America250 in Hampshire County celebrates 250 years of American history through community events, preservation efforts, and local initiatives across the Hampshire Highlands. As we move through 2026 and America 250, we’re excited to see community groups, businesses, and local historians bringing Hampshire County’s story to life in their own ways.
From frontier settlements and Fort Edwards to Ice Mountain’s ancient landscape, agricultural traditions, Appalachian craftsmanship, military service, and small-town resilience, Hampshire County’s story is woven into America’s 250-year journey.
The Hampshire County CVB is proud to help amplify events and initiatives happening across the Hampshire Highlands.
Events across the county are recognizing America 250 in different ways — from history talks and preservation efforts to festivals, farm gatherings, veterans tributes, and local business spotlights. Look for America 250 events throughout our Community Calendar as the year unfolds.
For statewide initiatives and additional information about West Virginia’s America 250 efforts, visit the WV Semiquincentennial Commission website.
My Piece of America is a Hampshire County community storytelling project led by the Hampshire County CVB as part of America250.
Pick up a small booklet, take it with you, and use it to share a story, memory, drawing, poem, reflection, or moment that represents your piece of America. The booklets were designed to be small enough to tuck into a pocket or purse, so you can fill one out whenever inspiration strikes.
You can keep your booklet as a personal keepsake, or choose to submit your piece for possible inclusion in Hampshire County’s America250 community storytelling project.
Selected submissions will receive a commemorative America 250 coin and certificate.
This project will continue through the end of the year as part of Hampshire County’s America250 celebration.
How to participate:
Pick up a booklet at the Hampshire County Public Library or Capon Bridge Public Library, complete it on your own time, and follow the instructions inside if you would like to submit your piece.
September 12, 2026
Details TBA
The Veterans Freedom Ride honors local veterans and supports community efforts to assist those who have served.
Part of Hampshire County’s America250 year, this event recognizes service, sacrifice, and community support.
September 17 to September 23, 2026 Details TBA
Celebrate Constitution Week with local programming connected to American history, civic life, and the founding documents of the United States.
Additional details will be shared as they become available.
📅 September 26, 2026
📍 Capon Bridge
America 250 will be part of the celebration during Capon Bridge Founders’ Day.
The DAR will distribute free Our Patriots coloring books and crayons to the first 75 children who visit their booth. Visitors can also pick up cards featuring the Preamble to the Constitution, the American’s Creed, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visit cbfoundersday.net for additional Founders’ Day information.
📅 September 29, 2026
📍 Romney Brew Station
🕕 6:00 PM
Len McMaster will present a program exploring the history of post offices in Hampshire County.
The program is part of the ongoing effort to explore and share Hampshire County’s history during the America 250 commemoration.
📅 October 10, 2026
📍 Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, Pennsylvania
A motorcycle and car run is planned to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as part of the 25-year observance of September 11, 2001.
Registration information and additional details will be available as plans are finalized.
📅 October 18, 2026
📍 West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Travel through American fashion history during a public costume and fashion show hosted by the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
Community members are invited to create costumes inspired by different eras, from Colonial America through the colorful fashions of the 1960s and 1970s.
📅 November 11, 2026
📍 Romney
Hampshire County’s Veterans Day observance will include activities on the lawn of historic Taggart Hall from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, followed by the Patriots Parade at noon.
The parade will travel from FNB Bank along West Main Street to School Street. A dinner and program featuring guest speakers is planned from 3:00–6:00 PM.
Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.
November 11, 2026 American Legion, Romney
A Veterans Day dinner honoring those who served in the United States Armed Forces.
A dinner and program featuring guest speakers is planned from 3:00–6:00 PM.
Date TBA Location TBA
A commemorative wreath laying honoring Revolutionary War patriots and Hampshire County’s connection to America’s founding story.
Details will be added as they are confirmed.
Saturday, February 28 | 2–5 PM
Mt. Pisgah Church Community Center, Romney
A community-led celebration honoring African American history in West Virginia through music, food, storytelling, and a children’s puppet show. The event brought together residents of all ages to reflect on the contributions of Black Americans locally and nationally.
Live music, cultural displays, and hands-on activities created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for families and community members alike.
Featured in the Hampshire Review (March 4, 2026)
Part of Hampshire County’s America 250 initiative, highlighting local stories and shared history.
May 9, 2026
Step back in time during this annual festival in historic North River Mills. Enjoy old-time music, living history demonstrations, and a guided look at this once-thriving 18th-century community.
This year’s event will honor local Revolutionary War veterans Gustavus Croston and Ensign Rees Pritchard.
May 16, 2026 | 11 AM Hampshire County Courthouse Lawn
The Catherine Parker Forman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a plaque honoring the men and women who risked their lives for American independence.
A public reception will follow at the former Dillon’s Country Treasures building.
May 25, 2026 | 11 AM American Legion Pavilion, Romney
Join the community in honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country.
May 19, 2026 | 6 PM Romney Brew Station
Local historian Steve Settimi presents a discussion on the history of American political parties and the complexities of the nation’s founding.
Ended June 30, 2026
Capon Bridge
Did you know the Capon Bridge area has connections to many Revolutionary War patriots?
Young and old are invited to take part in this self-guided America250 scavenger hunt. Pick up a passport at the Capon Bridge Public Library or participating businesses, then visit local stops to “meet” a different Revolutionary War patriot at each location.
Each patriot profile includes a QR code linking to a short video, along with a printed version of the story. After learning about each patriot, ask the business staff to initial your passport.
