Barbour County, West Virginia
Barbour County is a historic Tygart Valley county anchored by Philippi and Belington, shaped by river travel, regional trade routes, and a lifestyle where residents connect across nearby counties for work, services, shopping, and community life.
County Overview
Barbour County sits along the Tygart River valley and functions as a connected service and travel area between the North-Central West Virginia marketplace and the interior mountain counties. The county’s towns support daily living locally, while many households regularly travel outward for expanded shopping, specialized healthcare, and employment.
Towns & Communities
Landmarks & Local Identity
- Philippi Covered Bridge — one of the county’s best-known historic landmarks.
- Tygart River — the valley backbone shaping settlement, travel, and community life.
- Historic Philippi — downtown character, local events, and walkable small-town identity.
- Outdoor access — fishing, drives, and scenic routes throughout the valley and hills.
Local Economy & Services
Barbour County’s economy is supported by small businesses, trades, education, healthcare access, tourism, local government services, and agriculture. Many residents work locally, while others commute into nearby county hubs for expanded job opportunities.
How Residents Travel for Shopping & Services
Regional Connections
Barbour County connects naturally with neighboring counties through shared travel patterns, services, and commerce across the Tygart Valley and North-Central West Virginia. This is why Barbour County fits cleanly into a regional structure — residents already live that way.