Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, West Virginia
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Description
About Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike:
Genuine and unusual historic experiences, accompanied by exhilarating vistas of high mountains and scenic valleys, are the anticipated rewards as you travel the historic Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike through the Monongahela National Forest. Connecting the upper Shenandoah Valley with the Ohio River, this Turnpike was essential to early development and settlement of the area. It was also of prime importance in the political dissension which led to the separation and eventual statehood of that part of Virginia which became West Virginia.
In the 1861 Mountain Campaign of the Civil War, winning the Battle of Rich Mountain, together with the accompanying control of the Turnpike, was of great significance for the Union armies. This was the campaign which brought General George McClellan to national prominence and damaged the reputation of General Robert E. Lee. As you travel along this historic Byway and associated backways you will experience such Civil War sites as the Rich Mountain Battlefield, Beverly Historic District, Cheat Summit Fort, Camp Bartow, and Camp Allegheny.
Accompanying points of interest are the many historic sites, houses, and towns revealing the hardships of early life experienced by
Wikipedia Description
About Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike:
The Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike was built in the U.S. state of the Commonwealth of Virginia during the second quarter of the 19th century to provide a roadway from Staunton and the upper Shenandoah Valley to the Ohio River at present-day Parkersburg. Engineered by Claudius Crozet through the mountainous terrain, it was a toll road partially funded by the Virginia Board of Public Works. Control of this road became crucial during the American Civil War.
In the 20th century, much of it became U.S. Route 250. Often also called the "Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike" in modern times and includes the only covered bridge in the U.S. Primary Highway System, on the Tygart River at Philippi, West Virginia. Most of the West Virginia portion of this historic 19th century roadway was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2005.
The area which was once considered Virginia was much larger during the Colonial Period, extending west to include much of the other current states of Kentucky, Ind
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