Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Washington Hall
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2013
1. Washington Hall Marker
The first Wheeling Convention of the people of North Western Virginia was held here on May 13-15, 1861. The Convention was held to determine what action should be taken as a result of the secession of Virginia from the Union. It ended without a final decision. Washington Hall was destroyed by fire in 1875.
Erected 1963 by Wheeling Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1689.
Location. 40° 4.051′ N, 80° 43.352′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street (West Virginia Route 2) and 12th Street, on the right when traveling north on Market Street. Marker is on the wall of the Laconia Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1144 Market Street, 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. Wheeling Post No. 1 (here, next to this marker); Alex Salvatori and James R. Flynn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Odd Fellows Hall Association (about 300 feet away); Board of Trade and Court Theatre
this page online
Also see . . . First Wheeling Convention May 13-15, 1861,. West Virginia Archives and History website entry (Submitted on January 1, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2013
2. Washington Hall Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2013
3. Washington Hall Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2013
4. Laconia Building
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2013
5. Washington Hall
"This building stood on the northeast corner of Market and Monroe streets -- now Market and Twelfth streets -- Wheeling. Within it, on the second floor, the Conventions of 1861, which re-organized the Government of Virginia and provided for the formation of West Virginia, held their sessions. It was erected in 1851 by a corporation known as the Washington Hall Association, at a cost of $46, 000. It was first opened on January 1853, when citizens of Wheeling gave a banquet in honor of the President of the Baltimore an Ohio Railroad, together with his guests from the City of Baltimore and the States of Virginia and Maryland, who arrived at the City of Wheeling on that date, having been carried thither by the first train from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ohio River. It was totally destroyed by fire November 30, 1876."
Image on display at West Virginia Independence Hall.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 563 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 1, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
