As most people in the Eastern Panhandle area are aware, the Shepherdstown Community Club (SCC) owns and operates Morgan’s Grove Park.

In addition to being one of the most heavily used recreational facilities in Jefferson County, Morgan’s Grove Park is also a unique and historically significant place that played key roles in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Because of its location and the presence of an important freshwater spring (later know as Fountain Rock), the area that now encompasses the park was quickly developed. As early as 1789, it was the site of a tavern. In 1832, it was purchased by Dr. Henry Boetler, who enlarged the house and acquired additional land providing nearly 400 acres for his farming operations. In addition, he had inherited the Shepherdstown Flour Mill and later the cement mill. Boetler also played important roles in the Virginia General Assembly and later as a member of the U.S. Congress, but chose to side with his home state of Virginia during the Civil War. Consequently, due to his prominence as a Southern politician, his elegant home at Fountain Rock was burned to the ground during the war by an overly zealous Union general. All that visibly remains of his estate today is the Spring House, which still plays a functional role contributing the primary source of water for Town Run, Shepherdstown’s alternative source of potable water.

Long years of exposure of the wooden portions of the Spring House structure to the elements, particularly the roofing, have taken their toll. The stone walls and the structure itself remain solid and will endure for many more years, if appropriate preservation efforts are made now. The SCC, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown, would like to develop an appropriate approach and seek necessary grants and/or raise funds to preserve this important structure.

We think it is important to consider the ideas and concerns of all citizens and organizations here in the Eastern Panhandle, in developing a concept and approach for preservation of the Spring House. Hopefully, that will help to engender a sense of community wide ownership and active participation in this important effort.

If you are interested in helping us with this project, we welcome your ideas, concerns and active involvement. If so, please call or text me at 304-261-2359 and we will get to work.

Mike Austin, of Shepherdstown