Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Wheeling Custom House
West Virginia Independence Hall
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 22, 2022
In April 1861, as Virginia debated seceding from the Union, Governor John Letcher instructed Wheeling Mayor Andrew Sweeney to seize control of this building. Sweeney defied Letcher's orders and secured the building for the United States. In doing so he laid the ground for West Virginia statehood.
Two months later, delegates from 34 counties met in the third-floor courtroom and convened the Second Wheeling Convention. They adopted a "Declaration of Rights," established the "Restored Government of Virginia," and declared themselves Virginia's legitimate government. Francis H. Peirpont was elected as governor. In early August, the delegates reconvened here and called for separation from Virginia.
On December 31, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the West Virginia statehood bill. The following March, a revised constitution was adopted that called for slavery's gradual abolition. On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the Union's 35th state, with Arthur Boreman elected as the state's first governor. The state capitol was relocated to nearby 1413 Eoff Street.
"It is said that the admission of West Virginia is secession....There is still difference enough between secession against the Constitution and secession in favor of the Constitution. I believe the admission of West Virginia into the Union is expedient."
— Abraham Lincoln
[Captions:]
Designed by Ammi B. Young, the first Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, the Renaissance Revival Custom House opened in 1859 and held the custom office, post office, and federal courthouse. West Virginia militia also used it as an arsenal during the Civil War.
In June 1861, 100 delegates attended the convention in the Custom House to form a new West Virginia government. West Virginia was the only state to secede from a Confederate state.
Erected 2022 by West Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the West Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.
Location. 40° 3.843′ N, 80° 43.298′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. Marker is on 16th Street (West Virginia Route 2) just east of Market Street (West Virginia Route 2), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1528 Market St, Wheeling WV 26003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 22, 2022
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on June 23, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.