CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA...
Early settlers began to arrive in 1770 in the area that is now Clarksburg. The first known permanent settlers were Andrew and Samuel Cottrill, 1772, John Nutter, who built Nutters Fort, and Daniel Davisson were the next settlers to arrive around 1774.
Clarksburg was officially chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1785; it was named for General George Rogers Clark.
The building of great turnpikes in the early part of 1800 accelerated the growth of the city. The Baltimore and Ohio Railway reached this area in 1856. This also greatly facilitated growth.
Clarksburg is the birthplace of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). He was born at 324 West Main Street; he grew up here and at nearby Jackson's Mill. Jackson was Commandant at West Point during the 1850's. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army. He was next to Robert E. Lee who considered him "my right arm'.
At the first battle of Bull Run, he earned the sobriquet or nickname of "Stonewall". During the life of the Confederacy, he was one of the few persons who was given a state funeral in Richmond, Virginia.
During the "Boom Years', Clarksburg experienced unprecedented growth. The "Boom Years" were the late 1800's and early 1900's. Coal mining brought Irish, Italians and Greeks to this area.
The Downtown Historic District of Clarksburg which is on the National Register of Historic Places is located primarily within the following boundaries:
Hewes Avenue on the North,
Main Street on the South,
Chestnut Street on the West,
and Water Street on the East.
There are many beautiful older homes located on East Main Street between Monticello Avenue and Goff Plaza. Many of these homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Quality Hill Historic District.
Both historic districts have a wide variety of architectural styles. Italianate and Greek Revival styles are found within the historic districts.
Because Clarksburg experienced a boom during the late 1890's, the historic district is predominantly composed of Late Victorian architecture with Italianate and Renaissance designs leading.
DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR NUMBER 1
1. Christ Episcopal Church, Sixth and West Main Streets. An 1853 Tudor Gothic structure built under the supervision of Rev. Castleman who selected the lumber to be used. It was built on land donated by Burton Despard.
2. Nathan Goff, Jr home, 463 West Main Street. This was the residence of Nathan Goff, Jr., who served as a U.S. District Judge, and U.S. Senator. He was also a Clarksburg developer. This house was a splendid example of Second Empire style residence. It was built in 1883 of simulated pressed brick. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1976. DEMOLISHED 1993.
3. E.T.Baldwin house, 454 West Main Street. This is a Victorian two and a half story residence build c. 1880. Baldwin was recorder of Clarksburg 1880-81, and he also served as Mayor 1883-85. On the front of the house is a large recessed gabled balcony. The returned cornices on the rear ell are a Greek Revival element. The side lights and the transom are original. Currently it is the rectory of the Episcopal Church.
4. Haymond Court, West Main Street, c. 1915. These "Brownstone" Apartments are constructed of brick. They are an excellent example of early 20th century communal architecture. They have several late Victorian features. The roof lines all feature semi-stepped gables leading to a pseudopalladian on the end of each three-sided bay on each wing. Rectangular transoms and sidelights are on each entrance. Haymond Court was named for the Haymond family, many of whom have been prominent citizens in Harrison County, including historian Henry Haymond.
5. Colonial Building, 424 West Main Street, 1912. A late Victorian style commercial office building built by Virgil Highland. It was a five-bay structure with three-sided oriels (bays) projecting from the second and third levels at the central bay and on each end bay. DEMOLISHED 1994.
6. Empire Bank Building, West Main and 4th Streets. This seven-story steel structure of brownstone and brick was built in 1907 by Virgil Highland. The first floor portal is blanked by Corinthian columns. The embellished, bracketed cornice on the top floor gives it a Renaissance Revival theme. It holds the oldest bank charter in Clarksburg.
7. Oak Hall, 401-407 West Main Street. This office building was built by Nathan Goff, Jr., in 1903. The facade contains 18 arched windows with an arcade effect; each third window has brick pilasters; it contains a laurel garland type frieze and decorative corbels.
