Clarksburg, West Virginia
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Clarksburg is a city in Harrison County, West Virginia, United States, and its county seat. The population was 16,039 at the 2020 census, making it the tenth-most populous city in West Virginia.<ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/> It is the principal city of the Clarksburg micropolitan area in North Central West Virginia, which had a population of 90,434 in 2020.<ref>List of micropolitan statistical areas</ref>
History
Indigenous peoples have lived in the area for thousands of years. The Oak Mounds outside Clarksburg were created by the Hopewell culture mound builders between A.D. 1 and 1000.Template:Cn
The first known European visitor to the area that later became Clarksburg was John Simpson,<ref name="genealogytrails.com">Template:Cite web</ref> a trapper, who in 1764 located his camp on the West Fork River opposite the mouth of Elk Creek at approximately Template:Coord.<ref name="GR1">Template:Cite web</ref>
Settlement and early history
As early as 1772, settlers began claiming lands near where Clarksburg now stands and building cabins. In 1773, Major Daniel Davisson (1748–1819) took up Template:Convert, upon which the principal part of the town is now located. By 1774, those settling near present Clarksburg included Daniel, Obadiah, and Amaziah Davisson, Thomas, John, and Matthew Nutter, Samuel and Andrew Cottrill, Sotha Hickman, and Samuel Beard. Others likely settled on public lands without record.<ref name="genealogytrails.com"/>
The Virginia General Assembly authorized the town of Clarksburg in 1785. It is named for George Rogers Clark, a Virginian whose Revolutionary War campaigns included the capture of Vincennes in 1778.<ref name="autogenerated1">[1] Template:Webarchive</ref> In 1786, the Assembly authorized a road from Winchester, Virginia to Morgantown that later tied into what became the Northwestern Turnpike. In 1787, it chartered the Randolph Academy at Clarksburg, a private school led by Rev. George Towers and the first west of the Alleghenies.<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org">Template:Cite web</ref>
Construction of the first Harrison County courthouse began in 1787. Four larger courthouses followed, the most recent completed in 1932. The first stood at the northeast corner of Second and Main Streets, with the jail opposite on Main Street.<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org"/>
Transportation improvements accelerated development. The Northwestern Turnpike reached Clarksburg in the 1830s, stagecoach service to Parkersburg began in 1840, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached the city from Grafton in 1856.<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org"/>
Two notable early landmarks survive from this era: the Stealey–Goff–Vance House (1807, expanded 1891, NRHP 1979) and Waldomore (begun 1839, public library 1931–1976, NRHP 1978).<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org"/>
Civil War
At the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861, Harrison County delegates John S. Carlile and Benjamin Wilson took opposing paths. Carlile helped lead the Wheeling Convention and was appointed U.S. senator by the Restored Government of Virginia, later opposing the West Virginia statehood bill. Wilson abstained on April 17, then signed the secession ordinance, was arrested by Union forces and released, and later served as a U.S. senator from West Virginia.<ref>Rice, Otis K. and Stephen W. Brown, West Virginia, A History, Univ. Press of Kentucky, 1993, pp. 147–148.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Union General McClellan established his headquarters near Clarksburg until the First Battle of Bull Run. The B&O line made the city an important Union supply base, with more than 7,000 troops at one point. Confederate raiders struck the region but did not take the city. The Jones–Imboden Raid of April and May 1863 sought to impede recognition of West Virginia, which became the 35th state in June 1863.<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org"/>
The wartime influx of troops and demand for goods stimulated the local economy, while debates over slavery and secession heightened political tensions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Postwar industrialization
In 1877, Clarksburg was one of three cities on the ballot for state capital. Despite an early lead, it finished second and Charleston became the capital.<ref>Clarksburg Downtown Historic District NRIS, item 8, p. 3. Template:Webarchive</ref>
Industry expanded in the late 19th century, particularly glass and coal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Despard Building dates to 1870. Telephone service, the first in the state, arrived in the mid-1880s. In 1887 the city laid six miles of water lines and in 1889 installed electric street lighting. A late-1890s visitor nevertheless called Clarksburg a "sleepy, moss-covered town."<ref>NRIS item 8 p. 3</ref>
Clarksburg's boom years began around the turn of the century, as coal and glass production increased. Population grew from 4,050 in 1900 to 27,869 in 1920, aided by 1917 annexations of Adamston, Stealey, North View, and Broad Oaks. It may have reached 35,000 in 1929 before the Great Depression.<ref name="auto">NRIS</ref>
The period saw extensive civic and commercial construction. The Traders' Hotel rose in 1894. Sewer lines were installed in 1900, and Main and Pike streets were paved with brick. The city's first trolley opened in 1901 and operated until 1947. Merchants Smith, Brown and Company built an early department store beginning in 1890. The Northwestern Academy was razed in 1894 and the Towers School erected. Merchants National Bank built a structure in 1894 that later became the Community Bank. Empire National Bank built a seven-story headquarters in 1907. Other significant buildings include the Goff Building (1911), Municipal Building (1888), the Waldo Hotel (1901–1904), Robinson Grand (1912, 1940), Harrison County Courthouse (1931–1932), U.S. Post Office (1932), Masonic Temple (1911–1914), First United Presbyterian Church (1894), and First Methodist Church (1909, 1956).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="auto"/>
