Wednesday, October 29, 2025
45.8 F
Beckley
More

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted the nomination of historic stone walls in , West Virginia, to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing their enduring craftsmanship, cultural significance, and contribution to the city’s Depression-era landscape.

    The efforts of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia resulted in a successful nomination, which highlighted the walls constructed during the 1930s and 1940s by workers employed through federal relief programs. These programs included the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, and the Works Progress Administration.

    “These New Deal stone walls are tangible reminders of a pivotal era,” said Jamie Billman, the organization's preservation manager. “They represent the resilience of our communities, the ingenuity of federal programs, and the dedication of the men who built them.”

    A Monumental Step for Historic Preservation

    The National Register of Historic Places serves as the nation’s official list of historic sites worthy of preservation. Listing provides formal recognition of a property’s historical and architectural importance and can open doors to preservation grants and tax incentives.

    Danielle Parker, executive director of the organization, says the nomination follows years of advocacy and documentation efforts aimed at protecting the state’s masonry heritage.

    In 2024, the organization added stone walls across West Virginia to its list of Most Endangered Historic Properties, citing threats from neglect and demolition.

    Advertisement

    “Our goal was to ensure these magnificent structures receive the recognition and protection they deserve,” Parker said. “This listing helps secure their future and brings attention to their role in shaping our communities.”

    What was the New Deal?

    The was a series of programs and policies launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression.

    Aimed at providing relief to struggling Americans, reviving the economy, and reforming the financial system, the New Deal created millions of jobs through public works projects, strengthened labor protections, and established social safety nets, including Social Security.

    Through agencies like the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, it transformed the nation’s infrastructure while restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to promote recovery and stability.

    A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community

    Constructed primarily during the Great Depression, the stone walls were built to stabilize slopes, terrace farmland, and enhance the beauty of public spaces. Billman said many were designed and constructed by local laborers using traditional masonry techniques, blending practicality with artistry.

    Beyond their function, the walls stand as testaments to the impact of the New Deal on West Virginia’s infrastructure and workforce. They reflect a time when federal investment in public works helped restore livelihoods and transform landscapes.

    Free Field Guide for Communities

    To encourage continued documentation and appreciation of these historic stone features, the alliance has released “A Field Guide to West Virginia New Deal Masonry,” a free public resource available at the . The guide helps residents identify and record local examples of New Deal-era stonework.

    Advertisement

    Billman stated that both the Morgantown Historic Landmarks Commission and the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office supported the nomination effort, with initial research contributions from West Virginia University’s Public History Program.

    “This recognition is a victory for preservationists and communities alike,” Billman added. “These stone walls may seem like quiet features of our landscape, but they tell powerful stories about perseverance and pride.”


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Clyde Craig
    Clyde Craighttp://wvexplorer.com
    Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.

    5 COMMENTS

    1. Forget about a bunch of old walls no one cares about ,and repair the roads that everyone one uses.and prevent all the damage that we endure, just driving to work, pot hole to hell, WV theme song.

      • Why would it be a historic preservation organization’s job to maintain roads? Also, this isn’t a repair project, it’s a National Register of Historic Places designation.

      • Why would it be a historic preservation organization’s job to maintain roads? Also, this isn’t a repair project, it’s a National Register of Historic Places designation.

    2. you most definitely have a point I'm not from here but when I moved here,I quit driving.I couldn't believe how ill kept the roads were and still are.why are they always patching these potholes and not repaving certain areas is beyond me.Where does the money go that is given to the state or city to repair them right instead of just patching them over in spots.????? Listening to other people talk, this is one of the hugest problems West Virginia has. it's such a beautiful, gorgeous state but with these roads and the shape they are in, causes that beauty to be lost, which is so sad.
      (my two cents for what its worth)

      • The WPA also did a lot of roadwork in West Virginia. The reason the secondary roads are not well-maintained in West Virginia today is because, as a society, we're always looking to cut taxes, especially for wealthy political donors. So, there isn't enough revenue to keep up with increasing needs.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

    Topics

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories