Washington Place

Washington Place is a 19th-century residence with traditional design located at the corner of Cumberland Road and Mitchell Street in Romney. The two-story building displays the characteristics of rural architecture from that era with simple lines and locally sourced materials.

William and Annie Washington built this residence between 1863 and 1874 on land granted by Susan Blue Parsons from the Wappocomo plantation. The completion of the house marked an important moment for freed people seeking to settle in Hampshire County.

This house was built by a freed family and represents early efforts by Black communities to establish stability after slavery. It shows how formerly enslaved people in this area put down roots and created their own homes.

The building is located near West Virginia Route 28 in the northern part of Romney and is easily accessible by car. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours and explore the surrounding Blacks Hill neighborhood to fully grasp the historical context.

William Washington became one of the first Black land developers in West Virginia and built an entire neighborhood for other freed families. This development of Blacks Hill was a rare example of Black economic enterprise in the early post-war era.