Charles James Faulkner
Walking through Martinsburg, I wanted to capture as many of the landmarks and stories as possible that might have been familiar to my father during his youth. One of the markers I encountered honored Charles James Faulkner, one of the most distinguished citizens ever to come from the town.
Born in Martinsburg in 1806, Faulkner rose to prominence as a lawyer, legislator, and congressman. He represented Virginia in the United States House of Representatives and was appointed United States Minister to France by President James Buchanan in 1860. When the Civil War broke out, he returned home and eventually served on the staff of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Following the war, he resumed his public career and again served in Congress.
The marker also notes that his son would go on to become a United States Senator, making the Faulkner family one of the most influential in the history of Martinsburg. Their home, Boydville, still stands nearby as a reminder of that legacy.
Finding this marker while walking the quiet streets of Martinsburg reminded me that behind the familiar homes and neighborhoods are stories that connect this small West Virginia town to some of the most important events and personalities in American history. Discovering places like this made my visit much more than a trip through my father’s hometown—it became an opportunity to appreciate the rich history that surrounded the community where his life began.
Read More From Nancy
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 […]
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 […]
506 West John Street
This address appears on so many envelopes preserved in my parents’ papers that I felt compelled to include it in my exploration of Martinsburg. During my visit, I made a point of finding 506 West John Street and taking a photograph of the house. From the outside, I saw no obvious connection to my father, […]
