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

State’s Birthplace

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, May 31, 2025

1. State’s Birthplace Marker

Inscription.

West Virginia was organized in 1861 at Washington Hall, 12th and Market streets. The Linsly Institute Building, Eoff and 15th streets, was the first Capitol. From 1875 to 1885, the Capitol was in the County-City Building.

Erected 2023 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 40° 4.307′ N, 80° 43.487′ W. Marker is near Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 40) and 70, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Marker has been remanufactured and installed at the location above. The marker at the previous location has been removed. 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: Wheeling (a few steps from this marker); The Virginia Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Marsh Wheeling Stogies (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert W. Hazlett House (within shouting distance of this marker); The John Gay House

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); List House (about 400 feet away); The Hazlett-Fields House (about 400 feet away); The John List House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheeling.

More about this marker. Marker is located at the off ramp from I-70 EB.

Regarding State’s Birthplace. The capital of West Virginia is now Charleston, 150 miles south.

Also see . . .
1. May 13, 1861: First Wheeling Convention. West Virginia Archives and History website entry (Submitted on December 2, 2006.)

2. June 11, 1861: First Session of the Second Wheeling Convention. West Virginia Archives and History website entry (Submitted on December 2, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)

3. Declaration of the People of Virginia. West Virginia Archives and History website entry (Submitted on December 2, 2006.)

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, May 31, 2025

2. State’s Birthplace Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,832 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on December 18, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2025, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.