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

The Athenaeum

By Mike Wintermantel, February 20, 2021

1. The Athenaeum Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the 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.

Location. 40° 3.833′ N, 80° 43.301′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baltimore and Ohio Passenger Station (a few steps from this marker); The First Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Independence Hall (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Athenaeum

By Mike Wintermantel, February 20, 2021

2. The Athenaeum Marker

(a few steps from this marker); B & O Railroad (a few steps from this marker); Old Custom House (a few steps from this marker); To The Defenders of the Union (within shouting distance of this marker); The Steamboat "Washington" (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheeling.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.