West Virginia is rich in architectural treasures that span centuries and styles.
From historic opera houses to unique barns, the state offers a diverse array of structures that captivate the imagination.
What makes these buildings stand out is their unique blend of history and design, which provides a glimpse into the cultural and architectural evolution of the region.
Each location showcases different aspects of West Virginia’s heritage, making them must-see destinations for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
1. The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier, located in White Sulphur Springs, stands as a prime example of Georgian architecture. It accommodates up to 1,600 guests in its grand six-story main building and surrounding cottages.
Notable features include the luxurious Presidential Suite, a duplex with seven bedrooms.
The resort blends historical significance with modern luxury, making it a standout in West Virginia’s architectural landscape.
The natural surroundings add to its charm, providing a scenic backdrop against the elegant structures.
Learn more about The Greenbrier’s architectural significance here.
2. West Virginia State Capitol
The West Virginia State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert, stands on the north side of Kanawha Boulevard.
Built between 1924 and 1932, it features a stunning dome made from Indiana limestone.
Located between Greenbrier Street and California Avenue, it is a key part of the state’s Capitol Complex.
The building is notable for its elegant architecture and important government functions. Its east wing houses the Supreme Court of Appeals.
Dedicated on June 20, 1932, the Capitol celebrates the anniversary of West Virginia statehood.
Visitors can enjoy a walking tour showcasing various monuments and landmarks within the complex.
3. WVU Coliseum
WVU Coliseum, located on the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, is an impressive multi-purpose arena.
Built in 1970, it features a distinctive circular design and a poured concrete roof.
The arena seats approximately 14,000 people and serves as a venue for basketball games, concerts, and other events.
The Coliseum is known for its striking appearance both during the day and at night when it’s illuminated.
It replaced the WVU Fieldhouse, which had a seating capacity of 6,000. This venue plays an essential role in the university’s sports and cultural activities.
4. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a notable architectural landmark in Weston, West Virginia.
Built in the mid-1800s, it served as a psychiatric hospital until 1994.
The building is renowned for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The asylum spans over 1,295 feet in length and features two-and-a-half miles of hallways. It showcases nineteenth-century design and construction techniques.
Now a National Historic Landmark, it offers tours and ghost hunts. Learn more about its history and tours on the official website.
5. Thornhill Mansion
Thornhill Mansion, also known as Stiles Mansion, is a hidden gem in Mountwood Park, West Virginia.
The mansion was once owned by William Stiles.
Today, the mansion lies in ruins along a quiet trail in the park. Mountwood Park covers 2,600 acres and has a 50-acre lake.
Thornhill remains an intriguing site worth exploring. For more information, visit Mountwood Park.
6. Blair Mountain
Blair Mountain is significant for being the site of the largest labor uprising in U.S. history.
Located in southern West Virginia, it stands on the ridge between the Little Coal and Guyandotte river valleys.
At Blair Mountain, miners battled thousands of deputies and National Guardsmen in the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain.
This place is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more about Blair Mountain and its rich history here.
7. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston, West Virginia, spans 240,000 square feet.
It brings together performing arts, visual arts, and the sciences under one roof, making it unique in the United States.
Facilities include a planetarium, a theater, and a climbing sculpture. The center also hosts a wide range of music, theater performances, and comedy shows. Learn more about the Clay Center.
8. Seneca Caverns
Seneca Caverns, located in Riverton, West Virginia, is a popular tourist destination.
The caverns have been open to the public since 1928 and offer guided tours through their unique geological formations.
Visitors can explore Teter Hall, the largest room in the cave, which measures 60 feet in both height and width.
In addition to tours, the site features gemstone mining and other outdoor activities, making it a fun spot for families. For more information, visit Seneca Caverns’ official site.
9. Blennerhassett Mansion
Blennerhassett Mansion, located on Blennerhassett Island in the Ohio River, is a reconstructed Palladian-style mansion.
The mansion was originally built in 1800 by Harman Blennerhassett and his wife Margaret, wealthy Irish immigrants.
The original mansion burned down in 1911. Today, the reconstructed mansion can be toured at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
Visitors can reach the island by sternwheeler riverboat from Point Park in Parkersburg.
This site attracts 40,000 visitors annually due to its historical significance and beautiful architecture.
10. Grave Creek Mound
Grave Creek Mound, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, is one of the largest conical burial mounds in the United States.
Built by the Adena culture between 250 and 150 B.C., it stands 62 feet high and has a diameter of 240 feet.
The mound required moving over 60,000 tons of earth and serves as a significant archaeological site.
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex includes a museum and park, managed by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
11. Cass Scenic Railroad
The Cass Scenic Railroad is a major historical and architectural treasure in West Virginia.
This heritage railroad stretches 11 miles and features stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains.
Visitors can ride vintage steam-driven locomotives, which originally served the area’s lumber industry.
Located in Cass, Pocahontas County, the railroad is now part of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
It includes beautifully preserved structures like the former company town buildings. This park offers a unique glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
The railroad’s journey to Bald Knob, the second highest point in West Virginia, is a highlight.
12. Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park, located in West Virginia, is renowned for its stunning views of the New River Gorge.
Visitors can dine with panoramic vistas at The Overlook restaurant, which is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The park features historic buildings restored from the original 85-year-old CCC structures.
Lodging at Hawks Nest State Park is modernized and handicap accessible, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
Outdoor activities include hiking, bird watching, and a tram ride to the marina.
The park averages over 3,900 acres, providing ample space for exploration and relaxation.
13. Tamarack Marketplace
Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, West Virginia, stands out as a vibrant hub for local artisans.
Here, visitors can find a diverse range of goods, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and woodcraft.
The marketplace also features resident artisan studios where guests can watch craftsmen at work.
Managed by the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority, Tamarack showcases the best of Appalachian culture.
The famous Greenbrier Resort operates the kitchen, offering top-notch dining experiences.
For more information, you can visit Tamarack Marketplace.
14. West Virginia Independence Hall
West Virginia Independence Hall, located in Wheeling, is an important historical site.
It was completed in 1860 and originally served as a custom house, post office, and federal courthouse.
The building is known for its stunning hand-cut sandstone and Italianate architectural style. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation making West Virginia the 35th state within this building on June 20, 1863.
Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the state and the Civil War era.
Learn more about it at West Virginia Independence Hall.
15. Heritage Farm Museum & Village
Heritage Farm Museum & Village in Huntington, West Virginia, offers a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life.
Visitors can explore recreated buildings, including museums showcasing the region’s history and culture.
The village features artisans, animal exhibits, and adventure activities like ziplines and high ropes courses.
Heritage Farm is also noted for its unique experiences, not commonly found in other regional attractions.
To learn more, visit the official Heritage Farm Museum & Village page.
16. West Virginia Penitentiary
The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville stands as a significant example of Gothic architecture.
Constructed beginning in 1866, this imposing structure operated as a prison until 1995.
The building covers ten acres and features fortress-like stone walls and turrets, evoking a medieval castle. Its formidable design is a striking visual in the town.
Today, the penitentiary is known for ghost tours and historical significance, drawing visitors interested in its haunting past. Learn more about its history here.
17. Stonewall Resort
Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia, combines rustic charm with modern luxury.
The resort features an Adirondack-style lodge, blending 1920s architecture with contemporary amenities.
Guests can stay in luxury cottages or Lake Houses, all offering stunning lake views and fully equipped kitchens.
The resort is set amidst 1,900 acres of serene landscape by quiet lake waters, making it an ideal spot for vacations, meetings, and weddings.
18. Oglebay Resort
Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history.
It spans 1,650 acres and was originally the estate of Earl W. Oglebay.
The resort features 54 vacation cottages, including premium options with multiple bedrooms.
Visitors can enjoy various amenities like updated picnic shelters and the Carriage House Glass museum, which honors local glassmaking traditions.
For more details, visit the Oglebay website or learn about its history at Oglebay Park.
19. New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia is a marvel of modern engineering. Spanning 3,030 feet, it features the world’s longest steel arch at 1,700 feet.
It is the third highest bridge in the United States, standing 876 feet above the New River. This bridge is a popular spot for photography, capturing stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
In 2006, it was featured on the West Virginia state quarter. For more details, visit the National Park Service page on the bridge.
20. West Virginia Farm Museum
The West Virginia Farm Museum, located in Point Pleasant, was established in 1975. It features a collection of historic buildings and structures moved and rebuilt on the grounds.
Visitors can explore log cabins, an early farmhouse, a 19th-century blacksmith shop, and turn-of-the-century doctor’s and newspaper offices. The museum also includes the first Lutheran Church west of the Allegheny Mountains.
This living history museum aims to preserve and present West Virginia’s agricultural heritage through restored farm implements and machinery.
Learn more about the West Virginia Farm Museum here.
Architectural Styles in West Virginia
West Virginia boasts diverse architectural styles that reflect the state’s rich history.
Two of the most notable styles found in various structures include Colonial Revival and Gothic Revival.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival architecture emerged in the late 19th century and became popular in West Virginia. This style draws inspiration from early American colonial architecture, characterized by symmetry, classic detailing, and simple, elegant aesthetics.
Typical features include multi-pane windows, columns, and decorative entryways.
Brick and wood are common materials used in these buildings. The West Virginia Governor’s Mansion in Charleston is an example of Colonial Revival architecture. This style signifies a connection to American heritage and can be seen in numerous residences and public buildings throughout the state.
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture is characterized by its use of medieval design elements. This style became popular in the mid-19th century, particularly for church buildings and educational institutions in West Virginia.
Key features include pointed arches, steep gables, and intricate tracery.
Materials such as stone and brick are commonly used, enhancing the style’s dramatic visual impact. The Bramwell Presbyterian Church is a prime example. The church showcases tall steeples and detailed stained glass windows, reflecting Gothic Revival’s influence. This style adds a historic and grand touch to West Virginia’s architectural landscape.
Historical Significance of West Virginia Architecture
West Virginia’s architectural history is shaped by its industrial boom and its resurgence after the Civil War, showcasing diverse styles and unique structures.
Industrial Era Influence
In the early 20th century, the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company bought large tracts of timberland.
They constructed the Greenbrier Division Railroad, operational by 1902, to transport logs. This railroad, stretching over 80 miles, was a critical part of the local economy until 1960.
Another significant structure from the industrial era is the West Virginia State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert.
Completed in 1932, the building has a 293-foot gold dome and is made of buff Indiana limestone. These industrial developments not only boosted the local economy but also left a lasting architectural legacy.
Post-Civil War Developments
Post-Civil War, West Virginia experienced a boom in architecture with unique styles emerging.
A notable example is the Pocahontas Opera House, built in 1910 and recognized as one of the oldest reinforced concrete structures in the country. Its construction marked a move towards more durable and modern building techniques.
Log cabins also gained prominence during this period, influenced by Germanic immigrants who introduced timber construction methods to the region.
These cabins, according to architectural experts, combined various influences and became an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage.
These developments reflect West Virginia’s adaptation and resilience in the face of changing times.