When the Clarion Hotel opened in July 1998 owners had a hard time finding personnel. The town, incorporated in 1762, is the oldest in West Virginia and is listed as a National Register of Historic Sites. Physical alterations to facades, buildings, and roads are strongly resisted by locals. Right now the town is torn over whether to alter the main intersection governed by a four-way stop sign, to alleviate traffic pressures. Home to a mix of retirees that include former diplomats and government officials and younger professionals, Shepherdstown derives most of its income from local Shepherd College and tourism.
Many residents also commute to Washington by train.
A mulch factory is the only industry. Last Saturday an umbrella ministerial Christian group organized a prayer for peace to show the town's support for the negotiations that could end over a half century of strife. Over 50 people from varying denominations attended. A rabbi from nearby Hagerstown was invited and efforts made to find a Moslem religious leader. Parmesano has been closely involved in arrangements.