Beverly Heritage Center

  The tiny town of Beverly was founded in 1790. It was the seat of Randolph County until the railroad came through Elkins, five miles to the north, which started a nine year struggle between the two towns for the honor of being county seat. Elkins finally won and grew into a rural commerce center while Beverly remains a tiny town.

   One of the earliest battles of the Civil War occurred west of town on Rich Mountain. After defeating Confederate troops, General McClellan marched his soldiers to Beverly which the Union held  for the duration of the war. This was important because the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, a supply route for both the Union and Confederates, ran through Beverly.

 These stories along with other early events are told in the heritage center. The center is very unique. The 1808 Randolph County Courthouse, the 1854, Bushrod Crawford Building, the 1900 Beverly Bank building and the 1907 Hill Store building which adjoin each other have been gutted and visitors pass from one building to the next while touring the museum. If you have time ask for a walking tour guide of the town that features buildings and homes from the early 1800s to the early 1900s.

   The museum is accessible. We did not do the walking tour but, from a quick observation of conditions near the museum, the sidewalks and curb cuts are in poor shape.

  Short RVs will fit in the lot behind the museum. This is where the entrance is located. Large RVs can be parked on the street.  Heritage Center  38.84025, -79.8751