Established in 1890 by Senators Henry Gassaway Davis and Steven Benton Elkins, the city of Elkins has become the hub of Randolph County. Discover the history of Elkins under your feet in the heart of West Virginia. Enjoy glimpses of the Victorian age when Elkins prospered as a railroad boomtown at the turn-of-the-century. Take an imaginary ride with Henry G. Davis and see the sights of days gone by. See the man himself immortalized in bronze, mounted on what is affectionately known as the "Iron Horse."

History abounds in and around Elkins from the Native Americans through the Civil War into the Victorian Era. Visit old world mansions, mills, and museums. See preserved private collections and Civil War sites, eat traditional cuisine, or just take a stroll down the street where elegant ladies and prominent gentleman have wandered.

Outdoors and the splendor of the West Virginia mountains

Appalachian Heritage

Augusta Heritage workshops, hosted by Davis & Elkins College during July and August of each year, include more than 100 classes in traditional music, crafts, dance and folklore for all ages and levels of expertise. The Augusta Heritage workshops are dedicated to passing one the values and sense of craft of the early Appalachian settlers. Weekend and 5 day classes are taught by master artists. Every year the Augusta Heritage Festival brings Appalachian heritage to life in a celebration featuring displays of handcrafted products and great music.

Helvetia

Established by Swiss craftsmen in 1869, Helvetia preserves its Swiss tradition. During the second weekend every September, the Helvetia Fair entertains visitors with folk dancing, demonstrations, exhibits, arts, crafts, and excellent foods. Be sure to visit the log cabin Helvetia Museum and the Zion Presbyterian Church built in 1882.

Downtown Elkins Historic Walking Tours

The following places to visit will give you an idea of the rich history, lovely architecture, and graceful life-style in Elkins.

For more information: Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau
(800) 422-3304 or (304) 636-2717

