Nested along the Monongahela River in northern West Virginia, Morgantown is home to one of the nation's top research centers, West Virginia University, and some of the most magnificent mountain scenery imaginable. Incorporated in 1785 by Colonel Zackquill Morgan, a member of the "first family of West Virginia," the town quickly took off when it became a popular way station for westward-bound pioneers in need of supplies. The discovery of iron here in 1789 put Morgantown on the map, and by the early 19th century, the town boasted forty homes and five taverns. Today Morgantown's well preserved and charming downtown is a step back in time, with upscale shops and restaurants now occupying the buildings constructed by early settlers. Morgantown is a member of the National Trust Main Street Center program. Notable sites include the "Old Stone House," thought to be the oldest surviving stone house in Monongalia County; the 1907 Queen Anne-style Garlow House; and the neoclassical 1915 Old Morgantown Post Office, now home to the Monongalia Arts Center. In the early 20th century, the Seneca Glass Company played a significant role in Greater Morgantown's economic development, and today the company's building houses upscale shopping and the Riverfront Museum with displays devoted to the area's glass and crystal industry. The town boasts a paved waterfront rail-trail popular with bikers and runners, an amphitheater and two restored theaters: the storied 1924 Metropolitan, said to be West Virginia's most beautiful playhouse, and the 1931 landmark Art Deco Warner. Outdoors enthusiasts won't want to miss a guided kayak tour on the serene Monongahela River, a hike on the Allegheny Trail or a thrilling ride on the Cheat River rapids.

For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named Morgantown, W.Va., to its 2007 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Morgantown was selected from 63 destinations in 27 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities.

"Morgantown offers a wealth of pleasant surprises," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Visitors are first struck by the energy of this vibrant college town, but they soon realize that given the city's absorbing history, splendid architecture and exquisite setting, there's much more to Morgantown than meets the eye."

For more information about Morgantown, please visit downtownmorgantown.com