Morgan's Grove Park - A Witness to History

Morgan's Grove Park - A Witness to History. Washington Heritage Trail. , Patriots March to the Aid of Washington and American Independence , When news of the Battle of Lexington reached Shepherdstown in 1775, most of its able bodied men sprang to arms. The Continental Congress's request for two companies of riflemen from Virginia found a ready response from the men of this area. One company formed under the command of Captain Hugh Stephenson, while another was formed at Winchester. Capt. Stephenson filled the ranks of his company here in Shepherdstown. Both companies were ordered to march to Boston to reinforce Gen. Washington. On July 16, 1775, from Morgan's Spring, near this park, Stephenson's company began the famous "Bee Line" March to Cambridge. They arrived at Cambridge, Mass. on August 11th covering 600 files in 24 days. This company has been heralded as the first unit of the United States Army., Washington returned the loyalty of the area, by proposing Shepherds town as one of the Potomac River sites to be considered for the nation's capitol., "Fountain Rock" and the Boteler Family , During a great part of the 19th century, this site was owned by Alexander Robinson Boteler and his family. Alexander Boteler was an innovative farmer, author, and artist. Hew as a prominent member of the Whig party and a U.S. Congressman. During the Civil war, he was elected to the Confederate Congress and served as a volunteer aide and courier for Stonewall Jackson. An economic activist, Boteler was influential in routing the Shenandoah Valley Railroad and telegraph lines through Shepherdstown. He was a financial backer of the C&O Canal and one of the founders of Shepherd University., Fountain Rock was the family mansion on this site. In 1864, the mansion was destroyed by Union forces under the command of Gen. David Hunter., "Fair Days" at Morgan's Grove , The Morgan's Grove Fair was an important annual event that attracted people from throughout the United States to Jefferson County. It was a combination of carnival, homecoming, picnic and harvest festival. Originally held on the grounds of Col William A. Morgan, it was moved to Morgan's Grove Park in 1889 and held there until 1931. The first fair in 1885 brought four to six thousand people. To handle the crowds, the Shenandoah Valley Railroad put in a switch to the grounds and sold excursion tickets. In 1900, Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan spoke to a crowd of 15,000. Exhibits at the Fair were not able; farmers brought their choice fruits and grains, best livestock, horses and poultry. Ladies showed their finest examples of sewing, embroidery, and quilts, as well as baked goods and candies. There were amusements for the children: a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, side shows and booths to watch taffy pulls. Most families brought great picnic baskets and ate dinners by the tents. One popular feature of the Fair was the Baby Show. Babies were brought from near and far to compete for the prettiest baby, the fattest baby, and the best pair of twins., Present Day Morgan's Grove Park , The Shepherdstown Men's Club purchased Morgan's Grove Park in 1961. The present covered pavilion is built on the remaining foundation of Fountain Rock. South of the pavilion is the springhouse, which is the only remaining structure from Fountain Rock. This spring is a main contributing water source for Town Run which flows through Shepherdstown to the Potomac and is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. On August 13, 2003, the Men's Club membership voted to name the spring Boteler Spring to distinguish it from Morgan's Spring lying to the east of the Park and to honor an outstanding Shepherdstown family., Since owned by the Men's Club, this park has hosted such activities as the annual Labor Day Picnic, family reunions, County events, and picnics. Walkers, runners and pet lovers alike traverse the Park on the walking trail that encircles it., In 1999, Morgan's Grove Park became part of the Morgan's Grove Historic District and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.,

I have the pleasure to inform your Honor that the Officers and Soldiers under my Command behaved with a Spirit and Conduct becoming Advocates of Liberty. , Captain Hugh Stephenson to General George Washington, April 1776

, 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 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.