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 museumWorld War II Museum

The memorable exhibit at the Szilagyi Center (old Rowlesburg School) showcases authentic military uniforms, memorabilia, medals, war posters and photographs.

sports museumPreston 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 ArtsSzilagyi 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. 


trey run viaductTray 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 hillCannon 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 trailAllegheny 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 boatsRiver 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 schoolRowlesburg School

Home of the River Lions, Rowlesburg School offers programming for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. 

senior centerRowlesburg 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 ArtsRiver 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. 

ox roastLabor 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.

chestnut festivalAnnual 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 martChristmas 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 parkRowlesburg 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

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Population

Population2000201020232028
Rowlesburg568510447444

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Age

Population201020232028
0-4231316
5-9302118
10-14241922
15-19262517
20-2424149
25-29221918
30-34252719
35-39272925
40-44352125
45-49401833
50-54473230
55-59454135
60-64404841
65-69335041
70-74253043
75-79221827
80-84161415
85+8810
18+418378379
Median Age485353

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Race

Rowlesburg2023
Total447.00
White Alone96.87
Black Alone0.45
American Indian Alone0.00
Asian Alone0.00
Pacific Islander Alone0.00
Some Other Race0.22
Two or More Races2.46
Hispanic Origin1.12
Diversity Index8.20

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Growth Rate

Rowlesburg2023 - 2028
Population-0.13%
Households0.10%
Families0.00%
Median Household Income2%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020232028
Households261256207208
Housing Units291295265266
Owner Occupied Units177177
Renter Occupied Units3031
Vacant Units5858

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Home Value

Rowlesburg20232028
Median Home Value$105,469$125,000
Average Home Value$129,096$149,576
<$50,0004641
$50,000 - $99,9993933
$100,000 - $149,9993229
$150,000 - $199,9992423
$200,000 - $249,9991010
$250,000 - $299,9991422
$300,000 - $399,9991117
$400,000 - $499,99901
$500,000 - $749,99911
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later10
2000-200938
1990-199931
1980-198953
1970-197924
1960-19696
1950-195915
1940-194916
1939 or Before90

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Income

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Income

Rowlesburg20232028
Median Household$51,289$55,271
Average Household$64,007$75,000
Per Capita$29,641$35,135

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Household Income Base

Rowlesburg2023
<$15,00032
$15,000 - $24,99927
$25,000 - $34,99920
$35,000 - $49,99921
$50,000 - $74,99944
$75,000 - $99,99919
$100,000 - $149,99935
$150,000 - $199,9999
$200,000+0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+181
In-County Residents106
Out-of-County Residents28
Drive Alone137
Carpooled35
Public Transport0
Work at Home5
Less than 5 minutes15
5-9 minutes25
10-14 minutes5
15-19 minutes4
20-24 minutes20
25-29 minutes23
30-34 minutes30
35-39 minutes7
40-44 minutes0
45-59 minutes20
60-89 minutes20
90+ minutes7
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees117
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining12
Utilities0
Construction0
Manufacturing0
Wholesale Trade0
  
Retail Trade12
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers0
Furn & Home Furnish Str0
Electronics & Appl Store0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip0
Food & Beverage Stores10
Health/Pers Care Stores0
Gasoline Stations2
Clothing/Accessory Store0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music0
General Merchandise Str0
Misc Store Retailers0
Nonstore Retailers0
  
Transportation/Warehouse3
Information0
  
Finance & Insurance4
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn4
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other0
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing0
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv0
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt0
Educational Services39
HealthCare/Social Assist8
Arts/Entertainment/Rec3
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs2
Accommodation0
Food Srv/Drinking Places2
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin2
Auto Repair/Maintenance0
Public Administration Emp32

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Educational Attainment (25+)

Rowlesburg2023
Some High School35
Graduated High School176
Associates Degree19
Bachelor's Degree28
Graduate Degree28

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses18
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus0
Mining Bus1
Utilities Bus0
Construction Bus0
Manufacturing Bus0
Wholesale Trade Bus0
  
Retail Trade Bus3
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus0
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus0
Electronics & Appl Store Bus0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus0
Food & Beverage Stores Bus2
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus0
Gasoline Stations Bus1
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus0
General Merchandise Str Bus0
Misc Store Retailers Bus0
Nonstore Retailers Bus0
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus1
Information Bus0
  
Finance & Insurance Bus1
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus1
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus0
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus0
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus0
Legal Services Bus0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus0
Educational Services Bus2
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus1
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus1
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus1
Accommodation Bus0
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus1
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus1
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus0
Public Administration Bus5

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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