beverly heritage center

It was real boring and was all about the Civil War. As a Canadian I didn't really care.It was a self guided tour and all you could do was read plagues on the wall. Cost $5 and was not worth it.

The Beverly Heritage Center is a hidden gem for history lovers. Located within the historic district of Beverly, WV a person isn't aware that a first class museum exists in this quaint town. Four old buildings standing beside each other have had their exterior facades returned to their former appearances while their interiors have been modernized to interpret four distinct historic stories. The 1900 Beverly Bank houses a detailed exhibit telling the importance of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike as a highway across the Allegheny Mountains that permitted goods and people to travel from the Ohio River city of what was then Parkersburg Virginia (now West Virginia) to the interior of the state at Staunton. The next building is the original red brick 1808 Randolph County Courthouse which interprets early law for the rural county and discusses the feud that developed between Beverly and the fledgling city of Elkins as to which location would be the county seat. The building is set up as a court room, much as it might have appeared in its early days of use. The third building is the Hill Building which originally served as a country store in the early 1900s. Various aspects of Beverly life are interpreted here such as the workings of a printing shop, doctor's office, country store and a gaming and drinking establishment. A working press in the building is manned by a gentleman in period costume who explains the importance of the print shop during the 19th century. The last building is the former early 19th century residence of Brushrod Crawford. This house was used by General McClellan as his headquarters following the Battle of Rich Mountain. Presently it houses an exhibit discussing that battle and other battles associated with the 1861 First Campaign of the Civil War. The complex also houses a gift shop with an interesting array of books, prints and other Civil War related items. All four buildings are connected in the back by a glass gallery in which there are rest rooms, a welcome desk and travel information. An orientation film is scheduled to be added in the near future. On special occasions the staff is dressed in 19th century attire with live musicians playing 19th century music and other period crafts persons discussing their crafts. Catty-corner to the Beverly Heritage Center is the Randolph County Museum which is housed in the old Bosworth's Country Store. It is filled with artifacts, photos, clothing, models, weaponry, etc. from the earliest days of Randolph CountyThe majority of the houses and buildings in the historic area that comprises of 19th and early 20th century structures have interpretive signs that show photos of the structures from an earlier period of time, information on previous owners and other interesting information. The David Goff House was used as a Union Hospital during the Civil War. Wounded soldiers who were housed there wrote their names and drew pictures on the wall. Their graffiti can still be seen when visiting Beverly Books and Antiques located next door to the Beverly Heritage Center. The neatly kept Beverly Cemetery contains the final resting places for many of the citizens whose houses still stand in the community. Approximately eight miles west of Beverly is the site of the Battle of Rich Mountain, one of the earliest battles of the Civil War and an important Union victory. The site has interpretive signs on the battle and nearby Camp Garnett, named after General Robert Garnett who has the distinction of being the first General killed in the war at the nearby Battle of Corrick's Ford in Parsons, WV. Four Miles south of Beverly are two Homestead communities, Dailey and Valley Bend, built during the Great Depression when FDR was president. Although none of the houses are open for touring, you can travel through the community to experience the various houses and structures that were built to house families and help put people to work.