Claiming to be the oldest town in the state, Shepherdstown is located in West Virginia’s Jefferson County. The estimated population of Shepherdstown as of 2002 includes just 1,208 residents. The small population makes for a very close-knit community. Shepherdstown, WV homes range from historical colonials to charming country ranches. The average income for a household in Shepherdstown is around $41,000.
The History of Shepherdstown
In the early 1700s, several colonial settlers migrated into the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley and crossed the Potomac River at Pack Horse Road. The Colony of Virginia began issuing Valley land grants in the 1730s, and a man by the name of Thomas Shepherd was granted 222 acres on the south side of the Potomac River in 1734. Shepherd selected fifty acres and laid out a town. The town was named Mecklenburg and Shepherd petitioned the Virginia General Assembly for a charter. The charter was granted in 1762, and Shepherd was the sole trustee, which meant he owned the town and had the responsibility to run its government.
There are more than twenty natural springs in the Shepherdstown real estate area that never flood or run dry. The springs run through backyards, under houses, across alleys, and beneath roads. The springs proved to be quite useful for the millers, tanners, potters, smiths and other artisans in the late 1700s. By 1775, the town housed 1,000 inhabitants.
In 1794, a second charter was granted to the town, which allowed for self-government. The town was renamed Shepherds Town in 1798, and corporate limits were extended. After the Civil War, the name was officially shortened to Shepherdstown. Several Shepherdstown, WV homes were constructed as the town expanded.
During the 1830s, part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was built, across the river from Shepherdstown. A canal lock, number 38, was named the “Shepherdstown Lock.” Presently, Shepherdstown is the only town to have a canal lock named for it.
In 1848, two free schools were built in Shepherdstown. One of the schoolhouses still stands on the southeast corner of Princess and New Streets. In 1863, when West Virginia became the 35th official state, the two schools became the oldest free schoolhouses in the entire state.
The famous Battle of Shepherdstown of the Civil War (also known as the Battle of Boteler’s Ford or Cement Mill) occurred on September 20, 1862, during General Lee’s retreat. As a result of the battle, more than 100 Confederate soldiers died and were buried in Elmwood Cemetery in town. Today, the Cemetery includes its own self-guided walking tour.
Shepherdstown’s Town Hall Building was chartered as a “Classical and Scientific Institute in 1872. At that time, the building was leased to the state and soon Shepherd College was formed. Today, the East Campus of Shepherd College occupies about one-third of the town proper, and the West Campus occupies a large area northwest of the town corporate limits.
Present Day Shepherdstown
Today, many of the Shepherdstown’s historical buildings (located on German Street) boast quaint little shops and restaurants. Fine dining and great shopping enhance the town, in addition to the beautiful and distinct Shepherdstown, WV homes set amidst picturesque neighborhoods. Shepherdstown is also the hometown for many local artistic and theatrical groups, including those affiliated with Shepherd College and town youth groups.
Some of the many restaurants in Shepherdstown include Bavarian Inn, Betty’s Restaurant, Blue Moon Café, China King, Rumsey Tavern, Stone Soup Bistro, Three Onions, and more.
To learn more about the unique town of Shepherdstown and Shepherdstown, WV homes, contact Gar Edmondson of The Team Titans at 304.724.1930 today.
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