Fort Ashby in Mineral County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Fort Ashby

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, March 28, 2009

1. Fort Ashby Marker

Inscription. Fort Ashby
Built 1755
by order
Colonel George Washington
Restored 1939
Works Progress Administration

Erected by Potomac Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.

Location. 39° 30.315′ N, 78° 45.923′ W. Marker is in Fort Ashby, West Virginia, in Mineral County. It is at the intersection of Dans Run Road (County Road 15) and Fort Ashby Cemetery Road, on the right when traveling west on Dans Run Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Ashby WV 26719, 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

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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 within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Fort Ashby (a few steps from this marker); American Discovery Trail (a few steps from this marker); Old Fort (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Ashby's Fort (a few steps from this marker); George Washington's Orders (a few steps from this marker); Women at the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Step Back in Time (within shouting distance of this marker); The Work Continues (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Ashby.

More about this marker. Located right of the front door just above the foundation.

Regarding Fort Ashby. In 1927, the Potomac Valley Chapter of the DAR purchased the Fort from Mr. Tom Pyles for $200. The fort had been used as a school as well as a residence. Through the assistance of the WPA the Fort was restored in 1938. The Fort was officially

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, March 28, 2009

2. Fort Ashby

opened for visitors on July 4th, 1939. The Potomac Valley Chapter NSDAR dissolved in 1988 and the full ownership of the museum went to the Fort Ashby Chapter NSDAR which was formed in 1968 and became a co-owner of the fort museum. Fort Ashby Chapter NSDAR disbanded November 2016 and no longer owns or maintains Ashby Fort and the deed was transferred to the museum.

One of the striking features of the building is the double fireplace that is fourteen feet wide and four feet thick. Numerous other woodwork and wrought-iron materials date to the eighteenth century.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2024, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2024, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.