2006 - Morgan County Courthouse

Morgan County Courthouse is the twenty second print in the ALPHA series West Virginia Architectural and Engineering Heritage.

Morgan County, West Virginia is nestled in the Eastern Panhandle and has become a favorite location to travelers who visit. Morgan County grew as word of the region’s warm springs spread throughout Virginia. The Morgan County seat, Berkeley Springs, was originally incorporated in 1776 as The Town of Bath. Although Bath remains the official municipal name, it became known as Berkeley Springs in 1801 when a post office was established. It became a regular retreat for George Washington and his family, who drew up the original plat of 134 lots and named the streets.

Morgan County is fortunate to have been home to three courthouses since the first was established in 1820. The first courthouse, a remodeled stone residence, was destroyed by fire in 1844. The replacement courthouse, built one block east, was razed in 1907 to allow for a new, modern courthouse to be constructed.

The 1908 courthouse was constructed at a cost of nearly $18,000 and had many modern conveniences. Constructed in a neo-classical design, the Courthouse showcased pressed brick and rustic sandstone embellishments. A signature element of the Morgan County Courthouse was the multi-story clock tower, typical of buildings of that time period.

August 8, 2006 marked the second time tragedy destroyed a Courthouse in Morgan County. An early morning fire destroyed the 1908 Courthouse at the corner of Washington and Fairfax Streets in downtown Berkeley Springs. Strides have been made to preserve the bell tower and main structure until future plans for the building can be finalized.

Morgan County’s warm springs continue to renew visitors both in body and spirit. A new courthouse will soon greet guests as they enjoy all that Berkeley Springs has to offer.