Explore West Virginia’s Civil War History Across Four Counties
The Clarksburg History Museum is launching a new Four-County Civil War Tour this fall, taking participants on a three-day journey through Harrison, Barbour, Randolph, and Lewis counties. The tour begins in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the birthplace of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. While Jackson is an important part of the story, the tour will explore more than his military career. Participants will learn about the larger Jackson family, including his sister, Laura Jackson Arnold, whose preserved home is located in Beverly.
Throughout the three days, participants will visit museums, battlefields, historic homes, cemeteries, Civil War landmarks, and other important heritage sites. Civil War historians, local guides, and representatives from participating museums will provide historical interpretation and lead discussions at each stop.
Because of a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Clarksburg History Museum is able to bring this tour to life after more than two years of planning.
Travel through Four West Virginia Counties and Explore West Virginia Civil War History
Connecting Clarksburg’s Civil War Trails
The new tour comes as the Clarksburg History Museum officially accepts stewardship of Clarksburg’s five Civil War Trails markers.
These markers are part of a nationally recognized network of heritage sites that helps visitors explore Civil War history throughout the region. As the designated steward organization, the museum is now responsible for monitoring, preserving, and helping maintain the markers. The museum will also serve as the local liaison with Civil War Trails and communicate with the property owners where the markers are located.
The museum’s stewardship of the markers and the development of the Four-County Civil War Tour are part of a larger effort to preserve and promote the region’s Civil War history. Together, they encourage visitors to begin in Clarksburg and continue exploring related people, places, and events throughout North Central West Virginia.
A Three-Day Journey Through West Virginia History
The Civil War shaped the creation of West Virginia and affected its communities, families, and institutions. This tour will connect local stories across four counties and show how events in this region contributed to the larger history of the state.
Participating organizations and destinations will include:
• Clarksburg History Museum
• Harrison County Historical Society
• Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library and Waldomore
• West Virginia State CCC Museum
• Philippi museums and historic sites
• Rich Mountain Battlefield
• Beverly Heritage Center
• Laura Jackson Arnold Home
• Jackson’s Mill
• Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
• Appalachian Glass
The tour brings together experienced hospitality and tourism professionals, local historians, authors, and Civil War experts: Peter Taylor, Richard Wolfe, Wade Alexander and Michael Spatafore. Together, they will provide historical interpretation, guide participants through each destination, and create an informative and enjoyable three-day experience.
2026 Tour Dates
Three tours are scheduled for fall 2026:
• September 22 through 24, 2026
• October 21 through 23, 2026
• November 4 through 6, 2026
Each tour is limited to 13 participants. Transportation and admission to participating historic sites are included in the ticket price. Meals and drinks are not included.
Participants will meet at the Clarksburg History Museum at 9 a.m. each morning. Free parking is available at Jackson Square. Walking is required at several locations, so participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks.
The Clarksburg History Museum expresses thanks to the West Virginia Humanities Council
This project is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the official state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the West Virginia Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.