Participants who find all the patriots and return their completed passport to the Capon Bridge Public Library will receive a certificate. Those who include their name and contact information will also be entered into a drawing for their choice of a Gary Drake print of Daniel Morgan or $20 cash.
Participating locations include:
Corporal John Chenoweth
Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher
2908 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
Dr. James Craik
Capon Bridge Public Library
2987 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
Col. Thomas Cresap and Michael Cresap
The River House
24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge
Pvt. Gustavus Croston
Ree’s Sweets & Treats
2886 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
Gen. Daniel Morgan
Twisted Timbers Café & Country Store
975 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
Ensign Rees Pritchard
Just Pawn It LLC
3196 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
Major Adam Heiskell
Bent River Trading Co.
3464 Northwestern Turnpike, Capon Bridge
📅 June 13, 2026 | 9 AM to 4 PM
📍 Fort Edwards Visitor Center, 350 Cold Stream Road, Capon Bridge
Step back into Hampshire County’s frontier history with a day of living history, reenactments, an 18th-century encampment, artisan vendors, old-time music, food, and special America250 programming.
This celebration connects local stories, Fort Edwards history, and 18th-century life in the Potomac Highlands.
📅 June 14, 2026 | 2 PM
📍 Capon Bridge Library Pavilion
Learn more about Capt. David Pugh and his connection to local Revolutionary-era history during this public program at the Capon Bridge Library Pavilion.
Part of Hampshire County’s America250 community history programming.
📅 June 14, 2026
A community observance recognizing Flag Day as part of Hampshire County’s America250 efforts.
📅 June 15, 2026
A public flag retirement ceremony honoring the proper and respectful retirement of American flags.
📅 June 19, 2026
Juneteenth recognizes the end of slavery in the United States and honors the ongoing story of freedom, resilience, and justice.
June 19 to June 20, 2026
The River House, Capon Bridge
Cacapon Riverfest is an annual two-day celebration of the Cacapon River featuring music, food, drinks, art, environmental presentations, and river appreciation activities. Meet fellow river-lovers, learn more about the groups working to protect the Cacapon, and enjoy a family-friendly weekend in Capon Bridge.
June 27, 2026
Festival begins at 11 AM
Fireworks at 10 PM
Wapocoma Campground, 145 Wapocoma Campground Road, Romney
Enjoy a full day of bluegrass music, camping, food, and fireworks along the South Branch. The 2026 lineup includes Dave Adkins, The Kody Norris Show, Hammaville, The Flybirds, One Lane Road, and more.
Fireworks begin at 10 PM.
June 28, 2026 | 2 PM
Hampshire County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Celebrate America250 with an afternoon of rodeo action at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. The All-American 250 Rodeo features family-friendly entertainment performed by Lucky E Rodeo Co.
The event will be held rain or shine.
📅 June 29 to July 1, 2026 | 10 AM to 5 PM
📍 South Branch Elementary School Parking Lot, 549 Center Avenue, Romney
The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum will bring a free walk-through museum experience to Romney as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
This traveling exhibit offers students, families, residents, and visitors a chance to explore the story of American independence in an engaging and accessible way.
📅 July 3, 2026 | Parade begins at 6 PM
📍 North River Valley Volunteer Fire Company, Rio
Kick off Independence Day weekend with a community parade, live music, food, refreshments, and hometown celebration.
Parade lineup begins at 5:30 PM, with the parade starting at 6 PM.
📅 July 4, 2026 | 9 AM to 3 PM
📍 Yellow Spring, WV
The Capon Valley Ruritan 4th of July Celebration Car Show returns to Yellow Spring on Independence Day.
Enjoy classic cars and trucks, BBQ chicken and pork, homemade ice cream, live music, an auction, and giveaways. Vehicle registration is $20 and closes at noon.
📅 July 3, 2026 | 8 PM
📍 Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department
2766 Northwestern Pike, Capon Bridge, WV
Celebrate America250 with music and fireworks at the Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department pavilion and grounds.
Music by Stream Line begins at 8 PM, followed by fireworks around 9:15 PM, weather and darkness permitting.
Presented by the Capon Bridge Ruritan Club and sponsored by the Town of Capon Bridge, local businesses, and citizens.
Rain date: Sunday, July 5.
📅 July 11-12, 2026
📍 Locations across Hampshire County
Celebrate Hampshire County’s agricultural traditions during the annual Farm Crawl.
Visit local farms, markets, makers, and rural businesses while experiencing the people and places that keep Hampshire County’s farm heritage alive.
Interested in helping shape America 250 in Hampshire County? Attend a meeting, share ideas, or connect with local organizers to be part of this community effort.
September 16, 2026 | 5 PM Romney Brew Station
Join the ongoing conversation as the community continues planning local America 250 events and initiatives.
Romney Brew Station
A recurring gathering focused on local and national history topics, often tied to America250 themes.
Upcoming History Group Dates:
September 29, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 24, 2026
Topics and times will be added as they are confirmed.
Hampshire County America 250 Facebook Group
Join the local conversation and stay updated on planning and collaboration efforts:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/2013090069266652
America 250 Hampshire County WV
Learn more about local America 250 efforts and initiatives:
👉 https://stevebailes.org/…/america-250-hampshire-county-wvm/groups/2013090069266652
If your organization, business, or community group is planning an event connected to America 250, we’d love to help share it.
Submit your event through our Community Calendar or contact us directly.
Submit an Event → https://hampshirehighlands.com/events-calendar
