Wheeling

Wheeling is a city along the Ohio River in northern West Virginia that spans Ohio and Marshall counties. Streets rise from the riverfront to forested hills where residential areas with older brick homes and church spires shape the skyline.

Settlers built a fort at this location in 1774 that served as protection during frontier conflicts. The town later became an important trade point for goods moving between coasts and gained importance because of its bridge and railway connections.

The annual Christmas festival is known throughout the region and draws visitors with lights, music and markets. The tradition lasts six weeks and transforms downtown into a celebration zone where locals and guests gather to stroll and eat together.

The city sits about one hour west of Pittsburgh and is accessible through several highways that link east and west. The downtown is compact enough to explore on foot while outlying areas require a car.

The city briefly served as the capital of West Virginia and housed the state government buildings before that role moved permanently to Charleston. Some of the old administrative buildings remain today and can be visited.

Location: Ohio County

Inception: 1769

Elevation above the sea: 396 m

Website: http://wheelingwv.gov

GPS coordinates: 40.07028,-80.69861

Latest update: December 15, 2025 06:56