Celebrate Produced by the Hampshire 250 Committee with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities

Hampshire County, West Virginia’s Oldest County,

“In the same month (May 1754) that Col. George Washington fired the shots in the far western Ohio country that would begin the great contest to decide the fate of the North American Continent, Hampshire County was officially formed.” ( Photo:

“The next two years of the French and Indian War would be very bloody years in Hampshire County's history. Following the defeat of Gen. Braddock in 1755 the Virginia frontier was left open to attacks by the French and their Indian allies.“ ( Photo from Corbis.com

Once the war ended the pace of settlement quickened, and homes, villages and churches would rise in the new county. “ (

“Almost 100 years later…the great Civil War would leave the county severely wounded, its citizens nearly destitute. But once again the people of Hampshire County would rebuild their homes and communities … “ (

“The year 2004 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Hampshire County. “

How We Celebrated Were You Involved? Watch for more Opportunites.

Annual Colonial Feast April 17 ► Pot luck supper- bring a colonial dish ► Costumes optional

Sat. May 1, 2004 was Hampshire County Day! Sponsored by the Romney Rotary Club

Parades Parades

Confederate Memorial Day In June In June Sponsored by the Hampshire County Historical Society Train Rides on the Potomac Eagle Potomac Eagle Sponsored by Anderson’s Corner

Mon. Jun 7, 2004 was the Mon. Jun 7, 2004 was the Commemoration of Francis Asbury’s First Visit to Hampshire County Commemoration of Francis Asbury’s First Visit to Hampshire County Sponsored by the Capon Bridge Methodist Church

Community Events Like the Jersey Mountain Hampshire 250 Festival Sponsored by Jersey Mt. Ruritan

► 2004 theme was “Protecting the Farmer” “Protecting the Farmer” ► Old equipment ► Animals ► Food ► Music ► Kid’s Corner ► Artisans Farm Day in June

Sat-Sun, in Sept. Hampshire Heritage Days Sat-Sun, in Sept. Hampshire Heritage Days Sponsored by the Heritage Days Committee

Sep 29, 2004 was the WVSDB Tree Planting and Celebration of the School's Opening on this Date in 1870 Sponsored by the WVSDB

Sat., Oct 16, 2004 was a celebration at Romney Presbyterian Church

Hampshire County, West Virginia , will be placed in each classroom. In Our Schools

Visit Your Libraries Monthly exhibits were displayed at the Romney and the Capon Bridge public libraries. Click: Hampshire250 Exhibit to see what’s at the library. Hampshire250 ExhibitHampshire250 Exhibit

Watch For the New Signs 5’ X 8’ signs will announce the 250 th celebration as you enter Hampshire Co. from the east west and north. The signs were designed in conjunction with Green Flag Graphics of Capon Bridge.

Check Out the Front License Plates Our thanks to Mayhew Chevrolet for their support. copyright 2002 The Hampshire 250th Anniversary Committee

Learn More About Hampshire County If you’re connected to the net you can click the links below: 1. Historic Hampshire History Pages Historic Hampshire History Pages Historic Hampshire History Pages 2. Hampshire 250 Pages Hampshire 250 Pages Hampshire 250 Pages 3. Hampshire County History Sources Hampshire County History Sources Hampshire County History Sources 4. Hampshire County at a Glance Hampshire County at a Glance Hampshire County at a Glance 5. Hampshire Co. Historical Society Hampshire Co. Historical Society Hampshire Co. Historical Society

Learn More About Western Hampshire County 1. The Romney Trenches: Civil War Fort Site Fort Mill Ridge Trenches Fort Mill Ridge TrenchesFort Mill Ridge Trenches (photo right) 2. untyeda.com/tourism.ht ml untyeda.com/tourism.ht mlhttp:// untyeda.com/tourism.ht ml 3. Hopewell Indian Burial Mound (c A.D.) Hopewell Indian Burial Mound Hopewell Indian Burial Mound (photo right CCHall)

The Trough

Learn More About Eastern Hampshire County Fort Edwards Fort Edwards Ice Mt. Ice Mt. or Ice Mt. links Ice Mt. links Ice Mt. Ice Mt. links North River Mills North River Mills Aerial View of Capon Bridge Aerial View of Capon Bridge Bloomery Furnace Gustavus Croston: Revolutionary Soldier

Capon Bridge(s)

Ice Mt.: Nature’s Refrigerator

Gustavus Croston: Hampshire Co. Revolutionary Soldier Deaver Family: Research Early Families Such as:

Caudy’s Castle: A natural wonder, 400 vertical ft. Named for one of the original settlers of Hampshire County, James Caudy.

Explore Local Cemeteries There are over 300 in Hampshire County. Click web site:

Getting Out of the Classroom Visit local sites of interest

Take a Driving Tour of Hampshire County. Check out the road side signs throughout the county.

There are many old-timers still in the County who have fascinating stories to share. Why not take time to sit down with them and hear their stories– write down their stories for future generations to enjoy. Adopt-a-grandparent: Do you live close to your grandparents? Ask them to tell you stories from their childhood.

Colonial Lesson Plans A Colonial Family: A Colonial Family: Thinkquest Colonial Kids Thinkquest Colonial Kids

Do You Have Ideas? Get Involved. Participate. Celebrate!