Special
Features / July 2006
The Well Traveled Road
By Pat Lawrence
 Mary Rayme
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The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike is a highway with a history and tales to tell, according to Mary Rayme. She wants West Virginians and the world to know all about it. In June, Mary joined the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance as the Grants Coordinator, but she is also working to raise awareness and appreciation of the historic byway. Built in the 1840’s when Virginia and West Virginia were one state, the turnpike finally united the eastern part of the state with the western part of the state. Mary says, “It was the expressway of its day. Building it was an amazing accomplishment. The terrain was very rough, the mountains very high, construction was a challenge. This was the first real road directly through the Allegheny Mountains. It provided access to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and was crucial to westward expansion.”
By connecting the Shenandoah Valley at Staunton to the Ohio River Valley at Parkersburg, the road opened up large sections of western Virginia to settlement and commerce.
The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance was formed in the fall of 1994 to further the preservation and promotion of historic sites along the route. The collaborative effort involves a network of public and private non-profit and historic organizations, from the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation and Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites to the Parkersburg Oil and Gas Museum and Wood County Historical Society as well as the Monongahela National Forest and Pocahontas County Tourism Commission.
The Alliance is coordinating research, interpretation, and presentation of Civil War events, like the Battle of Rich Mountain, one of the earliest campaigns of the Civil War, which was fought for control of the turnpike, and the access it provided to the railroad. The battle of Rich Mountain gave the Federals control of the turnpike. It was especially significant in the establishment of West Virginia, since the struggle to get the route built was a critical issue in the political dissension leading to the separation of western Virginia, and because military control of the turnpike-and northwestern Virginia-made statehood possible.
Mary says,”The Alliance is also encouraging tourism to the area and helping develop tourist destinations that encourage visitors to stay longer. Through public and private cooperation, we hope to enhance the historic and scenic qualities of the land and communities along the route.”
The new coordinator plans on adding more signs identifying the route and points of interest. And she has begun work on a new brochure. “It has a hundred things to see and do along the way, like the earthworks made by Civil War soldiers, historic homes, and places to swim or fish or go boating.” Although it could be driven in about six hours, Mary says they consider taking the turnpike a two day trip. “Remember, the terrain was rough! They couldn’t make the road a straight line!”
With so many opportunities for visitors and so much information to share, it’s fortunate that Mary is experienced in graphic design, marketing, public relations and advertising. She also teaches graphic design at Davis & Elkins College
Mary says she and her family moved to West Virginia seven years ago “to escape the city.” They live in Elkins in a house built in 1918 and have embraced the low key pace of life along the Tygart River.
Although the Grants Coordinator job is a half-time position, in addition to writing grants, Mary is acting as project manager and public presentations and speaking engagements about the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. “Everyday we find more stories and more photographs of the people and places along this historic highway. The stories of the turnpike are part of our national history, and we want everyone to share them.”
For more information, call 304-637-7424 or visit www.spturnpike.org
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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