Rowlesburg West Virginia
“Rowlesburg on the River!”
Town of Rowlesburg WV
The town of Rowlesburg is a quaint railroad and coal town, located on the big bend of the Cheat River in Preston County, West Virginia. The town is surrounded by natural beauty and has a rich history. Rowlesburg in the Cheat River Valley is surrounded by majestic hills rising on all sides from the banks of the beautiful Cheat River. It has been said that Rowlesburg reminds visitors of that little village under the Christmas tree. Rowlesburg is known for its festivals, railroad history, Civil War history and outdoor recreation. The town offers fishing, tubing, rafting, hiking, museums, annual festivals, unique shops, local restaurants and a variety of lodging.
Each year, Rowlesburg, celebrates six major festivals from May to December, and now hosts two big WV Bicycle Racing Association events. Festivals such as the River City Arts Festival, Labor Day Ox Roast, West Virginia American Chestnut Festival, Christmas Market, and the WV Bicycle Racing Association Championship Race.
History of Rowlesburg WV
Rowlesburg was chartered in 1858 and named for James Rowles, an engineer who surveyed the route of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Historic Rowlesburg was a critical railroad link during the Civil War. Its famous bridges were a target of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis.
During the Civil War, its two Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridges that crossed the Cheat River and Tray Run River were of great strategic importance. Bridges were burned and rebuilt, tracks were torn up and replaced, telegraph lines pulled down and restored. However, despite attempts, Confederate forces were never successful in destroying the famous bridges of Rowlesburg. Confederate troops failed to reach Rowlesburg in 1861, but the Jones-Imboden raid did reach the town. Union troops and townsmen on April 26, 1863 successfully defended the town and “Lincoln’s lifeline”.
- World War II Museum
- B&O Museum Bridge Exhibit
- Depot Museum
- Cannon Hill
- Allegheny Trail
- Cheat River Water Trail
- West End Railroad
- River City Arts festival
- WV Bicycle Racing Association Championship Race
- Ox Roast
- West Virginia Chestnut Festival
- Honor Roll Site
- Caboose & Train Depot
- Riverview Cemetary
- Appalachian Trail
- Tray Run Viaduct
