County Guide • Tygart Valley Region • West Virginia

Lewis County, West Virginia

An in-depth guide to Lewis County — its towns, history, landmarks, economy, and the real travel patterns that shape how residents shop, work, and access services across the Tygart Valley and North-Central West Virginia.

County Seat
Weston
Region
Tygart Valley
Major Routes
US-33 • US-19 • WV-4
Common Service Hubs
Weston • Clarksburg-Bridgeport • Buckhannon

About Lewis County

Lewis County is a historic and centrally located county in North-Central West Virginia, anchored by the city of Weston along the Tygart River. Known for its deep Appalachian roots, rolling hills, and strong sense of community, the county serves as both a local service center and a feeder market into larger regional hubs.

While Lewis County maintains its own identity and essential services, residents regularly travel outward for employment, healthcare, higher education, and specialized shopping — making it an important connector within the broader Tygart Valley region.

Towns & Communities in Lewis County

Weston
County seat and primary service hub with downtown businesses, schools, healthcare access, and regional traffic from US-33 and US-19.
Jane Lew
A growing residential community positioned along US-19 with commuter access toward Clarksburg-Bridgeport.
Roanoke
A small rural town reflecting the agricultural and close-knit character of central Lewis County.

Landmarks, History & Outdoor Places

  • Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: One of West Virginia’s most iconic historic sites and a major tourism draw.
  • Weston State Hospital Grounds: Historic architecture and community events.
  • Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area: Outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Tygart River: Central to the county’s settlement history and regional identity.

Economy & Work Life

Lewis County’s economy is built around healthcare, education, retail, public services, construction, and small businesses. Many residents work locally, while others commute to larger employment centers in Harrison, Upshur, and surrounding counties.

How Residents Travel for Shopping & Services

Everyday Needs (0–15 minutes)
Groceries, fuel, schools, pharmacies, and basic services in Weston and nearby towns.
Weekly Errands (20–40 minutes)
Expanded shopping, medical appointments, and bundled errands toward Clarksburg-Bridgeport and Buckhannon.
Destination Trips (45–70 minutes)
Specialty healthcare, major retail, courts, and higher education in Morgantown or larger regional centers.

Regional Connections

Lewis County connects closely with neighboring counties through shared workforce, schools, shopping patterns, and service access.

County pages are written to reflect real-world community behavior and regional connections across the Tygart Valley.