This structure, an historic 1850s building in the heart of the Beverly Historic District, was used as General McClellan’s headquarters following the Battle of Rich Mountain. In addition to its apt Civil War significance and good historical integrity, the building is well suited for use as the primary visitors center for the rural Battlefield.

The Visitor Center is now open to the public, offering information about Rich Mountain Battlefield, Historic Beverly, and the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike Byway. Some interpretive exhibits are in place, with development more elaborate exhibits planned over the next couple of years. On your visit here you can view the slide program Much Travel in Season: The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Western Virginia, as well as visit our small but growing gift shop. Summer hours for the center are noon to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, or by appointment at 637-RICH. The center is located facing the town square in the first block of Files Creek Road in Beverly, which is one block south of the turn onto Rich Mountain Road towards the battlefield.

The Bushrod Crawford store was, as General McClellan’s headquarters, one of the most important buildings in historic Beverly for its Civil War associations. It is located less than a block off of US Route 219/250 (the historic turnpike route) and facing the town square. It is easily visible from the highway, yet far enough removed to not have excessive traffic noise.

It was most recently used as office space, it can easily be made to meet handicapped accessible and safety standards, and has parking on the lot. The building is large enough to provide space for interpretive exhibits, media presentations, research facilities, gift shop, and office space.

In addition to buying and improving the Visitor Center, RMBF is taking on the commitment to keep this facility open for regular hours. This will allow us to expand our gift shop offerings to help defray part of the costs for the facility. Development of interpretive and educational exhibits in the Center has been funded as part of a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program. Grants are also being sought for part of the rehabilitation costs. But a large portion of the funding for purchasing this building, paying the mortgage payments, making the improvements, and operating the center will need to come from our loyal members, donations, and fundraising efforts. We appreciate your ongoing support in making Rich Mountain Battlefield not only a protected site, but also a positive educational opportunity for the future.

Rich Mountain Today

The Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation Staff