Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Old Custom House
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
1. Old Custom House Marker
Designed by federal architect Ammi B. Young for use as Custom House, Post Office and Federal Court. Constructed 1856-9 at cost of $96,918. Convention here in 1861 helped set stage for West Virginia Statehood. State’s first constitution approved here in 1862. Arthur Boreman, first Governor, and other officials, had offices here through 1863 when control returned to U.S. Government.
Erected 1981 by West Virginia Department of Culture and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 40° 3.837′ N, 80° 43.316′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. Marker is at the intersection of 16th Street (West Virginia Route 2) and Market Street, on the right when traveling west 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. Francis H. Pierpont (a few steps from this marker); The Athenaeum
this page online
Regarding Old Custom House. During the Civil War years, immediately after the state of Virginia seceded from the Union, the "Old Custom House" became the center of activity for West Virginia statehood. It was here that a convention of loyal citizens from the western counties of Virginia was held, and the end result was that a Restored Government of Virginia was created. Later, a Constitutional Convention was held in the "Old Custom House" that eventually resulted in West Virginia statehood and the "Old Custom House" also being known as, "Independence Hall."
Also see . . .
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
2. Old Custom House Marker
View looking north, along Market Street, at the northeast corner of Market and 16th, with the historical market in the foreground and the Old Custom House immediately behind the marker.
2. Wheeling Custom House/West Virginia Independence Hall. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Submitted on February 1, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
3. Old Custom House Marker
View looking east along 16th street, with the historical marker in the foreground and the Old Custom House immediately behind and to the left of the marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
4. Old Custom House
View from across 16th Street of the southeast corner of the Old Custom House, which is also known as Independence Hall.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
5. Old Custom House Marker
View from across 16th Street of the southwest corner of the Old Custom House (also known as Independence Hall) with a view of the historical marker at the corner of the building.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
6. Old Custom House
View of the museum sign, located at the entrance to the Old Custom House, proclaiming the significance of this building to West Virginia during the Civil War years.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
7. Old Custom House
View of the plaque affixed to the outside walls of the Old Customs House indicating its National Historical Landmark status.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,104 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 18, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