8. Cohen Building, 345 West Main Street, c 1905. This structure is a three-story Italianate building with three bays. A central bay and a large vaulted arched window are located on the second level; it has an arcade effect on the third level. The cornice and triangular pediment at the roof level are Romanesque. It was built by Michael Cohen who was a major stockholder in Robinson Grand Theater.
9. A.C. Smith Building, 333-335 West Main Street. Built around 1895, it is a three-story commercial building bearing the name of A.C. Smith carved in the top cornice. The elaborate decorations are Italianate. This building once housed Smith, Brown and Company, 1895-1930.
10. A Plaque marking the birthplace of Stonewall Jackson, 324 West Main Street. "On this site stood the birthplace of Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, Lt. General C.S.A. Born January 21,1824-died May 10, 1863." The plaque is located on the Edel Building.
11. Mercer Drug Store, 329-331 West Main Street. A three-story brick commercial building built in 1902. The first level is covered by glass. There are hood molds that have vertical key-stones. The top of the frieze contains horizontal beading and the cornice is bracket. Occupied by Mercer Drug in 1970.
12. Goff Building, W. Main & Court Streets. Designed by noted architect Frank P. Milburn and commissioned by Nathan Goff, Jr., for whom it was named. This is a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival architecture. Constructed of Glen View brick made in Clarksburg, it consists of twin buildings which rise from one base. Goff (1842-1920) was a prominent businessman who served in the West Virginia Legislature, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and he was also Secretary of the Navy under President Hayes. He was a successful promotor of oil and gas in West Virginia.
13. The Harrison County Courthouse, West Main & Third Streets. Designed by Carlton C. Wood of Clarksburg(supervising architect) and architects R.L. Walker and H.F.Horne of Cleveland, Ohio. The building is Art Deco architecture with nine floors built of buff limestone and steel frame on a base of black granite. It was built in 1931-32.
14. The Despard Building, 306-310 West Main Street. Located next to the Community Bank Building. Built in 1877, it is a two-story six-bay Italianate structure with elongated, arched windows on the second level. It has numerous Victorian decorative elements. It was originally the Wells and Haymaker Drug Store.
15. Community Bank & Trust, 300 West Main Street. Built in 1894, it is an example of Neo-Romanesque Revival architecture with fine details. It was established in 1860 as a branch of the Merchants & Mechanics Bank of Wheeling. Its first president was Nathan Goff, Sr., followed by his nephew Nathan Goff, Jr., then R.T. Lowndes. It was under Lowndes that the present structure was built.
16. Union National Bank Building, West Main & S. Third Streets. This is a ten-story Renaissance Revival structure built in 1912. The entrance and windows on the first level are flanked by Greek Doric fluted columns. The first level is banded at the top by classical modillions which cap the building. In recent years, Union National took over the Prunty building (built 1914) as an annex. The Prunty building, a neo-classical design, complements the bank building.
17. James & Law Building, 217 West Main Street. Built in 1910 by E.W.James, Sr., and A.S. Law, it was West Virginia's largest book store. It is a four-story structure crowned with a heavily bracketed cornice, and flanked on the sides by brick pilasters that culminate in decorative cap stones.
18. Watts-Lamberd Building, 216 West Main Street. Built in 1902 by C.O. Findley. The facade is very unusual. It has two-stories with a half dome above the roof line over the central bay. The high glassed windows give the appearance of a galleried or arcade building. Watts Lamberd Company occupied the building until 1967.
19. The Louchery Building, 214 West Main Street. An 1897 Victorian commercial building with twin oriels at the second and third levels. It was occupied 1901-1936 by Dr. Daniel C. Louchery, Clarksburg's first medical "Specialist," who used the building for a residence and an office.
20. First United Presbyterian Church, West Main and Second Streets, 1894. This religious edifice is constructed in the Gothic Revival style with Gothic gables located on each elevation and twin louvered lancet windows. The tall spire is crowned with a finial. Organized in 1829 by Asa Brooks who lies interred beneath the church.
21. Palace Furniture Building, 168 West Main Street. Designed by Engineer Frank D. McEnteer, this structure was built c 1911. It was the first concrete/steel structure in West Virginia. It had four stories added in 1921. The neo-classical facade with its Italianate-fascia cornice was also added in 1921.
22. Goff-Miller-Bassel residence, 150 West Main Street. The old part of this house was a Victorian, one and a half story building with a gabled porch over the first level entrance. Built in 1885, it was originally owned by Senator Nathan Goff; sold in 1914 to William H. Miller, a local attorney who sold it to John Bassel. It was the headquarters of the "Loyal Order of Moose," who acquired it in 1945. DEMOLISHED 1993.
23. Stealey-Goff-Vance House, 123 West Main Street. Built in 1806 or 1807 by George Jackson who sold it to Jacob Stealey, Clarksburg's first tanner. Stealey sold the home in 1881 to Nathan Goff, Sr., his wife Mary R. Goff owned it from 1885 to 1908. It was remodeled during this time and Victorian gingerbread was added. Amy Roberts Vance acquired the home in 1932. Her son, Cyrus R. Vance, spent his youth here. Vance was Secretary of the Army 1962-64, U.S. Secretary of State 1977 until his resignation in 1980. The house was entered in the National Register in 1979. Currently it is the headquarters of the Harrison County Historical Society.
DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR NUMBER 2
24. Towers, Second Street & Hewes Avenue. A Romanesque-Victorian building with a central tower. Originally chartered in 1787 as the Randolph Academy, which was the first academy established west of the Allegheny Mountains. It opened in 1795 with Rev. George Towers as the first Tutor. A new building was constructed in 1843 on that site. This housed the Northwestern Virginia Academy. Gordon Battelle was the principal from 1843 to 1865. In 1888 it became the Clarksburg High School. The building was razed in 1895 and the Towers School was built on the same site. It served as a high school until 1913, later, it served as an elementary school.
25. First United Methodist Church, West Pike Street and 117 N. Second Street. An elegant Gothic style church with some modern elements. It was built in 1956 to replace the 1909 church which burned in 1952. The architect was Harold E. Wagoner.
26. Gore Hotel, West Pike Street & Second Street, 1910-1913. This structure was first built as a four-story hotel then a fifth floor was added in 1913. The Hotel was owned by Dr. Truman E. Gore, Physician and brother of Howard M. Gore, Governor of West Virginia 1925-1929. Although it is considered somewhat neo-classical design, it has many renaissance Revival elements.
27. Fordyce Building, 217 West Pike Street, 1891. Built by Albert Fordyce for the Fordyce Carriage works which operated from 1875-1903. It has an elaborate orate Renaissance Revival pressed metal facade. The date and name "Fordyce" are carved on the frieze. Only the first level has been altered. It is currently occupied by Bland Drugs.
28. Clarksburg Municipal Building, 227 West Pike Street. Designed by Charles L. Hickman, it is a fine example of late 19th century Victorian Eclecticism. It served as the Post Office from 1888-1932, the Federal Building 1932-1966; the Municipal building since 1966. It has a multi-gabled roof and stone parapets; a dominant arched window on the front facade with portal openings.
29. Clarksburg Publishing Company, 324 Hewes Avenue. Constructed of stone, it is a classical design with stone pilasters on each side which are supported by two Ionic columns. Stone lintels surmount the first level windows. Founded in 1864, the Clarksburg Telegram is one of West Virginia's oldest surviving newspapers. In 1927, the Telegram joined the Clarksburg Publishing Company which published the Exponent American. Both papers continue to be published daily.
30. Waldomore Museum & Library, 400 West Pike. A Greek revival mansion constructed in 1839 by Waldo P. Goff and his wife, Harriett Moore, from which it derived the name "Waldomore." This was the birthplace of Nathan Goff, a Federal Judge and U.S. Senator. Since 1931, the Waldomore has served as part of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library. In 1978 it was entered in the National Register of Historic Places.
