Washington’s Lands Marker, nestled in Jackson County along West Virginia Route 2 south of U.S. 33, serves as a proud testament to George Washingtons ownership of vast lands in this region, back when it was the far reaches of western Virginia. In 1770, Washington purchased a 2,448-acre parcel and assigned Colonel William Crawford to settle it. The town of Ravenswood would later take shape on land that once belonged to George Washington himself.
Another significant piece of this historical puzzle is the Millwood Tract. Spanning a whopping 4,395 acres, George Washington secured it through a patent on December 15, 1772, following a survey conducted in June 1771. Today, Western Land Park stands between WV Route 68 and the Ohio River, a living tribute to the past.
The Welcome to Ravenswood mural adds an extra layer of intrigue to this rich tapestry of history. It depicts George Washingtons ownership of lands in the area, providing visitors with a visual representation of his influence on this once-far-reaching corner of western Virginia. As you stand before the marker or gaze upon the colorful mural, let your imagination wander back in time to when these lands were just beginning to take shape under Washingtons watchful eye.
So, as you stroll through Ravenswood and its surroundings, remember that this land holds more than just scenic beauty; it bears witness to a crucial chapter in American history, one marked by George Washingtons ambitious vision for the expansion of his newly founded nation.