Total Population
447
Population
Growth Rate
-0.13%
Median Age
53
Diversity Index
8.200
Rowlesburg
History of Rowlesburg
Filled with historic beauty and charm, Rowlesburg is a community celebrated by history. In 2008, the community celebrated its Sesquicentennial. The town celebrated 180 years. Originally a railroad town, the first train crossed the Cheat River in Rowlesburg on Christmas Day in 1852. At that time, the Sawmill Industry was booming. Rowlesburg was surveyed and granted Historic District Status in 2005, placed on the National Register of Historic Places with recognition of over 50 historic buildings and one small park area at that time.
The Nassif Building on Church Street is the oldest standing building in Rowlesburg. The community was awarded ON TRAC status in 2009 and Main Street Affiliate Status in 2021.
Rowlesburg Today: What Makes Us Unique
The community of Rowlesburg is exceptional not only for its friendly residents, a willingness to lend a helping hand, but its sports gatherings at Rowlesburg Park, art gallery, historical museums on Main Street and evening dances with live music.
The Rowlesburg community, set within magnificent mountains and hills and surrounded by the Cheat River, proudly features its festival schedule, including the famous Ox Roast, River City Festival of the Arts, Christmas Market, Chestnut Festival and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Cheat River for its boating and kayaking, tubing and swimming experience.
World War II Museum
The memorable exhibit at the Szilagyi Center (old Rowlesburg School) showcases authentic military uniforms, memorabilia, medals, war posters and photographs.
Preston County Sports Museum
With ten high schools within Preston County, each with its own sports program, a group of representatives within the ten schools organized a museum in the Szilagyi Center highlighting the area’s sports history, including baseball, basketball and football. To add to the museum, many former athletes donated meaningful items.
Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
The Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is owned and operated by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc. The renovated building is home to the WWII Museum, B & O Depot and Museum, Riverbend Art Studio and the Preston County Sports Museum. The center has rooms available to rent for corporate gatherings.
Tray Run Viaduct
Unique to Rowlesburg, visitors can view the Tray Run Viaduct sitting high on the hill, in late fall or early spring, with less leaf coverage. The historic railroad bridge operates today and is the infamous bridge on the back of the West Virginia State Seal.
Cannon Hill
Known as a strategic location in the Battle of Rowlesburg during the Civil War, visitors can view the Cheat River and the railroad bridge that was the focus of the battle from the heights of Cannon Hill. Tours are available from May through October via the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society.
Allegheny Trail
Rowlesburg is situated near the Allegheny Trail, which runs through the forested hills of West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia border. Nature lovers will love the beautiful vistas and wildlife viewable along the trail, whether they seek a short day trip or enjoy a multi-day excursion.
River House Boat Exploration
Rent a boat at the River House Lodge and cruise down the Cheat River Water Trail, immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery Rowlesburg has to offer.
Rowlesburg School
Home of the River Lions, Rowlesburg School offers programming for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Rowlesburg Senior Center
The Rowlesburg Senior Center is one location of Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc. Residents of age 60 or older find the Center an excellent source for healthy activities, camaraderie and programming for health, medical and financial needs.
River City Festival of the Arts
Rowlesburg is famous for its variety of festivals from May through December. Bringing the community together, the River City Festival of the Arts portrays a living history performance, symphony and band performances and much more.
Labor Day Ox Roast
Rowlesburg Park is the site of the Annual Labor Day Ox Roast, featuring live music, food, fireworks and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Annual West Virginia Chestnut Festival
Held in the fall, the Chestnut Festival celebrates the beauty of Autumn with community activities including breakfast in the River City Cafe, park activities on the bank of the Cheat River, sampling and purchasing savory roasted chestnuts and local vendors selling authentic crafts and wares.
Christmas Mart
The Annual Christkindlmarkt features an abundance of vendors displaying their original Christmas gifts. The festive environment is complete with live music, food, Christmas decorations and crafts.
Rowlesburg Park
The multi-acre community park is enjoyed by all, with riverside space including a lighted walking path, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis court, river access, picnic pavilions perfect for barbecues. There’s even a summer concession stand for grabbing a snack in the sun! The park is equipped to house reunions, parties and picnics. Cheat Mountain is just 10 miles east of Rowlesburg Park.
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Population
Housing & Income
Households
207
Total Housing Units
265
Owner Occupied
177
Renter Occupied
30
Vacant
58
Median Home Value
$105,469
Average Home Value
$129,096
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
0.00%
Per Capita Income
3.46%
Income Projection
Median Household
$51,289 $55,271
Average Household
$64,007 $75,000
Per Capita
$29,641 $35,135
Workforce
Total Businesses
18
Total Employed
117
Workers 16+
181
2023 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
2
Employed
39
2023 Public Administration
Businesses
5
Employed
32
2023 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
3
Employed
12
2023 Mining Businesses
Businesses
1
Employed
12
2023 Food & Beverage Retailers
Businesses
2
Employed
10
2023 HealthCare / Social Assistance
Businesses
1
Employed
8
Some
High School
35
Graduated
High School
176
Associates
Degree
19
Bachelor's
Degree
28
Graduate
Degree
28
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
106
Non-Resident Commuters
28
Drive Alone
137
Carpooled
35
Public
0
Work At Home
5