the Virginia government began to investigate a land route from Staunton, Virginia to the Ohio River at Parkersburg.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance
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.
Today, modern roads such as Routes 47, 33, and 250 in many places still follow the route laid out by Crozet through the heart of the mountains.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance/FHWA
Those who travel this route, full of sharp curves and dizzying switchbacks, will know to what lengths old Mr. Crozet had to go in order to preserve the 4% grade specified by the Virginia government!
InflightAIS/Wikipedia
A century and a half ago, travelers on horseback or in wagons would spend days traversing this 225 mile overland route (with many tollhouses along the way). Today, it can easily be done in a day. But there are many scenic and historical spots along the way that make the journey worth enjoying at a leisurely pace.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance/FHWA
What follows are just a few of them.
Just over the Virginia border in the Monongahela National Forest, discover Camp Allegheny, where an early Civil War battle took place (that would later be significant in determining the bounds of the new state of West Virginia). Ruins of old buildings and earthworks are still visible.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance/FHWA

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Continuing on the winding road to Bartow, you'll pass the historic inn Travelers Repose, an important stop along the old turnpike where (according to tradition) such notables as Abe Lincoln and Stonewall Jackson stayed. It was burned during the Civil War but rebuilt shortly thereafter.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia
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.
After several more miles of mountain roads, you arrive at Beverly, where you can find fascinating stories and artifacts from history in the Beverly Heritage Center.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance/FHWA
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.
Proceeding west, you can detour through Elkins and discover more history at the Randolph County Visitor Center.
Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance/FHWA
Further west, in Buckhannon, you pass by the stately Farnsworth House, a historic mansion that was once home to West Virginia's second governor, D.D. Farnsworth. Until its recent closure, it was an exceptional bed and breakfast going by the name of "A Governor's Inn."
SSH/Tripadvisor
And then it's on to Weston, where you can visit such famous sites as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and the Stonewall Resort.
Wikimedia
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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Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Durbin, WV, USA