31. Waldo Hotel, North Fourth and West Pike Streets. This hotel was designed by Harrison Albright and constructed in 1901-1904. It is a seven-story "moorish" style design. Financed by Nathan Goff, Jr., and named for his father Waldo P. Goff.
32. Moore's Opera House, 110 South Fourth Street, 1917. The Opera House was built by Jack Marks on land owned by Frank Moore, Mayor of Clarksburg 1909 to 1912. A Charlie Chaplin film "A Dog's Life" was shown June 10, 1911 when it opened. A patriotic address was given here by Governor John J Cornwell. The murder trial of Harry Powers was held here in 1931. Powers received the death penalty.
33. Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library building was constructed in 1975. It was designed by Marcel Breuer. Both this building and the Waldomore constitute the Public Library. The Waldomore houses the West Virginia collection.
34. Elks Club, 411 West Pike Street. This two-story classical building was erected in 1911. There are four fluted columns with Corinthian capitals on the front facade. The balcony is flanked by two fluted pilasters with Corinthian capitals.
35. Masonic Temple, 427 West Pike Street, 1911-1914. A neo-classical construction with Renaissance Revival elements. It has a beaded pediment on the front facade, supported by paneled pilasters. The Clarksburg Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star date back to 1814.
36. Tree of Life Synagogue, West Pike & Fifth Streets, 1881, 1927. The building was designed by Charles Hickman and constructed in 1881 for the Central Presbyterian Church who remodeled it in 1927. It was purchased in 1940 by the United Jewish Community.
37. Robinson Grand Theater, 444 West Pike Street, c 1912. It is a Neo-Gothic design with elements of Classicism. It has elaborate terra-cotta detailing. An elaborate pipe organ was installed in 1915. It was the 13th theater in the U.S. to be equipped for sound movies. It burned in 1939 and was restored in 1940. Originally it was operated by Reuben Robinson, later by his brother, Claude Robinson. Today, it is known as the Rose Garden Theatre.
38. W. Brent Maxwell house, 529 West Pike Street. Built in 1912 it is a new-classical mansion with twin fluted, terra cotta, Ionic columns which support a pediment. A molded frieze is surmounted by highly ornamental balustrades. Maxwell was former president of Union National Bank.
39. Central Christian Church, West Pike and Chestnut Streets. The building was erected and dedicated in 1907. Note the beautiful stained glass windows which add to this edifice.
DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR NUMBER 3
As you leave downtown and go out East Main Street, all of the odd numbered houses are on your right. These are listed first in your tour guide. When you return, all of the even numbered houses will be on your right.
40. Maxwell Duncan house, 141 East Main Street. An Italianate two and a half story brick built c. 1872. It has a hip roof, wide entablature; large scroll-like brackets. There is a three bay front porch with elaborate brackets; gabled dormers. There is a detached carriage house of dark brown clapboard. Built by Attorney Edwin Maxwell, W.V. State Senate; House of Delegates; Justice State Supreme Court. After Maxwell's death, it was bought by George Lee Duncan, President of West Virginia Bank.
41. Freeman-Stout residence, 151 East Main Street. A Victorian Gothic house built c. 1872. It is two and a half stories with clapboard and a gabled slate roof. Arched wooden windows add to the decor. It has a second story balcony; a porch with columns and scroll brackets. It was built by William H. Freeman, brother-in-law to Abraham Smith, Jr. The house was owned by Mrs. Frances Stout, Freeman's grand-daughter.
42. Brooks-Cann home, 159 East Main Street. It is a Colonial Revival house built between 1907 and 1911. It is a clapboard house painted gray with white trim. The porch has molded fascia and large modillion-style brackets. There is a large stained glass window on the second story west side. It was built by John O. Brooks on property belonging to John Allen and George Jackson. The house was purchased by J. M. Carskadon, organizer of Palace Furniture.
