Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
First Wheeling Convention
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Second Wheeling Convention
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024
1. First Wheeling Convention Marker Side
First Wheeling Convention. From May 13 to 15, 1861, delegates from 27 counties in northwestern VA met in Wheeling to determine how to respond to the VA Ordinance of Secession. Though predominately pro-Union, the members decided to postpone further actions regarding the restoration of a loyal state government and possible creation of a separate state until after the statewide secession referendum.
Second Wheeling Convention. From June 11 to 25 and August 6 to 21, 1861, delegates from more than 30 western VA counties met after the state seceded from the Union. Members declared the government in Richmond no longer legitimate and established a restored government based in Wheeling. They also moved to establish a new state, named Kanawha, which voters approved in an October 24, 1861, referendum.
Erected 2019 by West Virginia Archives & History.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1861.
Location. 40° 3.853′ N, 80° 43.318′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. It is at the intersection of Market Street (West Virginia Route 2) and 16th Street ( Route 2), on the right when traveling north on Market
this page online
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: First State Constitution (here, next to this marker); Restored Government of Virginia (here, next to this marker); Francis H. Pierpont (a few steps from this marker); To The Defenders of the Union (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Garibaldi (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheeling Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Athenaeum (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 within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Independence Hall (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024
2. Second Wheeling Convention Marker Side
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024
3. Second Wheeling Convention side at Marker & 16th Streets
West Virginia Northern Community College Applied Technology Center is across the street
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024
4. First Wheeling Convention side of marker in front of the West Virginia Independence Hall
Marker is in the middle of the three placed here.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
