Near Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Sites Homestead

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 19, 2018

1. Sites Homestead Marker

Inscription. Originally constructed around 1830 by Jacob Sites, this homestead started as a single room log cabin. William Sites, one of his two sons, expanded it into a two story frame structure in the late 1850's using locally available materials and skilled craftsmen. The fine hand crafted architectural details are typical of the period.

William Sites fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, was captured in 1862 and died here shortly after his release. Following his death various descendants lived in the house until 1947, remodeling the interior several times. After that time it was used as a hay barn until purchased by the Forest Service in 1969.

The reconstruction, started in 1989 replicated much of the original architectural detail and stabilized the structure. Work was completed in May 1990.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1990.

Location. 38° 50.158′ N, 79° 22.387′ W. Marker is near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, in Pendleton County. It can be reached from State Highway 28/55, on the right when traveling north. Located at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, near the picnic area entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seneca Rocks WV 26884, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Melting Pot House (within shouting distance of this marker); An 1800’s Garden! (within shouting distance of this marker); Tuscarora (Clinton) Sand (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 10th Mountain Division (about 800 feet away); More Than One Way Up (approx. 0.2 miles away); Camp Luther (approx. 1½ miles away); Eagle Rocks (approx. 4.4 miles away); St. George’s Church (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seneca Rocks.

Other markers no longer nearby. Seneca Rocks (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been confirmed missing); Smoke Hole Cave (was approx. 4.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. On the left is a drawing of the cabin showing the log architecture. On the right is a diagram showing the garden and other outbuildings.

Also see . . . Sites Homestead. Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Submitted on November 30, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)