Site of Wheeling High School

Historical marker location:
2115 Chapline Street, Wheeling, West Virginia
( Marker is on Chapline Street south of 20th Street, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1985

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors

1909 - 1976. "The Old Gold and Blue"

Loading...
Searching for other points of interest within 3 miles of this location.
The West Virginia University Mountaineers football team played the first ever college football night game in 1892. The game was played under electric lights at the Mountaineer Field in Morgantown.
Ohio County is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mingo, Shawnee, and Delaware. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in the region. As part of the Northwest Territory, Ohio County was established in 1776 and became an important county due to its location along the Ohio River. It was named after the river and later became a vital transportation and industrial center.

Throughout the 19th century, Ohio County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the National Road, the country's first federally funded highway, connected Ohio County to other parts of the nation and spurred economic growth. The county became an important trading and commercial center, with Wheeling, the county seat, becoming the capital of West Virginia during the Civil War.

The oil and gas industry also played a major role in Ohio County's development. The discovery of oil in nearby areas in the late 19th century led to the establishment of many oil refineries in the county. This brought immense wealth and economic prosperity to the region. Ohio County also became known for its steel industry, with several mills operating in the area.

Over the years, Ohio County has faced various challenges and undergone transformations. The decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century had a significant impact on the economy of the county. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism, particularly through the development of historic sites and recreational attractions. Today, Ohio County continues to be a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ohio County, West Virginia.

  • 1776: Ohio County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1780: Fort Henry is built on the site of present-day Wheeling.
  • 1787: The first courthouse in Ohio County is constructed.
  • 1836: Wheeling officially becomes the county seat of Ohio County.
  • 1852: The B&O Railroad reaches Wheeling, boosting the city's economy.
  • 1861: Wheeling holds the Wheeling Convention, leading to the creation of the new state of West Virginia.
  • 1870: The state capital is temporarily moved from Charleston to Wheeling.
  • 1937: The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1960: The Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation becomes one of the largest steel producers in the country.
  • 1985: The Ohio County Public Library opens its doors.
  • 2003: The Wheeling Casino and Racetrack opens, bringing in new tourism and economic opportunities.