Automobiles reached Clarksburg by 1902. U.S. Route 50 was paved through the city in 1928, and Interstate 79 opened in 1979, connecting Clarksburg with Charleston and Pennsylvania. In 1924, the city hosted a parade for “native son” John W. Davis, the Democratic presidential nominee. The following year, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Howard M. Gore became Governor of West Virginia. During the 1920s, Clarksburg's Melville Davisson Post (1869–1930) was among the nation’s highest paid authors, known for Randolph Mason and Uncle Abner.<ref name="auto"/>
As the Great Depression began, the Farmers Bank closed in 1929 and the Bank of West Virginia failed in 1933. The population dropped to 30,579 by 1940 and further as the decade progressed. Former Gov. Gore later served as state agricultural commissioner (1931–33) and as Public Service Commissioner (1941–47).<ref>NRIS item 8 p. 4</ref>
Clarksburg avoided the worst urban blight and preserved much of its boom-era architecture. The West Virginia Preservation Alliance, the state's first, was created in Clarksburg in 1981.<ref name="auto"/>
Mountaineer Militia
On October 11, 1996, seven men with connections to the Mountaineer Militia, a local anti-government paramilitary group, were arrested on charges of plotting to bomb the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services Division complex in Clarksburg. Militia leader Floyd Raymond Looker obtained blueprints of the FBI facility from a Clarksburg firefighter and arranged to sell them for $50,000 to an undercover FBI agent. Plastic explosives were confiscated at five locations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In 1998, Looker was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Two other defendants were sentenced on explosives charges, and the firefighter received a year in prison for providing the blueprints.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Geography
Clarksburg is located along the West Fork River and Elk Creek.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">Template:Cite web</ref>
Clarksburg is located in West Virginia's North-Central region. It lies within the ecoregion of the Western Allegheny Plateau.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Climate
Clarksburg had a humid continental climate if one considers the 0 °C isotherm. The latest temperature numbers have the climate as humid subtropical (Cfa). To the molds of Köppen the climate may be considered the southern boundary of the Dfb zone at low altitudes in the North American continent (limit of 39 ° N), although in the immediate vicinity it is Dfa.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> The city still suffers strong influences from the south, especially from the Gulf of Mexico but due to its location has a much more significant influence of the cold air intrusion of Canada, where it is not protected by the Appalachians. The extent further to the south is due to the eastern and southeastern mountain ranges blocking the oceanic influence in part, even if it is minimal anyway by the considerable distance from the coast. At the same time it can be classified as Cfa or hybrid of different climatic zones according to the criterion to be surveyed,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a situation similar to that of Boston.<ref name=":0" /> It is the Dfb boundary throughout the northern hemisphere if it is to be disregarded in elevated regions on all continents. The southern record could appear on the Korean peninsula but the dry season defined version (Dwb) predominates in these locations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The average temperature is Template:Convert with a high average of Template:Convert and a low average of Template:Convert. It has Template:Convert of rain with peak in May (4.8 inches or 122 mm) and lower value in February with Template:Convert. The amount of total snow is Template:Convert, with highest values between January and February, Template:Convert in total for each month. Since the season of snowfall goes from November to March.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Record temperatures range from Template:Convert on January 19, 1994, up to Template:Convert as recently as September 3 and 4, 1953.<ref name = "NOWData NWS Charleston, WV (RLX) - CKBthr"/> Template:Weather box
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 16,061 people and 6,588 households residing in the city. There were 8,129 housing units in Clarksburg. The racial makeup of the city was 88% White, 3.9% African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% from other races, and 6.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3% of the population.
There were 6,588 households, of which 37.4% were married couples living together, 35.2% had a female householder with no spouse present, 20.4% had a male householder with no spouse present. The average household and family size was 3.3. The median age in the city was 39.7 years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2010 census
As of the census<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">Template:Cite web</ref> of 2010, there were 16,578 people, 7,213 households, and 4,179 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,132 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White, 3.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 7,213 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.0% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.1% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.91.
The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.1% were from 45 to 64; and 16.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,743 people, 7,447 households, and 4,378 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,662 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 93.86% White, 3.83% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people were 1.06% of the population.
