Martinsburg Town Square
The three bronze plaques incorporated into Martinsburg Town Square tell the story of the purpose, construction, and dedication of this public space. Rather than serving as traditional monuments to a single event or individual, they preserve the memory of a community effort that transformed a section of downtown into a gathering place and tribute to the city’s heritage.
One plaque records that the Avenue of Flags, which had long honored local men and women who served during times of war and peace, was dedicated to the honor and democracy of the United States of America by the Operation Welcome Home Committee in 1991. The inscription reflects the community’s desire to recognize military service and preserve a spirit of patriotism within the heart of the city.

A second plaque commemorates the completion and dedication of Martinsburg Town Square in November 2011. It acknowledges the many individuals and public officials whose cooperation made the project possible. The plaque also recognizes the designers responsible for the project, illustrating the collaborative effort required to revitalize downtown Martinsburg.

The third plaque looks even further back, explaining the historical significance of the site itself. It recalls the development of Martinsburg and its role in the growth of the region, reminding visitors that this modern public square stands on ground connected with the city’s long history. By placing this historical marker alongside those honoring veterans and civic leaders, the designers created a space that links Martinsburg’s past, its citizens, and its continuing commitment to community life.

Together, these three bronze tablets serve as a permanent record of remembrance, civic pride, and historic preservation. They transform Martinsburg Town Square from simply a pleasant downtown plaza into a place where the city’s history, public service, and community spirit are literally engraved in bronze for future generations.
Read More From Nancy
The B&O Roundhouse Turntable
One of the fascinating details I learned during the tour of the Martinsburg Roundhouse was why this location became so important to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In the days of steam locomotives, trains could travel only a limited distance before they needed to take on water, fuel, and undergo maintenance. Martinsburg occupied a strategic […]
Baltimore & Ohio Roundhouse
I had never heard of the Baltimore & Ohio Roundhouse until I started wandering through Martinsburg. It was one of those remarkable surprises that make exploring a town on foot so rewarding. Hidden away from the main streets, I came upon what turned out to be one of the most important railroad sites in the country. The […]
Cast-Iron Ceiling of B&O Roundhouse
What captivated me most about the Martinsburg Roundhouse was the extraordinary ceiling overhead. During the tour, I learned that the building is not just an old railroad structure, it is the only surviving cast-iron framed roundhouse in the world. Designed by engineer Albert Fink and rebuilt after the Civil War, the structure was revolutionary for its time. Unlike […]