Clarksburg, WV City Description
Clarksburg, the county seat of Harrison County, and its surrounding municipalities have a population of approximately 70,000. Roughly 300,000 people reside in the North Central West Virginia region, which encompasses fifteen counties within a 90-mile radius of Clarksburg. In the recent past, the Clarksburg area experienced the effects of corporate mergers and plant closings in the coal, oil and gas, and glass manufacturing industries upon which the economy was built. Local leaders responded by developing high technology, light manufacturing, and service industries. The West Virginia High Technology Foundation, an organization dedicated to the development of technology-based industries through education and research, is a prime example of the success of these efforts. Significant expansion at the Harrison Marion Regional Airport has attracted aircraft repair and manufacturing operations to the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex (MAAC), such as Northrup Grumman Corporation and Bombardier Services Corporation, and has led to the expansion of similar existing operations at Pratt & Whitney. Approximately 3,000 persons are now employed at the Criminal Justice Identification System facility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Clarksburg. A federal biometrics center will be located on the FBI grounds in the next few years.
Clarksburg continues as the active hub of North Central West Virginia. Friendly people, turn-of-the-century storefronts, green spaces, a courthouse plaza, and attractive fountains grace Main Street. Clarksburg has a variety of shops, restaurants, and banks, as well as professional offices for lawyers, realtors, doctors, accountants, and architects. Offices for several local and regional businesses are also located in downtown Clarksburg, including Dominion Transmission, Inc., a major natural gas transmission company.
Clarksburg has full access to air and ground transportation. The Harrison Marion Regional Airport, a regional facility providing commuter connections to Pittsburgh and Washington, DC, sits only four miles to the east of Clarksburg, just outside the neighboring city of Bridgeport. A network of four-lane highways connects Clarksburg to a number of nearby cities. A two-hour drive north on Interstate 79 leads to Pittsburgh, PA and Charleston, WV lies the same distance to the south. Columbus, OH is less than four hours to the west, and Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD sit less than four hours to the east. Additionally, West Virginia University is located in Morgantown roughly thirty minutes to the north.
In an area replete with coal, oil, and natural gas, the land itself represents one of the region’s most important natural resources, and it offers abundant opportunities for all forms of outdoor recreation. Clarksburg has 19 parks and playgrounds, with numerous recreational facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts, and baseball parks. Beyond the city limits, the Harrison County Parks and Recreation Commission provides more public facilities. Harrison County offers five private and three public golf courses, and a number of lakes for boating, fishing, and other water sports. From the top of Lowndes Hill, the Harrison County YMCA Family Fitness Center overlooks the downtown area of Clarksburg. Additionally, The Art Center of Clarksburg presents an annual July 4th concert in a local park, featuring the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and a popular fireworks display.
To the east and to the south, the more mountainous areas of the State offer some of the most beautiful park and ski resort areas in the country. Four major facilities, including the renowned Snowshoe Resort, are located within two hours of Clarksburg. In addition to providing a wealth of premiere downhill ski resorts, the area provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in all seasons, including hunting, rock climbing, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Considered one of West Virginia’s finest, the Harrison County public school system boasts updated facilities and curricula. The system consists of approximately 29 schools, which enroll roughly 12,000 students. As an example of the system’s achievements, Johnson Elementary School, located in Bridgeport, Norwood Elementary School, and West Milford Elementary School were recognized as exemplary schools by the United States Department of Education. In addition, other local schools have received State recognition. Newer facilities, such as Nutter Fort Elementary School, Bridgeport Middle School, Big Elm Elementary School, and Robert C. Byrd High School promise to enhance this reputation. West Virginia’s Teacher of the Year for 2003 teaches at a local school.
Steptoe & Johnson takes an active role in the community and encourages its members and associates to become involved in local civic and professional organizations. From membership in the local Chamber of Commerce to coaching a little league baseball team, the firm’s attorneys truly immerse themselves in the community.