Serving as the seat of Berkeley County, Martinsburg is the largest city in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. It was established in the 18th century during the American Revolutionary War and was named after Colonel Thomas Bryan Martin, a legislator and planter who served two terms in the House of Burgesses.
Things to do in Martinsburg
One of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks is the Martinsburg Roundhouse, which is a unique example of 19th-century railroad technology. It was originally built in the 1840s for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and was burned down by the Confederates during the American Civil War. In 1866, the Martinsburg Roundhouse was rebuilt and served as the setting for the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
A short walk away is Adam Stephen House, which was constructed in the 18th century for a Scottish-born doctor and military officer. Today, it functions as a historic house museum, with steps leading down from its basement into a natural cave below. Also on the site is the Triple Brick Museum, a former railroad workers' house filled with vintage military uniforms and railway artefacts.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the Wonderment Puppet Theater, which presents original shows in a character-filled Victorian house. Children love the audience participation and the opportunity to explore the theatre’s hands-on and interactive exhibits. Also on-site is a gift shop selling kid-friendly souvenirs.
Getting around Martinsburg
Martinsburg is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Long-distance trains connect to the Martinsburg railway station and buses travel through the city. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.