In February of 1865, the courthouse was transferred from Charles Town to Shepherdstown. The courthouse at Shepherdstown was housed in the building which is now McMurran Hall at Shepherd University. The building was originally built by Rezin Shepherd for use as a town hall and was used as a hospital during the civil war Battle of Antietam. Additions were added on either side of the main portion of the building to create offices of the courts.
A part of the old armory's facilities in Harpers Ferry were transformed into Storer College, a institution for the education of African Americans.
Late on this Friday evening and early into Saturday, Harpers Ferry was hit with a terrible flood, claiming the loss of many homes, businesses, bridges, and 43 lives. Because the flood water rose so quickly, many residents of Virginius Island became trapped.
The Shepherd Normal School (now Shepherd University), was established in the building which had been built by Rezin Shepherd for use as town hall in September. At its opening, the school enrolled 42 students. In 1896, construction was finished on the Normal Building, which became the main building of the college. The life of the building was cut short by fire March 9, 1901 and was replaced by the Knutti Hall. For more on the history of Shepherd University, see their historic tour.
Bakerton and Unionville (Uvilla) experienced heavy rain damage, which affected many farmers.
On this Saturday a tournament was held at Halltown. "Knights" from all over Jefferson County entered the competition.
A report that the railroad would soon be run from the Old Furnace up the river to the old Adams stone quarry, thence to the Virginia Ore Bank, and probably on to Shepherdstown, is current, and much discussed among the people in the Eastern half of Jefferson County.
The Shepherdstown Register reports on speculation that a matrimonial boom will soon strike Keller and Bakerton areas.
It is reported that the demand for coal in Washington is high. Business on the canal is booming during this period of time.
A reunion is held for veterans and their families at Moler Crossroads. Although the day was cold and cloudy, the newspaper reports that about four or five hundred people were present.
The Bakerton M. E. Church held a Christmas Oyster Supper.
The newspaper reports boating on the canal as "very discouraging". Many are not making enough to cover expenses.
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