Built between 1911-1912, Whitescarver Hall originally served as a male-only dormitory at Alderson Broaddus University. Listed in the National Historic of National Places in 1990, the structure is an on-going reminder of the Classical Revival architecture. As the oldest landmark on campus, Whitescarver Hall housed students at West Virginia's only American Baptist College until the 1970s when it was converted for use by faculty and administrators.
The Battle of Philippi was little more than a skirmish between Union and Confederate partisans, but its occurrence on June 3, 1861 has led to its historic distinction as the "first land battle" of the American Civil War. At the time, Philippi held some measure of strategic importance to both Union and Confederate supporters due to its location on the Baltimore-Ohio Railroad. Just before dawn on the day of June 3, 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed in Philippi. Outnumbered, Confederate forces began a quick and steadfast retreat from the area; so quickly was their retreat that it became known as the "Philippi Races."
William D. Zinn was a Philippi native who was a notable author, agriculturalist, and public servant. Zinn served in a variety of education and agriculture-related roles from the turn-of-the-century to the 1930s. In recognition of his life's contribution, he was enshrined in the West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. Zinn's work as an agriculturalist and lecturer allowed him to advocate for a more scientific approach to farming. This marker lies about a mile west of Woodbine Farm which was Zinn's birthplace as well as the setting of his autobiography titled The Story of Farm Woodbine Farm and many of his articles in agriculture periodicals.
Union General Benjamin F. Kelley was injured as he led troops at Philippi against Confederate soldiers. Gen. Kelley participated in the chase of General Lee’s army in 1863 and is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This marker stands in honor of Kelley’s service in the Union army.
Constructed in 1852 by Emmett J. O’Brien and Lemuel and Eli Chenoweth, the Philippi Covered Bridge is West Virginia’s oldest and longest extant covered bridge. The almost exclusively wooden structure utilizes the Burr arch truss design for support. The bridge was the site of the site of the Battle of Philippi, often cited as the first land battle of the Civil War. Narrowly escaping destruction several times over the course of the war, the Philippi Covered Bridge was modified and strengthened in 1934. Tragedy struck the bridge in 1989 when a large portion of it burned. However, the bridge was authentically restored to its original design. One of only two covered bridges in Barbour County, the Philippi Covered Bridge is also the only covered bridge in the United States to serve a Federal Highway.
This local history museum is located inside the former Philippi railroad station that was constructed in 1911 and connected this community to the Baltimore an Ohio rail line. The Barbour County Historical Museum includes a variety of exhibits from the colonial period to the present. These exhibits include Civil War era weapons, various railroad artifacts, and exhibits of clothing from the antebellum period as well as a large display of flags. The Hamrick Mummies are a highlight of the museum and were once one of the leading attractions of the traveling P.T. Barnum Circus. The Museum has many objects from the county’s abundant coal history.
This historic courthouse was constructed between 1903 and 1905 and features the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. The building reflects the growth of the region at the turn-of-the-century and the desire of residents to construct an impressive symbol of the county government and their ambition to make Philippi one of the leading communities in the region. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This tour begins in downtown Philippi with stops at several historic landmarks before making its way to the campus of Alderson Broaddus University. This tour is a work in progress and we look forward to adding new locations with the support of local residents and institutions.
