Cockayne Farmstead
Step into a 1850s 'time capsule' farmhouse, preserving four generations of history and a captivating vintage love story.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More likely to be open and staffed
Cockayne Farmstead
Best Time
More likely to be open and staffed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 1850s 'time capsule' farmhouse, preserving four generations of history and a captivating vintage love story.
"This place has stopped time in its tracks inside this home. It is an amazing site to behold."
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm hours before visiting to avoid disappointment, as some visitors have found it unexpectedly closed. :telephone_receiver:
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The house is a true time capsule; appreciate its untouched state and historical significance. :hourglass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Time Capsule House
Main Farmhouse
An 1850s farmhouse preserved with original collections, feeling like it's frozen in time.
Zan and Beulah's Love Story
Exhibits and Letters
Explore the 16-year correspondence between Zan and Beulah, a vintage love story captured in letters.
+1
Victorian Garden Tea Party
Farmstead Gardens
Experience elegance with a Victorian Garden Tea Party and witness historical reenactments.
West Virginia Day Celebration
Farmstead Grounds
Enjoy crafts, demonstrations, and tours during this special community event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
A Glimpse into the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm hours before visiting to avoid disappointment, as some visitors have found it unexpectedly closed. :telephone_receiver:
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The house is a true time capsule; appreciate its untouched state and historical significance. :hourglass:
💌 Discover Love Letters
Don't miss the fascinating correspondence between Zan and Beulah, a highlight for many visitors.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Beyond the house, discover the Indian mound and enjoy the scenic farmstead setting. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead
Confirm hours before visiting to avoid disappointment, as some visitors have found it unexpectedly closed. :telephone_receiver:
🕰️ Embrace the Past
The house is a true time capsule; appreciate its untouched state and historical significance. :hourglass:
💌 Discover Love Letters
Don't miss the fascinating correspondence between Zan and Beulah, a highlight for many visitors.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Beyond the house, discover the Indian mound and enjoy the scenic farmstead setting. :evergreen_tree:
📅 Check Event Calendar
Special events like Victorian Tea Parties offer unique experiences and historical reenactments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cockayne Farmstead being a remarkable 'time capsule' with an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide and a fascinating collection of historical artifacts. The preservation of the 1850s farmhouse is consistently praised, offering an authentic glimpse into the past. However, some visitors have encountered issues with inconsistent operating hours and limited accessibility, leading to missed visits.
"While we were in Mounds, West Virginia we visited the Cockayne Farms Historic House and Property. An 1850s farmhouse, it contains its original collection of over 3000 objects and over 15,000 primary documents.
This collection is comprised of four generations of the Cockayne family, spans the 18th and 19th centuries ending with the death of the last owner in 2001. The house has been described as being "frozen in time" with the last major renovation occurring around the turn of the 20th century.
I've seen more interesting houses of this type but the $5.00 cost to tour makes it an okay stop to stretch your legs if you're ever in this area and searching for something to do."
Ron Lamberth
"Extremely interesting history here...the tour was phenomenal. This house is literally a time capsule...untouched other than a few necessary repairs. Highly recommended visit, especially for those who love and appreciate history. There is also an Indian mound behind the house...I've lived in the area all my life and was totally unaware of Moundsville's second, smaller, less famous Indian mound."
Sharissa
"By far in my 50 years living near dc, seeing my share of historical sites and museum. This place has stopped time in its tracks inside this home. It is an amazing site to behold. I highly recommend"
Billie Jo Edgar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cockayne Farmstead is located in Moundsville, West Virginia. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to reach the farmstead. GPS navigation should guide you directly to the property.
Yes, there is typically parking available on-site for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially if attending a special event, to secure a convenient spot.
The nearest major airports are Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pennsylvania, approximately an hour's drive away, and potentially others depending on your starting point.
Yes, Cockayne Farmstead can be a great day trip destination, especially if you are visiting Moundsville or the surrounding areas of West Virginia or Ohio.
