Almost Heaven Swing Dedication & Ribbon Cutting

“ALMOST HEAVEN” WV SWING AT SHEPHERDSTOWN’S RUMSEY MONUMENT PARK

(November 26, 2025) – SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV – The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown and the Town of Shepherdstown are pleased to announce the installation of a new “Almost Heaven” West Virginia Swing at Rumsey Monument Park.

The swing – part of a statewide effort led by the West Virginia Department of Tourism – will be located at one of Shepherdstown’s most cherished public spaces. Rumsey Monument Park is owned by the Town, and upon installation, the swing itself will also be fully owned and maintained by Shepherdstown.

The idea for installing a West Virginia Swing in Jefferson County was first presented to the Rotary Club by Karrington Childress, Miss West Virginia 2023. Having visited most of the “Almost Heaven” swings across the state, she noted that none existed in Berkeley or Jefferson Counties – despite Jefferson being the eastern gateway to West Virginia. She suggested Shepherdstown as an ideal host community, identifying the overlook at Rumsey Park as a signature location.

Rotary took up the challenge, coordinating with the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center and the West Virginia Department of Tourism, which provides the swing and selfie-sign components through its Cooperative Advertising Program. The Rotary Club committed to securing the materials, funding and labor needed for construction, while the Town provided site approval, and access to the park.

Rumsey Monument Park holds deep historic and cultural meaning for Shepherdstown and the region. The Park overlooks the Potomac River where James Rumsey, an inn operator and inventor, conducted his historic 1787 steamboat trial – decades before Robert Fulton’s widely known voyage. In 1915, local citizens erected the 75-foot monument that now anchors the site.

The new swing will bring more residents and visitors to the park and will provide another peaceful spot to rest, enjoy sweeping river views, and experience a sense of place that reflects both the heritage and natural beauty of West Virginia.

“The Town is grateful to the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown for initiating this project and partnering with us to make it happen,” said Mayor James Gatz. “Rumsey Monument Park is one of our most treasured public spaces, and adding an ‘Almost Heaven’ Swing enhances its appeal for residents, families, visitors and the many people who come to Shepherdstown for recreation and history. We’re proud to host it, we’re proud to own it and we’re pleased to share it with the community.”

Visitors can reach Rumsey Monument Park by approaching Shepherdstown via WV-480/Duke Street. In town, turn east onto High Street for four blocks, then left onto Mill Street. After two blocks, turn right onto Rumsey Monument Road. Street parking is available on Mill Street (free on weekends), and limited parking is offered onsite.