Boydville
One of the most impressive landmarks in Martinsburg I encountered was Boydville, a grand white mansion whose towering columns and sweeping lawn caught my attention. Standing before it, I could easily imagine generations of Martinsburg residents passing this home and recognizing it as one of the city’s distinguished addresses.
Boydville was built in 1812 by General Elisha Boyd, a prominent lawyer, businessman, and veteran of the War of 1812. The property stood on the land purchased from General Adam Stephen, the Revolutionary War officer who founded Martinsburg. Renowned for its fine workmanship, the house became one of the architectural treasures of the Shenandoah Valley and a symbol of the prosperity and influence of the Boyd family.
The estate passed to Boyd’s daughter, Mary Boyd, who married Charles James Faulkner. Their marriage united two prominent families and transformed Boydville into the home of one of the most influential political dynasties in the region. Charles Faulknew served in the United States Congress and was appointed United States Minister to France by President James Buchanan. Their son, Charles James Faulkner, Jr, would later represent West Virginia in the United States Senate.
Boydville witnessed the turmoil of the Civil War. The house survived the conflict and remained in the Faulkner family for generations, becoming one of the few great estates of its era to endure. This architectural landmark is a reminder of the important role Martinsburg played in the political and social history of Virginia, and later West Virginia.
My father did not share with me the history of his hometown, so discovering Boydville transformed by walk into a journey through history. More than a beautiful home, this mansion represented generations of civic leadership and the enduring stories that are woven into the fabric of this small West Virginia town. Visiting places like this helped me better understand the community that shaped the beginning of my father’s life and deepened my appreciation for the history that surrounded him.
Read More From Nancy
Big Apple Time Capsule
One of the more unusual landmarks I discovered during my visit to Martinsburg was the Big Apple Time Capsule. The giant red apple dedicated on October 19, 1990, was sponsored by the Martinsburg Jaycees. I knew this landmark had not been there when my father was growing up in Martinsburg, but I could not resist stopping for […]
St. Joseph’s School
One of the places I most wanted to see in Martinsburg was St. Joseph School. Founded in 1885, the school has been educating children for nearly a century and a half and has long been an important part of the city’s Catholic community. Standing in front of this red brick building, I was reminded that this was my […]
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
One of the places I wanted to visit in Martinsburg was St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rising about South Queen Street, its imposing columns and soaring spire make it a recognizable landmark in the city. Standing before the church, I could easily imagine my father climbing these same steps and joining generations of Martinsburg families for worship. St […]
