The Giles, Fayette & Kanawha Turnpike was built to improve transportation in Western Virginia. Started in 1838 and finished in 1848, it ran from Pearisburg, Virginia, to Gauley Bridge, passing through towns like Beckley and Fayetteville. It connected with other major roads to help move people and goods.

The turnpike was also important during the Civil War. In 1862, Confederate General William Loring used the road to attack Union forces at Fayetteville, causing them to retreat.

Like many old roads, the turnpike lost importance when railroads became popular in the late 1800s. Parts of it were later reused for car traffic, and today some sections are part of State Route 16 near Fayetteville.