Morgan Morgan Monument

West Virginia’s First White Settlement Monument — Memorial to Morgan Morgan (1688–1766), Claimed First Permanent White Settler, 1731 Bunker Hill Settlement, Morgan County Berkeley County West Virginia

Morgan Morgan Monument is a state historical monument near Bunker Hill in Berkeley County, West Virginia, commemorating Morgan Morgan (1688–1766), who is traditionally recognized as the first permanent white settler in what is now West Virginia. The site features a stone memorial monument marking the approximate location of Morgan’s 1731 settlement, interpretive signage documenting his role in frontier history, and a peaceful wooded setting on the Eastern Panhandle landscape where early colonial settlement of the Trans-Allegheny region began.

Morgan Morgan — Pioneer and Settler

Morgan Morgan was born in Wales around 1688 and emigrated to America, eventually settling in the Shenandoah Valley region. Around 1731, he established what is traditionally considered the first permanent white settlement in the territory that would become West Virginia, building a homestead near present-day Bunker Hill in Berkeley County. Morgan was a farmer, magistrate, and militia leader who played a significant role in the early colonial development of the region. He lived to approximately 78 years of age, dying around 1766.

While historians debate whether Morgan was truly the absolute “first” white settler (other early settlers including the Harpers Ferry area settlers and traders also have claims), the West Virginia Legislature officially recognized him in this role, and the monument was erected to honor his pioneering legacy.

The Monument

The stone monument stands near the site of Morgan’s original homestead and marks this historically significant location along the early frontier. The monument includes inscriptions detailing Morgan’s life, his settlement, and his contributions to the development of the Eastern Panhandle region. The Morgan County to the west bears his family name, reflecting the lasting impact of the Morgan family on the region’s history.

Visitor Information

The monument site is a small roadside historical marker and monument, accessible year-round with no entrance fee. Located near Bunker Hill in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, it can be visited as part of a historical tour of the region that includes nearby Berkeley Springs State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park, and Civil War sites in Martinsburg and Shepherdstown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Morgan Morgan really the first white settler in West Virginia?

Morgan Morgan is traditionally recognized by the West Virginia Legislature as the first permanent white settler (circa 1731), though historians note other early settlers also have competing claims.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the monument is free to visit and accessible year-round as a roadside historical site.