Area Information

Originally chartered as Martinsville in 1838, the name was changed to New Martinsville about 1846 because of confusion with another Martinsville in Henry County, Virginia. It was officially changed to New Martinsville in 1871. It was named for Presley Martin, one of the first settlers, who platted the area where the city is located. Wetzel County was created in 1846 from Tyler County. The county was named in honor of Lewis Wetzel, one of the most colorful characters on the American frontier. He was a famous Indian fighter and guide.

A few miles south is the 1890s oil boomtown of Sistersville. Its tree-lined National Historic District includes a working turn-of-the-century oil well. You can also enjoy a meal or an elegant overnight stay at the historic 1895 Wells Inn, where Victorian furnishings enhance a well-equipped full-service hotel and conference center with an indoor pool, pub and bakery. Another favorite stop on the town's walking tour is the Townhouse Gallery, where you'll find regional arts and crafts in a restored Queen Anne-style home with plenty of turrets and stained glass. And while you're still in Sistersville, you can stroll or drive to the dock for a pleasant, 15-minute river crossing on the little Sistersville Ferry, the last commercial ferryboat on the Ohio River. Public schools in New Martinsville include New Martinsville Elementary School, the Wetzel County Center for Children and Families and Magnolia High School. Nearby colleges and universities include West Liberty State College, Fairmont State College, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Morgantown, California University of Pennsylvania, Robert Morris College and the University of Pittsburgh-main campus. Hospitals and medical centers in and near New Martinsville include Wetzel County Hospital, Sisterville General Hospital, Reynolds Memorial Hospital and Belmont Community Hospital. From the tip of the Panhandle to its base and continuing into the Mid-Ohio Valley river region, a series of islands dot the Ohio River, forming the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Often mere yards from towns and cities, these border islands shelter hundreds of birds, animals and plants, including some rare species. Throughout the Northern Panhandle, wildlife for hunters and anglers is also abundant in accessible public hunting and fishing areas. Streams are regularly stocked with bass, trout, pike and catfish, and wild geese and ducks flourish along the Ohio and its tributaries. You can also cast out your line from the public fishing pier into the churning waters of New Martinsville's Hannibal Locks and Dam. Whitetail deer, wild turkey and other small game await sportsmen on the 9,229 acres of the Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area. Near Middlebourne, Middle Island Creek offers canoeing, camping and fishing. Also nearby, the Jug and Conaway Lake Wildlife Management areas provide outstanding opportunities for anglers. Wayne National Forest borders the river on the Ohio side, and about 10 islands in the river are a part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Other special attractions include the bends and bluffs in the Ohio River, Hannibal Dam and Locks, the Parkersburg and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and other areas. New Martinsville and Wetzel County still retain all the charm and amenities that all of us seek. If you're ready for a real change in your life, come on by our United Country office and talk to us about just what you're looking for in life. We'll be happy to show our wide choice of real estate opportunities.

Home	Privacy Statement | Terms of Use