In 1772, George Washington founded Patomack Company with the goal of connecting the Potomac with the Ohio and James rivers through a series of roads and canals. He first set his sights on improvements and developments on the Potomac, but unfortunately, the State of Maryland rejected his proposal of skirting canals.
Charles Lee, a General in the Continental Army, purchased the property which later became Leetown. The property was called “Praeto Rio” and "Hopewell", where he bred horses and dogs after his retirement. It is said that he often yelled "WEEE" and had at least six dogs trailing him.
Learn more about Lee's life here, or view the property's National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.
The first shot of the American Revolutionary War was fired, leaving 8 Americans dead and 10 injured. Only one British soldier was injured. The first shot, taking place in Lexington, Virginia, is nicknamed "The Shot Heard 'Round The World".
Men from Mecklenburg (Shepherdstown) and other parts of the county meet in present day Morgan's Grove Park to link up with George Washington's Continental Army in Boston, beginning what is famously known as the Bee Line March.
The Continental Congress is petitioned by residents of western Virginia for the establishment of a separate government for their region because of the many differences between western and eastern Virginia.
George Washington, under his company the Patomack Company, submitted another proposal for a series of canals and locks along the Potomac River between Georgetown and Harpers Ferry. His proposal gained the support of both Maryland and Virginia.
George Washington appointed James Rumsey the superintendent of fieldwork in the Patomack Company. However, Rumsey quickly resigned after one year, in part due to the problems plaguing the company and quarrels between management.
A small pamphlet by James Rumsey, titled A Short Treatise on the Application of Steam, is printed at Mecklenburg (Shepherdstown), making it the first publication printed in "West Virginia". The pamphlet can be read online here.
The Virginia General Assembly charters Charles Town, a town built upon 80 acres owned by Charles Washington.
A resident of Mecklenburg (Shepherdstown), James Rumsey debuted his steamboat on the Potomac River in front of George Washington and several other spectators. For more information on Rumsey's inventions and the steamboat, visit the Rumseian Society.
President George Washington was petitioned by Henry Bedinger and William Good to make the nation's capital Mecklenburg (Shepherdstown).
The first newspaper in "West Virginia", titled The Potowmak Guardian and Berkeley Advertiser, is published by Nathaniel Willis in Mecklenburg (Shepherdstown). The paper was published from November, 1790 to January 15, 1798, however the earliest surviving issue that has been found to date is dated June 27, 1791. After ceasing to print the paper, Willis moved to Martinsburg and printed the publication, beginning April 3, 1792, under the shortened name of Potomak Guardian. Later, he changed the name yet again to Berkeley Advisor, before settling on the name Potomak Gaurdian.
See libraries that have issues of The Potowmak Gaurdian and Berkeley Advertiser.
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