Washington Place (West Virginia)

Washington Place, also known as the William Washington House, is a historic residence in Hampshire County, West Virginia, notable for being one of the first homes built by freed slaves following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Constructed between 1863 and 1874 by William and Annie Washington, the house stands on land gifted to Annie by her former owner. William Washington became the first African-American land developer in West Virginia, creating the 'Blacks Hill' neighborhood nearby. The property has been restored by local attorney Ralph W. Haines, making it a significant site for those interested in African-American history and heritage.