43. Williams-Cather house, 163 East Main Street. A Queen Anne style structure which was built in 1885 by Elliot Williams on property originally owned by Rev. George Towers. It is constructed of red brick with a stone foundation. The house has many interesting dormers and a tower with a large finial.
44. Ruhle-Kennedy-Messerole house, 205 East Main Street. A late Victorian home with some Eastern elements. It was built in 1890. Constructed of clapboard with brick foundation, it has many decorative aspects including carved brackets, molding and medallions. It was built by George Bastable who sold it to John Ruhle, founder of Ruhle-Koblegard Company.
45. Flanagan-Wilson house, 209 East Main Street. A Georgian Revival style home built 1910-1911. It has buff-colored brick with rust brick quoins and a gabled roof of red tile. There are leaded panes in the large window. Built by John M. Flanagan on property purchased from John Koblegard. Flanagan was Sheriff of Harrison County.
46. Bastable-Koblegard-Keeley house, 217 East Main. This Victorian Gothic home was built in 1870-72. It is a two and a half story white house built by George Bastable on land purchased from Granville Davisson. This is one of the oldest homes in the historic district. It was purchased in 1881 by John Ruhle.
47. Coplin-Taylor house, 227 East Main Street. A red brick structure built in 1873. The veranda has large fluted Corinthian columns. Decorations include a molded frieze, dentils and square brackets. It was built by Nathan J. Coplin on land purchased from John Bassel.
48. Smith-Phares home, 235 East Main Street. This home was built in 1901 by Lyle Smith on a lot adjoining his father, Abraham Smith, Jr. It is an early 20th century eclectic, red brick home with gabled style roof.
49. Smith-Goff home, 239 East Main Street. This home was built in 1871 by Abraham Smith, Jr., son of Pruntytown's Abraham Smith. The three-bay porch has Doric columns, dentilled entablature, and Palladian-style windows. The house was owned later by Louis A. Johnson, Assistant Secretary of War under President Roosevelt, and Secretary of Defense under President Truman.
50. Despard house/Davis-Weaver Funeral home, 329 East Main Street. This home was built of handmade brick with stucco which makes it resemble ashlar (stone). It was built by Col. Burton Despard and called "Despard's Folly". It is an Italianate design built between 1852-1856. Despard was a law partner of Edwin Maxwell. The home remained in the Despard family until 1919 when it was taken over by the Davis-Weaver Funeral home.
51. Haymond Maxwell home, 331 East Main Street. This is a Georgian Revival home built c. 1904. The one-story porch has fluted Doric columns. It was built by Haymond Maxwell, son of Edwin Maxwell who followed his father as a West Virginia Supreme Court Justice.
52. Thomas W. Harrison home, 317 Buckhannon Avenue. This home was built in 1860 by Harrison and occupied by him until 1906. Since 1940 it has been occupied by the family of Col. Louis A. Johnson, U.S. Secretary of Defense 1949-1950.
As you return to the city via East Main Street, the following homes will be on your right.
53. James Clifford house, 270 East Main Street. This is an Italianate house completed in 1880. It is built of dark red bricks which were made on the property. The house was built by James Clifford, a native of Ireland. Except for the John George Jackson mansion, this was the first house built on the north side of East Main Street. Presently the building is owned by the American Legion.
54. Williams-Petitto house, 254 East Main Street. A Queen Anne style home built in 1901. It is a frame structure covered with brick veneer; the trim is yellow. There is a three-story tower with stained glass in the first story of the tower. The porch has paired Doric columns on large bases. It was built by Perry C. Williams who was a co-partner of Virgil Highland at the Empire National Bank.
55. Smiley-Matthews house, 248 East Main Street. A Neo-Colonial Revival home built in 1906-07. The semi-circular porch has Doric columns which are on tall bases connected by stone balustrades. The beveled glass in the door is very interesting. This home was built by Charles Smiley, president of Star Rig, Reel Supply Company.
