The Sites Homestead, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia

The National Forest Service has done an excellent job in restoring and preserving the historic Jacob Sites Homestead near the base of Seneca Rocks. It is a place of interest for history buffs and for anyone who loves country things.

The Homestead originally consisted of a one room log cabin, built in 1839. William Sites, one of Jacob's two sons, enlarged it into a two story frame home in the 1860s. The building, made completely of locally available materials, shows the fine hand crafted architectural details that are typical of the period. William Sites fought for the Confederacy during the War Between the States, although West Virginia sided primarily with the Union. Sites was captured in 1862 and spent much of the War as a prisoner.

The house was occupied by various Sites' descendents until 1947, then it was used as a hay barn until it was acquired by the National Forest Service in 1969. Beside the main house are outbuildings and a period garden. Reconstruction work was completed in 1990.