1. Railroad Station
   Railroad and Third Avenues, 1908. The Western Maryland Railway Station was built as a freight and passenger station to service the West Virginia and Pittsburgh Railroad. The station is a good example of turn-of-the-century architecture.
2. Dann Building
   Davis Avenue and Third Streets, 1897. Erected by prominent Elkins citizens W.H. Dann and H.R. Warfield to house their clothing and dry goods store. The original corner entrance has been altered by the fabric of the building remains intact beneath the grill-work added to the second story.
3. Starr Hotel/Kennedy Building
   224 Davis Avenue, 1901. Built by Dann and Warfield, the building was purchased by C.W. Kennedy to house the Starr Hotel and Restaurant. Sixteen bedrooms, comfortably furnished with hot and cold baths, were available at a price of $1.50 per night. Originally, the building had five round-arched opening, one of which remains as the breezeway entrance on the north end. The building has been substantially altered.
4. McHale Building
   216-222 Davis Avenue, 1905. Constructed by Edward T. McHale. The original storefronts were occupied by the Central Meat Market. James Monda Confectionery, and a clothing store. Large brackets with a floral motif accent the roof line, which is inscribed with the name "McHale."
5. Moyle Building
   210-214 Davis Avenue, 1906. Built for D.V. Moyle. The date of construction is stamped on the center panel of the roof line, surrounded by a molded metal cornice edged with foliated brackets between garland-embossed panels.
6. Gassaway Hotel/Hotel Tygart
   206-208 Davis Avenue, 1906. Erected for J.W. Jenkins and Charles Harr. The parcel was part of the "Public Square Block" set aside by Senator Henry G. Davis when the town was originally laid out. Known as Elkins' only "skyscraper," the seven story structure operated as a hotel until the early 1970's when it was converted into an apartment building.
7. Kendall Building
   200-204 Davis Avenue, 1901. This property was purchased from Senator Henry G. Davis by M.A. Kendall in 1901. The Kendall Furniture Store, Kendall & Sons Funeral Home, a bowling alley and C. Von Allaman's photography studio were all located here. This building displays ornate architectural detail.
8. Dr. J.C. Irons House
   116 Second Street, 1890. An excellent example of the architecture favored by prosperous homeowners' in Elkins' early years. Owned by the town's first mayor, the Irons House features a wood frame, German siding, a gable roof, and decorative sawnwork windowheads. This home is an unaltered example of a once common architectural style.
9. Parmesano Building
   122 Third Street, 1899. Erected for Vincent Parmesano, a native of Italy, who operated a fruit and confectionery business and supplied baked goods to the railroad. The first floor of the building once had a cast iron storefront. A metal cornice and polygonal bay window remain.
10. Nathan Building
    123-127 Third Street, 1907. Built by Benjamin Nathan, the Nathan Building is still one of the largest commercial building in downtown Elkins. Elaborate metal cornice and entablature, with alternating rows of molded brackets and egg & dart molding show the history of this building.
11. First United Methodist Church
    315 Kerens Avenue, 1904. Originally named the Methodist Episcopal Church, this is the only church in Elkins built in the Romanesque Revival style. Of historical interest are the two square battlement towers, the larger being three stories high with an open belfry. After its completion, $1,000 was donated for the purchase of the church pipe organ by Andrew Carnegie.
12. Greenwade House
    327-329 1/2 Kerens Avenue, 1893. One of the earliest Kerens Avenue structures still standing. Remarkably, it has not been altered much from its original turn-of-the-century style. It has housed many businesses and even served as a school between 1910 and 1923.
13. Bishop Apartments
    115-125 Fourth Street, 1915. Built by Ray W. Bishop, this row-house architecture was characteristic in larger cities. These apartments are the earliest local example of this style.
14. Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church
    Randolph Avenue and Sycamore Street, 1895. Henry and Thomas Davis erected this church in the memory of their parents. The site was originally occupied by the "Old White" church which housed Federal Troops and served as a stable during the Civil War. A significant portion of the roof was replaced in 1984 with the tile virtually identical to the original. The stained glass windows were restored in 1985.
15. Grace Davis Lee House
    601 Davis Avenue, 1894. This Queen Anne style home is believed to bye the first brick residence in Elkins. Built by Senator Henry G. Davis for is daughter Grace and her husband Arthur Lee, a relative of General Robert E. Lee. This dwelling was hoe to many prominent local residents including Senator Harry B. Martin and W.D. Baldwin.
16. John W. Sisler House
    513 Davis Avenue, 1890. Once the residence of Dr. Hodie W. Daniels, one of the founders of the City Hospital. He was later killed during World War I and the H.W. Daniels Post of the American Legion was named in his honor. The house illustrates the architectural character of the 1890's with the polygonal pediment by with molded rakeboard and wood-shingled tympanum.
17. McHale House
    505 Davis Avenue, 1896. Built by Edward T. McHale, it is only house in Elkins known to have remained in the same family since its construction. The structure remains remarkably intact, including the stable/carriage house on the rear of the property.
18. Ralph Darden House421 Davis Avenue, 1904. Erected by Elkins entrepreneur Ralph Darden. He served as director of the Elkins Milling Co., president of Cash and Grocery, was a member of the Board of Directors of Davis Trust Company and was on the founding Board of the Elkins Y.M.C.A. The house was built in a less ornate style of Queen Anne architecture.
19. Woodford House
    419 Davis Avenue, 1905. Home of Joseph M. Woodford, businessman and lumber dealer, the structure shows an extensive use of wood and appears to be carpenter designed. The house has retained its original wood fabric despite various alterations. The 1-1/2-story stable/carriage house at the rear of the property is also remarkably intact.
20. U.S. Post Office & Federal Building
    401 Davis Avenue, 1906. This classical revival style building housed the Post Office and Federal Building for 50 years, until it was converted to City Hall. A cornerstone names James A. Wetmore as the architect. The second story features french doors with elaborate wrought iron railings across the lower third of the window opening. Large elaborate metal lamps flank the center entrance, which are thought to be original.
21. Randolph Hotel
    Fourth and Railroad Avenues, 1893. This building underwent alterations in 1904-1905 that changed the facade to a neoclassical appearance. The hotel featured 94 bedrooms, steam heat, reading parlors, a dining room, bar, kitchen and later a laundry. The entrance originally faced Railroad Avenue and was later moved to the Fourth Street side of the building. The original rectangular frame of the building was renovated to include three sections with three bays in each section and brick veneer. The hotel served patrons of the railroad until 1946 when it became a medical clinic. In 1967 it was converted to a convalescent center.
22. Mountain Valley, Bank, Na Building
    317 Davis Avenue, 1913. Built for the Peoples National Bank, this is the oldest Elkins building which has remained in continuous use as a bank.
23. Stalnaker Block
    318-320 Davis Avenue, 1900. Built for the Stalnaker family, this Romanesque building first housed a saloon and billiard parlor. The Elkins telephone exchange was once located on one of the upper floors. The molded metal cornice edging the roof line has a central pediment embossed with the building's name.
24. Brown Building
    316 Davis Avenue, 1906. Constructed by Paul F. Brown, this building housed his tailoring establishment on the first floor. The roof is edged with a metal cornice enriched with a swagged garland motif.
25. Darden Block
    314 Davis Avenue, 1906. Ralph Darden erected this building to house his grain, flour, coal, and building materiel business. The upper floors housed the offices which managed all of Senator Davis' coal mining operations. While the storefront has been modified several times, the upper stories of the building are virtually unaltered, including the name "Darden" embossed and set with a large medallion.
26. Elkins Opera House
    301-303 Davis Avenue, 1898. This structure housed an 800-seat theater on the upper floors and a grocer post office and clothing store on the ground floor. Since 1919, it has remained a clothing store under various names.

As you roam through the downtown area be sure to visit any of the fine specialty shops, restaurants and professional establishments. Enjoy antiquing, traditional arts & crafts, community theatre productions, sample unique cultural foods, or just browse.

Downtown Elkins is your center for exploring the rich heritage of Appalachia while providing you with every convenience. They offer a unique selection of professional services in a charming downtown atmosphere.