National Register Listing

Center Wheeling Market

a.k.a. Lower Market;Centre Market

Market St. between 22nd and 23rd Sts., Wheeling, WV
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Mothman, a legendary creature said to inhabit the area around Point Pleasant, West Virginia, gained national attention in the 1960s. The creature is described as a large, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes.
West Virginia random facts
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.