There were 7,447 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.2% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,722, and the median income for a family was $35,075. Males had a median income of $30,194 versus $22,388 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,587. About 14.8% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.5% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Clarksburg’s economy historically centered on manufacturing, glass production, and transportation. The city’s location along major rail lines and its proximity to natural gas and raw materials attracted industries such as chemical plants, brickworks, potteries, foundries, machine shops, hardwood and casket companies, and several major glass factories. Among these were the Akro-Agate marble company, the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, the Rolland Glass Company, and the Jackson (later Phillips) Sheet and Tin Plate Company, an early forerunner of Weirton Steel. Economic growth brought successive waves of immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Irish, Italians, Greeks, French, Belgians, and Spanish.<ref name="wvencyclopedia.org"/>
During the early 20th century Clarksburg became one of the nation’s foremost glass-making centers. Akro Agate relocated from Akron, Ohio, in 1914 and became famous for colorful marbles and pressed-glass housewares, producing more than two million marbles per week at its peak. Hazel-Atlas Glass Company operated the world’s largest tumbler factory in Clarksburg, employing more than 1,000 people by 1920. The Rolland Glass Company, founded in 1921 by Albert Rolland, produced fine tableware and stemware until its closure in 1985. Other firms included the Clarksburg Glass Company, National Bottle Company, Diamond Glass Company, and West Virginia Glass Specialty Company. Collectors continue to prize Clarksburg glass products for their craftsmanship and color.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
By 1929 Clarksburg reached its peak population of more than 35,000 residents. The Great Depression and mid-century industrial decline reduced employment, but the city remained an important transportation and distribution hub during World War II. Construction of Interstate 79 and the four-lane U.S. Route 50 in the 1970s reconnected Clarksburg to major markets and encouraged suburban retail growth, particularly at the Eastpointe and Newpointe shopping centers along the interstate.
Federal and technology employment expanded in the 1990s, highlighted by the opening of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) complex in 1995. The $200-million facility, located on Template:Convert, serves as the national repository for the FBI’s criminal justice records and remains one of the largest employers in north-central West Virginia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1975 Clarksburg opened a new public library designed by architect Marcel Breuer, adding another distinctive element to its architecturally rich downtown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The city today relies primarily on government, health care, education, and professional services. Downtown now hosts law offices, financial institutions, and cultural venues, while retail activity has largely relocated to the interstate corridor. Clarksburg also supports a daily newspaper, the Exponent-Telegram, several local television stations, and six radio outlets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Arts and culture
Clarksburg serves as a cultural center for north-central West Virginia, noted for its historic architecture, festivals, and performing-arts venues.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Since 1979, the city has hosted the annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival during Labor Day weekend, one of the state’s major cultural events. Each September since 1991, Clarksburg has also held the West Virginia Black Heritage Festival, celebrating African-American history and culture in the region.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Faith-based and arts programming have expanded in recent years. The downtown Jesus Fest WV features Christian music and community outreach each August,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> while the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center—originally opened in 1913 and restored in 2018—hosts touring performances and local productions, including the Born & Bred Concert Series highlighting West Virginia musicians.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since 2023 the city has also been home to the MTN Craft Film Festival, which showcases Appalachian-themed and independent films.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Clarksburg Amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park provides an outdoor venue for concerts and community events, and the Waldomore hosts lectures and genealogy programs through the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Recreational traditions are another part of the city’s identity. The Greater Clarksburg 10K, established in 1997 and renamed in 2007 in memory of journalist J. Cecil Jarvis, serves as the official West Virginia 10K State Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Landmarks and attractions
Infrastructure
Transportation
Clarksburg sits at the crossroads of U.S. Route 50 (part of the Appalachian Corridor D) and Interstate 79. Other major highways serving the city include West Virginia Route 20, West Virginia Route 58, U.S. Route 19, West Virginia Route 98, and West Virginia Route 279.
The Northwestern Turnpike—chartered in 1827 and begun in 1831—reached Clarksburg in 1836 and was macadamized from the Tygart Valley River to Parkersburg by 1848.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad extended its line from Grafton to Clarksburg in 1856, making the city an important regional shipping and transportation center.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Interstate 79
U.S. Route 50
U.S. Route 19
West Virginia Route 20
West Virginia Route 58
West Virginia Route 98
West Virginia Route 279
Air service is available through North Central West Virginia Airport, located about Template:Convert east of downtown Clarksburg near Bridgeport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable people
For a comprehensive list, see List of people from Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Several notable individuals in American politics, science, and the arts were born in or have strong ties to Clarksburg. The city was the birthplace of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Confederate general during the American Civil War, and John W. Davis, the 1924 Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Author Melville Davisson Post, a pioneer of the American detective story and creator of the Uncle Abner series, was also born in Clarksburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Cyrus Vance, born in Clarksburg in 1917, served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose story was dramatized in the film Hidden Figures, attended the former Kelly Miller High School in Clarksburg before graduating from West Virginia State University.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski was raised in Clarksburg and graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School, going on to hit the winning home run in the 1960 World Series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notes
References
External links
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- City of Clarksburg – official municipal website
- Clarksburg Visitors Bureau – official tourism and community information
- Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center – city-owned performing arts venue
- Clarksburg History Museum – local history and educational exhibits
- Waldomore – Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library Archives
- Clarksburg entry at e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia
- WV History OnView – Clarksburg photo collection (WVU Libraries)
Template:Geographic location Template:Clarksburg, West Virginia Template:Harrison County, West Virginia Template:West Virginia municipalities Template:West Virginia county seats