Morgantown

Morgantown is a university city in Monongalia County, West Virginia, stretching along the Monongahela River. Neighborhoods climb the surrounding hills, and some parts sit over 1,200 feet high, so walking around often involves navigating slopes.

Zackquill Morgan built a fort at this location in 1772 when the area was part of Virginia. The town later gained official status and joined West Virginia in 1863 when the new state split from Virginia during the Civil War.

The city takes its name from Zackquill Morgan, an early settler who shaped the area. Today downtown shows a mix of old buildings and modern university structures, and students move between classrooms, dormitories and shops at all hours.

The city has a public bus network and an automatic transit system mainly linking university areas. Visitors walking around should expect hills and inclines, especially when moving from the riverfront to higher neighborhoods.

The Metropolitan Theatre from 1924 is a rare example of a theater from the silent film era still hosting events. The automatic transit system uses small self-driving cabins that have been running since the 1970s and are considered one of the first systems of this kind.

Location: Monongalia County

Inception: 1772

Founders: Zackquill Morgan

Elevation above the sea: 293 m

Website: https://morgantownwv.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.63361,-79.95056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:44