Moundsville and nearby Wheeling, WV, offer various hotels and motels for overnight stays. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or local events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically very affordable, with one reviewer mentioning a $5.00 cost for a tour. It's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
Operating hours can be limited and may vary. Some visitors have experienced issues with finding the site open during posted hours, so confirming in advance is highly recommended.
For regular tours, advance booking might not be strictly necessary, but for special events like the Victorian Garden Tea Party, reservations are often required as seats fill up quickly.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight, with visitors praising the knowledgeable guides who provide fantastic insights into the history of the house and family.
While you can see the exterior and grounds, the full experience and historical context are best appreciated through a guided tour. Peering through windows offers a limited view.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the 1850s farmhouse, which is a time capsule with original collections and documents. Special events include Victorian Garden Tea Parties and historical reenactments.
Absolutely! It's described as a 'time capsule' with extensive historical collections and primary documents, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about history. +1
Yes, events like Birdie Cockayne's wedding reenactment and other historical demonstrations are held, offering a dynamic glimpse into the past.
There is a smaller, less famous Indian mound located behind the house, adding another layer of historical interest to the property.
A guided tour usually takes about an hour, but you might want to allow extra time to explore the grounds or if you're visiting during a special event.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have shared interior photos online, it's best to ask your guide or check for posted signs to confirm if interior photography is permitted.
The exterior of the historic farmhouse, the Victorian gardens during events, and any preserved interior details offer great photographic opportunities.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not widely mentioned, but it's generally advisable to avoid flying drones over private historical properties without explicit permission.
Many visitors focus on capturing the 'frozen in time' aspect of the house, the historical artifacts, and the charm of the grounds, especially during themed events.
Photography is usually welcome during special events, allowing you to capture the atmosphere and reenactments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the farmstead's event calendar for family-friendly programming. For younger children, the concept of a 'time capsule' house might be more captivating than detailed historical narratives. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the historical artifacts and the delicate nature of the preserved environment. The grounds also offer space to explore, and the presence of an Indian mound can add an element of adventure.
🏛️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The farmstead's status as a 'time capsule' is its most significant draw, offering an authentic and unadulterated glimpse into historical domestic life. The personal narratives, such as the Zan and Beulah correspondence, add a rich, human dimension to the historical context, making the experience deeply resonant.
+1 History enthusiasts will find endless fascination in the preserved artifacts and the stories they tell, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in local or American history. ❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Attending special events like the Victorian Garden Tea Party can also provide a romantic and elegant outing. Imagine enjoying tea amidst beautiful gardens, perhaps with historical reenactments adding to the ambiance.
It's a chance to step back in time together and appreciate a slower, more deliberate pace of life, creating a memorable experience for couples seeking a unique date or anniversary activity.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cockayne Family Legacy
One of the most captivating aspects highlighted in recent content is the story of Zan Cockayne and Beulah Smith. Their 16-year correspondence, captured entirely through letters, reveals a slow-burning relationship filled with Victorian-era propriety, inside jokes, deep affection, and dreams. These letters provide an intimate look into their lives and the blossoming romance that unfolded over years of writing.
+1 Exploring these personal narratives adds a profound human element to the historical significance of the farmstead, making it a deeply engaging experience for visitors.Beyond the personal stories, the farmstead also hosts events that bring history to life. The Victorian Garden Tea Party, featuring reenactments like Birdie Cockayne's wedding, offers an elegant immersion into the past.
Events like the West Virginia Day celebration showcase traditional crafts and demonstrations, further enriching the visitor experience and highlighting the cultural heritage of the region. Preserving a Piece of History
However, maintaining such a historical site requires significant resources. Visitors and the farmstead's caretakers alike express a hope for continued funding to ensure the long-term preservation of this invaluable historical asset.
While the preservation efforts are commendable, potential visitors should be aware of the farmstead's limited hours and the occasional logistical challenges. Some visitors have reported arriving during posted hours only to find the site closed, leading to disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit