Alexander Wade House

Alexander Wade House is a three-bay brick residence in Morgantown with rectangular windows, stone sills, and paneled square columns supporting the entry. The mansard roof with dormers crowns the structure, while the interior layout reflects changes made to accommodate multiple household uses over time.

The house was built in 1860 and became home to Alexander Wade starting in 1872 when he began his work as superintendent of schools in the county. Wade departed the property in 1904 after spending three decades shaping education in Monongalia County.

The house carries the name of Alexander Wade, who lived here between 1872 and 1904 and reshaped how rural schools operated. His approach to testing and student progression became adopted by education leaders across America and changed how people viewed learning in the countryside.

The structure was divided into three separate apartments in 1911, with later modifications including an additional floor and two-story bay windows added to the structure. When visiting, note that the original room arrangements are partially obscured by these later architectural changes.

Wade's examination and advancement systems were formally recognized by the National Education Association in 1879, after which they spread across the nation. This recognition helped establish the property as a hub for spreading new teaching methods through rural parts of America.

Location: Morgantown

Inception: 1860

Part of: Chancery Hill Historic District

Address: 256 Prairie Street

GPS coordinates: 39.62472,-79.95833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45