Along the West Virginia Turnpike in Beckley stands one of the state’s most iconic landmarks: Tamarack Marketplace. Known today as a vibrant hub of West Virginia art, food, and culture, Tamarack Marketplace didn’t emerge by accident. It was the product of a vision to connect local creativity with travelers from across the country. Its history reflects a unique blend of economic development, cultural preservation, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

The origins of Tamarack Marketplace date back to the late 1980s, during the administration of West Virginia Governor Gaston Caperton. At the time, the state was exploring ways to diversify its economy and promote tourism. A key opportunity came when the West Virginia Parkways Authority issued a bond aimed primarily at improving turnpike facilities, and a portion of those funds were set aside for tourism-related projects. 

State leaders, including economic development director Cela Burge, saw an untapped opportunity: the thousands of travelers passing through West Virginia each day. Instead of simply offering standard rest stops, why not create a destination that showcased the state’s craftsmanship and culture? 

The idea gained traction after the opening of upgraded service plazas along the turnpike. At one such event, Governor Caperton envisioned a year-round space that captured the energy of a craft fair, complete with artisans, food, and music, all under one roof. That moment sparked the concept that would become Tamarack Marketplace. 

Turning the vision into reality took years of planning. In the early 1990s, officials traveled across the state meeting with artisans and developing a strategy for a centralized marketplace. In May 1993, an architectural team led by Clint Bryan was selected to design the facility. Their concept embraced a bold, modern style inspired by West Virginia’s landscape and traditions of quilt making. Yes, that’s right! The building’s design is inspired by the sunburst pattern that is seen throughout traditional Appalachian folk quilts. Each section of the building radiates outward, symbolizing the way individual quilt squares come together to form a cohesive and meaningful whole. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 8, 1994. 

A unique aspect was the involvement of local artisans even before opening. Artisans contributed to the building itself, creating handcrafted elements, such as the gallery doors that were designed by Sharon Harms. At the same time, a rigorous jury process was established to ensure that all products sold were authentically made in West Virginia. 

Tamarack Marketplace officially opened on June 20, 1996. From the start, it was something entirely new. Instead of a traditional shopping center, Tamarack Marketplace was designed as a cultural experience. The facility included retail space for handmade goods, studios where artists worked on-site, a fine art gallery, and a restaurant serving Appalachian cuisine. It quickly earned recognition as the first statewide collection of handmade crafts, fine art, and regional cuisine in the United States. 

Over the next decade, Tamarack Marketplace grew in both scale and influence. In 2003, Tamarack Marketplace expanded with the addition of a Conference Center, increasing its role as a venue for events, performances, and gatherings. 

Tourism numbers reflected its success. Hundreds of thousands of visitors began stopping each year, drawn not only by the stop but by the opportunity to experience West Virginia’s culture firsthand. 

Thirty years after its opening, Tamarack Marketplace remains an iconic stop along Interstate 77. With more than 2,800 artisans represented from all 55 counties and thousands of items on display, it continues to celebrate the creativity and traditions of the Mountain State. 

Travelers and locals alike can still watch live demonstrations, browse handmade crafts, and sample regional inspired dishes, just as the founders envisioned decades ago. Over time, Tamarack Marketplace has evolved, but its core mission remains unchanged: to connect people with the art, culture, and heritage of West Virginia. 

The history of Tamarack Marketplace is a story of vision and innovation rooted in local pride. By blending commerce with creativity, Tamarack Marketplace has helped preserve Appalachian traditions while supporting generations of artists and entrepreneurs. In many ways, Tamarack Marketplace is more than just a place — it’s a living showcase of West Virginia’s identity, welcoming visitors to experience “the best of West Virginia” every day of the year.