Situated along the Potomac River in the lovely lower Shenandoah Valley, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia. In 1734, Thomas Shepherd was granted 222 acres from the Colony of Virginia; he selected 50 of those acres for a town he named Mecklenburg. Chartered in 1762 by Colonial Virginia’s General Assembly, the town predates the Revolutionary War and is 30 years older than the United States! It was renamed Shepherd’s Town in 1798 and contracted to its present name after the Civil War. A call from General George Washington in 1775 for “Virginia Volunteer Riflemen” spurred men from the area to join company ranks; they departed from town on July 16th in the famous “Beeline March to Cambridge”, which covered 600 miles in 24 days. Thirty-eight Revolutionary veterans are buried in the surrounding area. In 1787, James Rumsey conducted a successful trial here of his new invention, the steamboat, which was launched in the Potomac at the north end of Princess Street.
Today, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can soak in the historic ambience and character that imbues the community. The important Civil War sites of Harpers Ferry and Antietam are nearby, and Elmwood Cemetery, which is the final resting place of 285 Confederate soldiers, offers its own self-guided walking tour. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) path is a great trail for biking and hiking, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy tubing, kayaking, and rafting down both the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. A vibrant music and arts scene offers entertainment; unique stores and art galleries beckon people to browse; the Shepherdstown Museum chronicles local history; and restaurants and taverns invite visitors to relax and enjoy a good meal. When you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the scenic town of Shepherdstown. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. Reserve your room today! We look forward to hosting you soon!