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History of Arthurdale

Arthurdale, known as Eleanor Roosevelt’s “Little Village” was the nation’s first New Deal homestead project, championed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Originally known as the Reedsville Project, it was changed to Arthurdale after Richard Arthur, from whom the land was purchased. Created in 1933 through President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation, the project relocated poor West Virginia families and gave them a new chance at life.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a major force behind the project.  She often visited to dine, dance, and chat with the homesteaders.  She even handed out diplomas at many of the Arthurdale High School’s graduations. 

The first homesteaders arrived in 1934 and were given property ranging from two to five acres. Designed by the federal government as a way to help families during the Great Depression, 165 homes were constructed with modern amenities like electricity, indoor plumbing, and a refrigerator, which were not commonly available throughout the country at the time.

The New Deal Homestead Museum is a multi-building museum comprises a forge filled with original tools, an Esso service station reminiscent of a bygone era, the historic Center Hall, the original federal government administration building, and a fully restored Arthurdale homestead. The museum Craft Shop specializes in handmade items created by WV artisans! Today, the area’s population is approximately 780.

Arthurdale Today: What Makes Us Unique