Fayetteville WV Tour of "America's Coolest Small Town"

Entries on This Tour

The Fayette County Courthouse is a late 19th century Romanesque Revival-Style courthouse that features intricate carvings along the building's exterior along with stone arches and porches. The courthouses was built between 1894 and 1895 under the vision of Wheeling architects Edward Bates Franzheim and Millard Giesey. Three additions were made to the building in 1948, 1958, and 1976. The bell tower features cast-iron stairs that lead up the historic bell, cast in 1895, and continues to operate on days when court is in session.

2. Battle of Fayetteville Historical Marker

On September 10, 1862, a small battle between Union and Confederate forces occurred in Fayetteville. Confederate forces attacked the Union’s troops at Fort Scammon in hopes of gaining control of the Kanawha River Valley. The battle included what is believed to be the “first use of indirect fire” in military battle. Confederate forces gained control of Fort Scammon and Fayetteville, while Union forces retreated into the Kanawha Valley. Confederate Forces remained in control of Fayetteville for approximately one month. Recognizing that the Confederacy needed all available manpower to defend Virginia, most of the Confederate soldiers went east, and the Union was able to retake control of the area.

3. Statue of Marquis de Lafayette

The statue created by sculptor Joel Randell that stands on the Fayette County Courthouse ground depicts Marquis de Lafayette gazing off into the world. Born on September 6, 1757, in Chavaniac, France, Marquis de Lafayette grew to be a successful military officer during the Revolutionary War serving the Continental Army. Lafayette made his way to the United States in 1777 after being inspired by the colonists’ fight against the British through stories and signing an agreement to become a Major General in the Continental Army after being appointed by General George Washington. Lafayette was also a member of the Royal Army in France, serving as a Sous-lieutenant with the Kimp Musketeers. By serving in armies in two different countries, Marquis de Lafayette became known as the “Hero of Two Worlds.”

4. The Morris Harvey House

The historic home of real estate investor and philanthropist Morris Harvey has been preserved, completely restored and operates today as an upscale bed and breakfast located in the heart of the Fayetteville Historic District. The three story, 14-room Victorian Queen Anne-style home was built in 1902 by Robert H. Dickerson. Dickerson was a contractor for Morris Harvey. The Morris Harvey House became one of the first homes in the region to be equipped with indoor plumbing, a system that provided running water from an 800-gallon copper tank located on the third floor that collected rain then dispersed it throughout the home.

5. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building was established in 1949 to honor the armed forces of the Army and Navy. During World War II, Fayette County lost more than 200 soldiers who were either killed in action, declared dead while missing in action, or died while a prisoner of war. With 5,830 killed in action, West Virginia had the fifth-highest percentage of servicemen during World War II. In the few years after World War II, the citizens of Fayette County came together and erected an outstanding facility, which honors those soldiers who paid the ultimate price.

6. Historic Fayette Theater

The Fayette Theatre was originally built as a movie house in 1937 and is one of the few Depression-era movie theaters still in use in southern West Virginia. Visitors to the theatre can view the original movie projectors that remained in use until the 1960’s. The Fayette County Historical Society began renovating the theatre in 1992 by installing paintings and pieces of art that depict life and entertainment from the 1930’s. The theater stages ten performances a year, along with special nights by request. The theater is part of the Historic Theatre Trail and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

7. Cathedral Café

The Café also referred to as the “Jewel of Fayette County,” serves as the local favorite gathering spot in the center of Fayetteville’s National Historic District. This quaint, turn-of-the-century church, complete with cathedral ceilings, towering stained glass windows, and modern wireless access, has been renovated into one of the region’s most popular casual dining restaurants.

8. Altamont Hotel

The Altamont Hotel was built in 1897, in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Four generations of women owned the hotel. It hosted many officials and businessmen who frequented the nearby county courthouse, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1979.

9. E.B. Hawkins House

The E.B. Hawkins home in Fayetteville, West Virginia was established in 1905 and includes large porches, gambrel roofs, extensive shingle-work, and grand interior stairway added in 1925. Among the interior details, its dining room walls feature a continuous hand-painted wallpaper. The property includes a guest house, garage, barn and second home, on a large grassy lot. Hawkins was an influential politician who served as mayor, county clerk, and sheriff of Fayette County. The residence operated as the Historic White Horse Inn Bed & Breakfast in the early 2000s. Of local significance, the house was built by a wealthy politician and occupied through the years by socially prominent citizens of the community.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Fayetteville WV Tour of "America's Coolest Small Town"

Created by HST 231 (Marshall University) on April 25th 2017, 3:23:59 pm.

Get a QR Code for this tour

Description

This tour winds its way towards the city's historic district with stops at historic buildings and markers as well as landmarks and a few places where you can enjoy some refreshments and get to know some of the local people of "America's Coolest Small Town." Fayetteville was founded by Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette and was the site of several battles in the Civil War. The town's main industry is tourism owing to the history of the community and outdoor recreation of the New River Gorge.

Entries on This Tour

Fayetteville WV Tour of "America's Coolest Small Town"

Description

Share