Arthurdale Historic District

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

In Preston County, south of Reedsville, WV, the Arthurdale National Historic District preserves a farming community established under the guidance of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1933. The first "New Deal Community," many of its residents were relocated from the coal-mining communities of Dent's Run near Morgantown, about 25 miles to the northwest. Several public buildings, quarried of local sandstone, and 165 homes were built in amid 1,200 acres of rolling farmland. Its residents were encouraged to farm, and many manufactured furniture, pewter, anealed copper, and woven goods. Its funiture factory produced four major lines and three minor lines of furniture.

Arthurdale has been much restored and visitors may take a driving or walking tour through the community, stopping at interpretive waysides along its streets and cartpaths. The forge and service station at the Arthurdale Community Center (http://www.arthurdaleheritage.org/) and the village museum and craft shop are open regularly.

See: Arthurdale Heritage (http://www.arthurdaleheritage.org/)

Map (http://www.wvamaps.com/maps/index.php?place=Arthurdale%20Historic%20District&state=WV&lon=-79.8153&lat=39.495&pop=0&county=Preston&elev=0&scale=3) and topo Map (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=39.495&lon=-79.8153) showing Arthurdale Historic District