Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Athenaeum

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, February 20, 2021

1. The Athenaeum Marker

Inscription. Built in 1853-1854 for use as a theater, warehouse, and office space, it was the largest building in Wheeling at the time. During the Civil War, it became a Union military prison, mostly for the transitory holding of POWS and Southern sympathizers, earning the foreboding moniker of "Lincoln's Bastille.” A prison until 1865, it was destroyed by fire in 1868.

Erected 2017 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 40° 3.833′ N, 80° 43.301′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. It is at the intersection of 16th Street and Market Street (West Virginia Route 2), on the right when traveling east on 16th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wheeling WV 26003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Athenaeum (here, next to this marker); Baltimore and Ohio Passenger Station (a few steps from this marker); Wheeling Custom House (a few steps from this marker); B & O Railroad (a few steps from this marker); Old Custom House (a few steps from this marker); Old Garibaldi

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Francis H. Pierpont (within shouting distance of this marker); Restored Government of Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheeling.

Other markers no longer nearby. The First Campaign (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Independence Hall (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, February 20, 2021

2. The Athenaeum Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.