Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at these Historic Hotspots in West Virginia 🇺🇸

Rich in history and abundant in beautiful scenery, West Virginia is the perfect mix of unique culture and natural beauty. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation by visiting one of the historic hotspots below!

John Brown’s Fort

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is home to many key pieces of early American history, one of the most iconic being John Brown’s Fort. This site is where John Brown and his sons attempted to seize the federal arsenal on October 16, 1859 in an effort to end slavery.

Wheeling Suspension Bridge

Did you know that a 1,307 foot-long suspension bridge can be found in Wheeling, West Virginia? That’s right! Spanning the Ohio River, this bridge was the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1849 until 1851. An amazing feat of its time, this bridge was instrumental in trade and transportation. Today, this scenic structure is open to pedestrians only.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

What stands as a peaceful park complete with stellar views once was the horrific scene of West Virginia’s largest and last important Civil War battle on November 6, 1863. The decisive victory of Union forces over the Confederate army ended serious efforts by the Confederacy to control West Virginia. Since then, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park, boasting jaw-dropping views of the nighttime sky.

International Mother’s Day Shrine

The Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, was incorporated as the International Mother’s Day Shrine on May 15, 1962 in honor of Anna Reeves Jarvis. Inspired by her mother’s “Mothers’ Work Clubs” which provided public health and maternal aid, Anna organized the first official Mother’s Day on May 10, 1908. Due to her persistent campaign, President Woodrow Wilson signed it into a national holiday in 1914.

Berkeley Springs State Park

Stroll along the same streets that George Washington once did at Berkeley Springs State Park. A frequent visitor, he was an advocate of the healing powers of the natural spring and termed this town his favorite getaway. Since the first bathhouse opened in 1930, thousands have enjoyed the variety of treatment options including the luxurious whirlpool, blissful Roman Bath, sauna and therapeutic massages. Flowing at a constant 74°F from the base of Warm Springs Ridge, the public tap is open to drinking and filling jugs.

From exciting events to educational resources, discover all the Mountain State is doing to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! 🇺🇸

This post was last updated on April 7, 2026

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