After undergoing several name changes, Shepherdstown was named following the Civil War after its original trustee - Thomas Shepherd. Historic Shepherdstown, the oldest town in the state of West Virginia, nestled in the lower Shenandoah Valley - is only 90 minutes from the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan areas, but it is miles away from the stress and rushed lifestyle of the city. Presently, Shepherdstown is a diverse town with young professionals, families, college students and retirees. Residents in Shepherdstown can enjoy many activities at area parks, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Shepherd University, founded in 1871 and with a current enrollment of over 5,000 students, provides a variety of additional opportunities for students and the community.
Its strategic location along the Potomac River at the edge of Pennsylvania and Virginia contributed to its history. James Rumsey, the inventor of the steamboat, performed a demonstration of his creation in the Potomac beside the town in 1787. The first newspaper and book in West Virginia were also published in Shepherdstown. During the Civil War, over 600 soldiers were killed at the two day Battle of Shepherdstown, also known as the Battle of Boteler's Ford. Hundreds of wounded soldiers were treated for their injuries in many of the shops and homes that still exist today. Many sites and buildings, including the Town Hall Building, are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
This very unique area offers several fine dining and casual restaurants on the main strip, German Street. The Yellow Brick Bank, converted into a restaurant in 1976, offers fine cuisine and an exquisite wine selection, which is stored in the actual vault of the once operational bank founded in 1906. Built in 1930 as a private residence, the much expanded, award winning Bavarian Inn offers luxurious accommodations and elegant, fine dining, including authentic German cuisine. The Inn is owned and hosted by a native born Bavarian from Munich, and offers exquisite views of the Potomac River. Shepherdstown's most unique restaurant can be found right on the main street,
The Shepherdstown Opera House, built in 1909 by one of the town's mayors, is one of the nation's oldest movie theaters. Still showing films today, the Opera House offers a variety of filmed and live entertainment.
Located just 3 miles from Shepherdstown, Sharpsburg MD is the home of Antietam Battlefield, where the bloodiest one-day battle in American history occurred.
COMMUTER INFORMATION
The Eastern Panhandle is known for attracting many commuters because of significant difference in cost of living compared to the surrounding tri-state region, as well as ease of access to commuter routes via train or car.
From Shepherdstown minutes/miles by car:
25 minutes to Hagerstown, MD
45 minutes to Frederick, MD
50 minutes to Leesburg, VA
80 miles to Baltimore, MD
70 miles to Washington, DC
TRAIN SERVICES
Jefferson County, WV is served by Amtrak Train Service and MARC Commuter Train Service at the Harpers Ferry Station (HFY), which offers direct connections to Union Station, Washington DC and Rockville, MD. Amtrak and MARC also offer connections via Union Station to Penn Station, Baltimore MD and BWI Airport, as well as many others.
The MARC Train, whose service areas include Harford County, Maryland; Baltimore City; Washington D.C.; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia, can be accessed at three park & ride locations in the Eastern Panhandle: Martinsburg Station, Harpers Ferry Station, and Duffields Station in Shenandoah Junction, WV. For a schedule and fare information, visit www.amtrak.com and http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/.
AIRPORTS
Jefferson County is within an hour's drive of 3 major airports: Baltimore/Washington International, Reagan National, and Washington Dulles International.
