Civil War Itinerary 

Learn about Marion County’s connection to the Civil War and its role in West Virginia’s statehood path. Take a self-guided tour along our county’s seven historical markers, which are part of a multi-state initiative by Civil War Trails, and uncover history at every stop. 

Battle for Barrackville Bridge 

(Off U.S. Route 250 N, County Route 21 at the junction of 250/32)

Start your journey at the Barrackville Covered Bridge, the second oldest covered bridge in West Virginia. Initially built in 1853 by Eli and Lemuel Chenoweth, the 148-foot long bridge was saved from destruction during the Jones-Imboden Raid of 1863. The Ice Family, who were nearby mill owners and Confederate sympathizers, pleaded with Confederate General William “Grumble” Jones to spare the structure and were successful. The bridge, an example of a modified Burr truss, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981. Fully restored in 1999, a modern road and bridge bypass it.  

Pierpont House

(500 Quincy St, Fairmont)

Make a stop at the Pierpont House to learn about Francis H. Pierpont. Known as the Father of West Virginia, Pierpont was Governor of the Restored Government of Virginia from 1861 to 1865. He helped devise plans that restored loyal Virginia to the Union, creating West Virginia. Pierpont’s wife, Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont, is credited for honoring soldiers from both sides of the war on Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. You can find a historical marker at the City of Fairmont Public Safety Building parking plaza. 

Pierpont Graves 

(335 Maple Ave, Fairmont)

Find the graves of Francis H. Pierpont, Julia Augustus Robertson Pierpont, and three of their four children at Woodlawn Cemetery. With over 11,000 graves, Woodlawn Cemetery is also the resting place of many other significant Marion County figures, such as Thomas and Annie Fleming, Matthew M. Neely, James O. Watson, Aretas B. Fleming, Boaz Flemingind, and Peter Miller. The marker is located at the entrance of the Woodlawn Cemetery Historic District. 

Fleming House

(207 Jefferson St, Fairmont)

Study the valuable state history of the eighth governor of West Virginia, Aretas Brooks Fleming, at the Fleming House. During the Civil War, Fleming was the prosecuting attorney for Marion County and served in the Fairmont Home Guard. A marker of his residence is on the grounds of the former American Legion Post. 

Attack on Fairmont 

(Foot of Madison St, Fairmont)

After the Battle for Barrackville Bridge, General Jones and his troops continued to the city of Fairmont, where they tried to dismantle the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Bridge. One of the critical infrastructure losses was an 1852 suspension bridge. Its bullet-pocked posts remain today. For this stop, look for the Civil War sign by Palatine Park.

Jones-Imboden Raid: Battle for the Bridge 

(Everest Drive)

Visit the area where the most massive battle of the Civil War is now northern West Virginia. Detachments from several Union units stationed in Fairmont attempted to prevent Confederate raiders from crossing the suspension bridge that spanned the Monongahela River between Fairmont and Palatine. Find the battle marker at the junction of Everest Drive and Water Street at Palatine Park.

Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike

(117 Benoni Ave, Fairmont)

See where General Jones attacked the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Bridge on the northern end of the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike as part of the 1863 Jones-Imboden Raid. Completed in 1852, the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike gave access to the new railroad, which had reached Grafton that same year. The turnpike continued to be Marion County’s center of commerce until the 1890s.

Have you visited any of these historical spots? Order our Civil War Guide before you explore. Are you interested in learning more about our area’s past? Get a copy of our Marion County History Guide and plan your trip online at https://marioncvb.com/our-history/.