Near Elm Grove in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
State’s Birthplace
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.
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° 3.35′ N, 80° 40.16′ W. Marker is near Elm Grove, West Virginia, in Ohio County. Marker is on National Road (U.S. 40) east of Wheeling Park Drive, on the right when traveling west. It is in Wheeling Park, near the entrance, at the Madonna of the Trail statue. 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. Joseph Thoburn (here, next to this marker); Chester D. Hubbard (here, next to this marker); Madonna of the Trail (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Madonna of the Trail (a few steps from this marker); The National Pike (a few steps from this marker); Sara Lucy Bagby (a few steps from this marker); Jesse Lee Reno (a few steps from this marker); Daniel Lamb (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elm Grove.
More about this marker. There is a paved semi-circular driveway to pull over and park while visiting the Madonna of the Trail statue and markers.
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 Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2010
4. State’s Birthplace Marker
View of historical marker in the left foreground, with a view of the Madonna of the Trail Monument, the National Pike marker, and the Jesse Lee Reno markers in the background, in the roadside park just off of the National Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,580 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on January 16, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 13, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.