| One of West Virginia's most historic roadways will receive some new attention.
The focus will be on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, commissioned in 1826 to
help open up access to the Northwest Territory.
The stretch best known to local residents is Route 47.
A group of volunteers are needed to help create the state's latest historic byway.
They will inventory Gilmer, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties and their role on the
turnpike.
The turnpike coursed its way through the mountains from Staunton, Virginia to
Parkersburg on the Ohio River.
Construction started in the 1840s.
Sections of turnpike in Pocahontas, Randolph and Barbour counties received
byway designation in 1997.
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