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

First State Constitution

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024

1. First State Constitution Marker

Inscription. From November 26, 1861, to February 18. 1862, and February 12-20, 1863, delegates met in Wheeling to draft West Virginia's first constitution. Members debated the state's name and boundaries, as well as whether slavery would remain. On March 26, 1863, voters ratified the document. This first constitution governed WV until ex-Confederates gained power in 1870 and replaced it in 1872.

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 March 26, 1863.

Location. 40° 3.857′ N, 80° 43.319′ 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 Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1628 Market Street, 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: First Wheeling Convention / Second Wheeling Convention (here, next to this marker); Restored Government of Virginia (a few steps from this marker); To The Defenders of the Union (a few steps from this marker); Francis H. Pierpont (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Old Garibaldi (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Arthur J. Boreman (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheeling Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheeling.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The First Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

First State Constitution Marker looking north on Market Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024

2. First State Constitution Marker looking north on Market Street

First State Constitution Marker in front of West Virginia Independence Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 10, 2024

3. First State Constitution Marker in front of West Virginia Independence Hall

The marker is on the left of the three placed together

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.