Open everyday! Please call ahead: 304-454-2095.

The River House has been transformed into a small, boutique lodge tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia. The concept is to bring back to life the River House of the early 1900s. Though razed long ago, the "New" River House now takes its place to welcome guests into a motif of railroading that once dominated the small town of Rowlesburg.

B&O artifacts adorn the rooms and hallways. Pictures of the past history of the town take visitors back to a different time, one of railroading in its golden era.

One source says that the original River House was a tavern and railroad lodge operated by A.A. Perry. According to this version the lodge was the center of this small settlement, with the homes of the Grahams, Wheelers, Goffs, Hootons, and others scattered nearby. The building sat next to the railroad, as did most of the early structures in Rowlesburg.

The front porch, as seen below, is for relaxing!

Society for the Preservation of McGrew House
     The Society for Preservation of McGrew House is a non-profit organization, which began informally in 1989 as a dedicated group of community volunteers in Kingwood, West Virginia. It achieved formal, legal 501-C-3 status in 1993.
Its primary purpose and accomplishments extend from preserving and restoring the 1841 home of West Virginia forefather Hon. James C. McGrew and making that home an educational and cultural center, emphasizing the historical pre-Civil War period, the creation of the State of West Virginia, and the cultural and economic development of Preston County.
Toward those ends, the Society annually sponsors events that celebrate West Virginia's heritage and involves community members in programs that acknowledge academic excellence, artistic talent, and cultural growth.
The Society is led by its annually elected officers and Board of Directors, who serve in rotating three-year terms. The Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month; its General Meeting is held annually in October.
The Society welcomes contributions of all types--volunteers to help with Events, donations to our Collections, help in Gift Shoppe, ideas for historical programs, and, most important of all, new members who can assist in maintaining the McGrew House. Won't you Join Us in that cause? You may also reach us at mcgrewsociety@yahoo.com