Preston County, located in the north‑central region of West Virginia, was officially established on January 19, 1818, from portions of Monongalia County. It was named in honor of James Patton Preston, a governor of Virginia and a veteran of the War of 1812. European settlement in the area began in the mid‑1700s, with frontier families moving into the Cheat River and Monongahela River watersheds. The county seat, Kingwood, was founded in 1815 and later became known for its role in agriculture, timber, and early transportation routes, including the historic Northwestern Turnpike. During the Civil War, Preston County—like much of northern West Virginia—generally supported the Union, and its residents played a role in the formation of the new state in 1863. The region’s rugged terrain, rich natural resources, and long‑standing farming traditions continue to shape its identity.