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Bunker Hill in Berkeley County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
 

Morgan Chapel

Washington Heritage Trail

 
 
Morgan Chapel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2019
1. Morgan Chapel Marker
Inscription.
At Bunker Hill in 1726, Colonel Morgan Morgan founded the first permanent settlement of record in what is now West Virginia. In commemoration of this event, the state of West Virginia has erected a monument in Bunker Hill State Park, and has placed a marker at the grave of Morgan Morgan, which is in a cemetery near the park. Morgan Morgan's descendants founded Morgantown.

Morgan's Chapel in Bunker Hill, one of the first places of worship in Berkeley County, was erected in 1740 by Colonel Morgan. The current building, constructed in 1852, is the third built on the site. Evidence indicates that the church was used as a makeshift fort during the Civil War, and areas of the walls sustained damage from artillery fire. The holes in the walls are still visible, and writings and drawings dating back to the Civil War are further proof of occupation by both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Morgan Morgan built his cabin between 1731 and 1734. Using many of its original logs, the cabin was restored as a Bicentennial project in 1976. Located along West Virginia Secondary Route 26 west of Bunker Hill, it is a historically furnished museum. The Washington Heritage Trail
The Washington Heritage trail is a 136-mile national scenic byway inspired by the prominent footsteps of George Washington through the three historic
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counties of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Compelling history, spectacular scenery, geologic wonders, recreation and year round activities and festivals are highlighted by 45 historical sites. The trail meanders across mountains and rivers, through forests, farms and orchards as it connects several 18th century towns that remain the center of life today and offer comfortable lodging, unique shopping and fine dining. More information on attractions and services throughout the area is available at each town’s Visitor Center.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial EraReligion & Religious StructuresSettlements & SettlersWar, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia, Washington Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1726.
 
Location. 39° 20.021′ N, 78° 3.43′ W. Marker is in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, in Berkeley County. It is at the intersection of Runnymeade Road (County Route 26) and Soldier Drive, on the right when traveling west on Runnymeade Road. Marker is located within a pull-out and small parking area directly in front of Morgan's Chapel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 144 Runnymeade Road, Bunker Hill WV 25413, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
Morgan Chapel Marker (<i>wide view from Runnymeade Road • Morgan Chapel in background</i>) image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2019
2. Morgan Chapel Marker (wide view from Runnymeade Road • Morgan Chapel in background)
: Christ Church (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Christ Church (a few steps from this marker); Morgan Morgan (approx. Ό mile away); "Morgan Acres" (approx. Ό mile away); Col. Morgan Morgan (approx. Ό mile away); Morgan Cabin (approx. 2.6 miles away); Cool Spring Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Zacquill Morgan House (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bunker Hill.
 
Other markers no longer nearby. James Johnston Pettigrew Monument (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing); Gettysburg Campaign (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
 
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Col. Morgan Morgan
 
Also see . . .  The Oldest Modern Cemetery In West Virginia, The Graveyard At Morgan Chapel Is Almost 300 Years Old. Only in Your State website entry (Submitted on February 11, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.) 
 
Morgan Chapel (1851) (<i>southwest corner view</i>) image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2019
3. Morgan Chapel (1851) (southwest corner view)
Morgan Chapel and Graveyard (aka Christ Episcopal Church - Bunker Hill) image. Click for more information.
via NPS, unknown
4. Morgan Chapel and Graveyard (aka Christ Episcopal Church - Bunker Hill)
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Click for more information.
Morgan Chapel Cemetery (<i>wide view from behind chapel</i>) image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2019
5. Morgan Chapel Cemetery (wide view from behind chapel)
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,501 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.   4. submitted on February 11, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.   5. submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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Jun. 28, 2026