Fort Ashby

Fort Ashby is a colonial-era military installation that serves today as a museum with reconstructed structures and original archaeological remains. The grounds feature preserved stone foundations, rebuilt log buildings, and indoor displays of weapons, tools, and other artifacts from the 1700s.

Colonel George Washington ordered this fort's construction in 1755 as a defensive post on the frontier during the war between France and Britain. It served as a strategic stronghold in the military campaigns of the early conflict years.

The site illustrates how European settlers, Native Americans, and military personnel interacted during the push westward across the frontier. Visitors can see how these encounters shaped the lives of everyone involved.

Visitors should come dressed for outdoor exploration since most of the experience takes place outside with uneven ground and open areas. It helps to allow time for walking through both the reconstructed buildings and the indoor exhibits without rushing.

The museum maintains a collection of handcrafted flintlock rifles that local artisans recreated using methods from the 1700s. These reproductions reveal the skill and care that went into making weapons during the colonial era.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 39.50520,-78.76570

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08