While still a part of Virginia, Grafton was incorporated in 1856 within
Taylor County (
Northern Region).
The town was a key point in the Civil War because of its location on the B&O Railroad. At the beginning of the war, Confederate colonel George A. Porterfield and a small contingent established a base in Grafton.
Bailey Brown, who during the Battle of Philippi became the first Union soldier killed by Confederate forces, is buried in Grafton National Cemetery on Walnut St.