56. Haymaker-Wyborski house, 244 East Main Street. A Queen Anne style home with Eastlake decorative elements. It was built in 1900-01. Its yellow paint and orange trim suggest Victorian characteristics. The balustrade railing around the pediment creates a second story balcony effect. This is considered an excellent example of late Queen Anne architecture in the historic district. The house was built by Frank B. Haymaker on land which was said to be part of "Jackson Square". Haymaker was a leader in establishing a College of Pharmacy at West Virginia University.
57. Virgil Highland house, 240 East Main Street. Built in 1903-05, this is the only example of Victorian Romanesque on East Main Street. The first story is red-brown sandstone, the other story and a half is buff colored brick with stone quoins at the corners There is a two story hexagonal bay on the east and a tower on the west. The doors are set in Tudor arched recesses. The sandstone porch is very unusual. Highland was President of Empire National Bank for many years.
58. Maxwell(Gaylord)Boyajian house, 228 East Main Street. It is a frame house painted white with a stone foundation and a hip roof. Built in 1898 this house is Queen Anne style with elements of Shingle style. The massive three-story tower was added around 1906. It was built by Lewis Maxwell for his daughter Grace and her husband William Gaylord of the Horner-Gaylord Company.
59. Snider-Oliverio home, 224 East Main Street. This home was built by Millard F. Snider c 1897. It is a Queen Anne structure of clapboard. The dormers have hexagonal shingles and elaborate boards. Millard Snider was known as the "Dean of the Harrison County Bar Association."
60. Koblegard-Gallo home, 218 East Main Street. Built by Peter Koblegard, it is an example of Queen Anne style. It is a frame house painted white with block foundation. The main peak of the roof is topped with a weather-vane. The home was built around 1899 on property purchased from Nathan Goff, Jr.
61. Furbee-Lynch home, 212 East Main Street. This home is Georgian Revival style with some Queen Anne details. It was built by Charles W. Furbee in 1906-1907. It is a frame house painted green with white trim. Fish scale shingles are on the dormers. The porch has paired and triple Ionic columns.
62. Nutter-Sotirakis house, 208 East Main Street. This house was built by Thomas L. Nutter in 1910-1911. It is American Foursquare style with Colonial Revival details. The house is built of buff-colored brick.
63. Robinson-Jackson house(John George Jackson Homestead site), 154 East Main Street. This home is a Classic Revival built by Paul W. Robinson on the site where John George Jackson's mansion stood in 1901. The present home was built in 1903-1907. The present home has Beaux-Arts detailing. It is built of brick which has been painted white. The house is symmetrical which is characteristic of Classic Revival structures. The present house is the only example of Classic Revival within the historic district which represents the Beaux-Arts design. In 1801 John George Jackson built a mansion on this same site for his wife Mary Payne, a sister of Dolly Madison and Lucy Washington. The old Jackson mansion deteriorated by 1890 and was removed. The home was owned by George Jackson, a descendant of the Jackson family.
64. Boggess-Myers home, 150 East Main Street. This was a red brick house with a cut stone foundation. The house was Queen Anne style. Built c. 1893 by E. Stringer and Mary Boggess on property which originally belonged to John George Jackson. Note the fish scale shingles on the gabled dormer. The one-story porch has turned columns and balustrades. It also has spindle style eaves trim. The house sold in 1895 to Martha O. Goff and it has remained relatively unchanged throughout the years. DEMOLISHED
65. Dunn-Lewis house, 146 East Main Street. This house was built around 1891-93. It was originally Queen Anne Style, but it has been altered considerably. The wrought iron works add beauty to the house. The structure is dark red brick on a sandstone foundation. This was the home of Mildred A.F. Dunn, a Harrison county school teacher.
This walking tour was compiled by Jennifer S. Morton and based on an earlier Bicentennial Walking Tour by Barbara Highland published in 1984. We include some DEMOLISHED structures as it is important to remember what has been lost to help prevent further losses.