Romney: History, River Landscape and Special Excursions

Romney combines a distinctive river landscape with an unusually rich history. The town lies on a river terrace above the South Branch of the Potomac River and at the foot of South Branch Mountain. As a result, different interests come together during a stay: railway experiences and nature observation, historic buildings and walking tours, water sports, as well as hunting and fishing. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Romney can therefore choose the focus of their trip according to their preferred daily rhythm, without having to limit themselves to just one type of experience.

River Landscape and Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

A special excursion begins at Wappocomo Station in Romney. This is where trips on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad depart. The southern journey through Trough Canyon is 76 miles long and ends in Petersburg, West Virginia. During this Trough Canyon trip, visitors can observe bald eagles. For families and other travelers who enjoy experiencing landscapes from a special perspective, the railway journey therefore offers a distinct focus of its own.

Activities on the water are also part of Romney’s tourist character. Water sports and riverside campgrounds are among the options mentioned; the riverside campgrounds are used in spring, summer and fall. Hunting and fishing are also considered very popular tourist activities in Romney. These differences can help with travel planning: while a train ride and historic sites shape a more sightseeing-oriented stay, other forms of leisure take center stage during a stay by the river.

Historic Houses and a Walking Tour of Romney

The Davis House was built in 1798 and is the only log cabin still standing on its original property in the Town of Romney. Tours can be arranged through the Hampshire County Public Library. This makes the building a specific destination for travelers interested not only in facades but also in the history of individual houses.

Another historic point of reference is Taggart Hall. The building was constructed in the 1790s by Frances Taggart (Tygart), a Quaker. Taggart Hall is suitable as a starting point for a historical walking tour through Romney. In addition, the Hampshire County Courthouse within the Town of Romney is the only example of Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Literary Hall was built in 1870 by the Literary Society of Romney. This society was originally founded on January 30, 1819, as the Polemic Society of Romney.

Indian Mound Cemetery also introduces a much older historical period into the trip. The mound there has a diameter of about 15 feet and is approximately seven feet high. It is thought to have been built sometime between 550 BC and AD 1400. Those who wish to combine historical themes from different periods will therefore find several distinct points of connection in Romney.

Fort Mill Ridge and Practical Planning

In the immediate vicinity of Romney, Fort Mill Ridge features Civil War trenches, trails and information panels. Tours of the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum can be arranged by telephone at 681-231-2400. For a trip with children of different ages, it may be useful to alternate sightseeing destinations with more active experiences: for example, a historical walking tour could be followed by a trip through Trough Canyon or time spent along the riverbanks.

When looking for accommodation in Romney, it is therefore worthwhile to determine your own focus in advance. A holiday apartment in town is suitable for a travel plan centered on historic buildings, the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Museum and the walking tour through Romney. Those who primarily want to plan nature experiences, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad or activities on the water should compare the location of their preferred accommodation based on their own excursion plans. Specific distances or driving times between the individual destinations are not necessary for this decision: the initial priority is to determine which combination of culture, landscape and activities should shape the stay.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Romney, you can also include Purgitsville and Springfield in your research. This allows you to combine the choice of the right holiday apartment with the question of which place best suits your planned experiences.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hampshire County.