Historic Sites
The Adam Stephen House
Built of native limestone in the late 1770s and early 1780s, the Adam Stephen House is one of Martinsburg's finest examples of colonial stone architecture. The land on which the house was constructed was purchased by General Adam Stephen in 1770 as part of a 255-acre tract. The home has been carefully restored and furnished with period pieces that reflect life in the late eighteenth century.
Adjacent to the house is the Triple Brick Museum, constructed in 1874 and originally rented to railroad workers. Early records refer to it as the “Tribble House” or “the brick house divided into three dwellings.” Today, the museum contains a collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to daily life in historic Martinsburg, including early surveying equipment, spinning wheels, quilts, railroad artifacts and items reflecting the city's industrial, social and cultural history.
Boydville
Boydville is one of Martinsburg's oldest and most significant historic homes. Constructed in the early nineteenth century by the Boyd family, the estate played an important role in the region's development and is closely associated with Eliza Boyd, whose account of Civil War military activity surrounding the property became nationally known. Today, Boydville remains an important architectural landmark and event venue, offering visitors a glimpse into Martinsburg's early history.
Childhood Home of Belle Boyd
Visit the childhood home of Belle Boyd, one of the most famous spies of the Civil War. Boyd crossed military lines several times to deliver information to Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Following the war, she pursued a career on the stage and became a well-known actress and author.
Today, the Belle Boyd House serves as the Berkeley County Historical Society Museum and also houses the Visitors Center. Adjacent to the house is the Berkeley County Historical Society Archives Center, which contains a vast collection of photographs, family records, maps, books, newspapers and genealogical resources documenting the history of Berkeley County and the surrounding region.
The B&O Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station
Step back in time at one of Martinsburg's most significant historic sites. The B&O Roundhouse complex played a vital role in transportation, industry and national events throughout the nineteenth century. During the Civil War, Confederate forces under Stonewall Jackson destroyed portions of the railroad facilities because of their strategic importance to the Union war effort. The complex was rebuilt and continued to serve as a critical transportation hub.
The Roundhouse is also nationally significant as the site of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, widely recognized as the first major national labor conflict in American history. What began in Martinsburg spread across the country and helped shape future labor relations in the United States.
Today, the restored complex hosts community events, educational exhibits and cultural activities. Caperton Train Station continues to serve passengers on MARC and Amtrak rail lines while preserving an important piece of Martinsburg's transportation heritage.
Historic Downtown Martinsburg and the Market House
Historic Downtown Martinsburg reflects more than two centuries of commerce, transportation and community life. The downtown district contains an impressive collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings that illustrate Martinsburg's development as the commercial and governmental center of the Eastern Panhandle.
At the heart of downtown stands the historic Market House, a longtime symbol of civic and commercial activity. For generations, the Market House served residents, merchants and farmers and remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
Martinsburg Public Library
Opened in 1913 with support from industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the Martinsburg Public Library is one of West Virginia's historic Carnegie libraries. The building remains an architectural landmark and continues to serve the community as a center for education, research and public engagement.
Apollo Civic Theatre
The Apollo Civic Theatre has been a centerpiece of Martinsburg's cultural life for generations. Originally opened in the early twentieth century, the historic theater continues to host performances, concerts, productions and community events while preserving an important part of the city's architectural and artistic heritage.
For the Kids, By George Children's Museum
Located inside historic Caperton Train Station, For the Kids, By George is an interactive children's museum that brings local history to life through hands-on exhibits and experiences. Young visitors can explore a Tuscarora Native American village, discover George Washington's frontier world, operate a train station and create their own downtown buildings in the LEGO® room.
The museum helps children and families discover the people, places and events that shaped Martinsburg and the Eastern Panhandle through engaging educational experiences.
Explore More Martinsburg History
Interested in learning more about the people, places and events that shaped Martinsburg? Explore the City's America 250 project, Where America's Story Runs Through Martinsburg, and discover more than 250 years of local history through stories, photographs and historical research.
Explore the America 250 Archive
Historic site information adapted from materials provided by the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Berkeley County Historical Society and local historical organizations.
Why Martinsburg?
Located in the heart of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, Martinsburg offers a unique combination of history, opportunity and quality of life. As the region's center for government, healthcare, education, commerce and transportation, Martinsburg serves residents, visitors, businesses and investors throughout the region.
Whether you are exploring our historic downtown, visiting local attractions, starting a business or considering relocation, Martinsburg provides the advantages of a growing community while maintaining the character and charm that have defined our city since its founding in 1778.
Why Visit Martinsburg?
From Revolutionary War history and Civil War landmarks to parks, museums, arts and entertainment, Martinsburg offers visitors opportunities to explore more than 250 years of American history while enjoying modern amenities and attractions.
- Historic Downtown Martinsburg
- Adam Stephen House and Triple Brick Museum
- Belle Boyd House and Museum
- B&O Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station
- Apollo Civic Theatre
- War Memorial Park
- For the Kids, By George Children's Museum
- America 250 History Archive
Why Invest in Martinsburg?
Martinsburg is strategically located along Interstate 81 and within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. The city continues to experience residential, commercial and industrial growth supported by transportation access, workforce availability, public infrastructure and regional collaboration.
- Regional workforce and growing population
- Access to Interstate 81
- MARC and Amtrak rail service
- Proximity to major East Coast markets
- Redevelopment and infill opportunities
- Historic and growing downtown business district
- Strong utility and transportation infrastructure
- Available commercial and industrial development opportunities
Community Partners & Regional Resources
Martinsburg's success is supported by the efforts of many outstanding organizations serving residents, visitors, businesses and communities throughout the Eastern Panhandle.
Area Information