National Park Service Accepts Nomination of Morgantown’s New Deal Era Stone Walls to the National Register of Historic Places

NEW FIELD GUIDE HELPS THE PUBLIC DOCUMENT MORE OF THESE RESOURCES

Morgantown, W.Va. - The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV) is proud to announce that its nomination of historic New Deal era stone walls in Morgantown has officially been accepted by the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This significant achievement recognizes the enduring legacy and historical importance of these remarkable structures, many of which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), as well as other programs during the Great Depression.  Read the Nomination here! 

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Listing in the National Register provides formal recognition of a property's historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance.

In addition to this successful nomination, the Alliance created a free resource, A Field Guide to West Virginia New Deal Masonry, that the public can download for free and use to research and document New Deal era stone walls in their communities.
 
The Morgantown Historic Landmarks Commission initiated this project with support from the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office. West Virginia University's public history program also provided support, but unfortunately, the project was not completed due to the onset of COVID.
 
In 2024, PAWV listed historic stone walls across the state to their Most Endangered Historic Properties List and offered free assistance to finish the nomination. PAWV has championed the preservation of these walls, recognizing their vulnerability to neglect, demolition, and unsympathetic alterations. The National Register listing offers a layer of protection and opens doors for potential preservation grants and tax incentives, encouraging their continued stewardship.

---

This is a monumental step forward in recognizing and preserving a vital part of West Virginia's history. These New Deal Stone Walls often go unnoticed as we travel through towns and rural landscapes, but they play a vital role in our ingress and egress to downtown centers. The New Deal Stone Walls are not just physical barriers; they are tangible reminders of a pivotal era, representing the resilience of our communities, the ingenuity of federal relief programs, and the dedication of the men who built them. Their acceptance onto the National Register is a testament to their profound cultural and historical value. 
- Jamie Billman, Preservation Manager

Constructed primarily in the 1930s and early 1940s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, these stone walls provided crucial employment during a period of severe economic hardship. Beyond their practical functions – erosion control, terracing, and property demarcation – they also contributed to the beautification of public lands, parks, and agricultural areas across the state. The craftsmanship exhibited in their dry-stacked and mortared construction reflects a unique blend of traditional building techniques and the specific designs of federal agencies.

Richwood Avenue Wall at Marion and East Prospect Street, Morgantown, W. Va. - From West Virginia History OnView

Our goal with this nomination and the development of the field guide was to ensure these magnificent structures receive the recognition and protection they deserve. We encourage communities, landowners, and history enthusiasts to learn more about the New Deal Stone Walls in their areas and join us in advocating for their long-term preservation.
- Danielle Parker, Executive Director

PAWV extends its gratitude to the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, Gioulis Preservation Consultants, the Morgantown Historic Landmarks Commission, and the City of Morgantown for their invaluable contributions to this successful nomination. ​