The city is also home to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind as well as Davis History House, Hampshire County Courthouse, the Taggert-Hill House, and the Wilson-Woodrow-Mytinger House, the oldest office building in the state.Romney, West Virginia is situated in the fertile valley of the South Branch of the Potomac River. On December 23, 1762, Governor Dinwiddie signed the act that created Romney. This was the first recorded act that created a town within the present State of West Virginia. Romney was incorporated as the Hampshire County seat.
During the Civil War, Virginia was divided, and Hampshire County became part of the new state of West Virginia. This was a political move and not reflective of the sympathies of the citizens. The county had strong southern ties- Stonewall Jackson had an early campaign in Northern Hampshire County to cut a vital transportation link. Because of this strategic location there were many troop movements through the area. Romney is said to have changed hands 56 times during the war.
After the Civil War on Sept. 26, 1867 local citizens dedicated what was perhaps the first Confederate Memorial in the United States. It still stands today in Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney. |
Rob Wolford, official Town Crier. |
