Wheeling Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wheeling Historic District
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by RR tracks, Eoff, Water, and 10th Sts., Wheeling, West Virginia |
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| Area | 55.8 acres (22.6 ha) |
| Architect | Walter, Thomas U.; Franzheim, Giesey & Faris |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Greek Revival, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002597 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1979 |
The Wheeling Historic District, also called the Wheeling Central Business District, is a special area in Wheeling, West Virginia. It's like a big outdoor museum because it has many old and important buildings. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
It includes 205 buildings that help tell the story of Wheeling. These buildings show different styles of architecture. You can see designs from the early 1800s, like Greek Revival. There are also buildings from later times, like the Late Victorian period. This area is also where Fort Henry used to be.
What Makes This District Special?
The Wheeling Historic District is important because it protects many buildings that have historical value. These buildings show how the city of Wheeling grew and changed over time. They also represent different styles of building design.
Buildings You Can See There
Many buildings in the district are considered "contributing buildings." This means they add to the historical importance of the area. Some of these buildings are:
- United States Custom House (built in 1859)
- United States Courthouse, Custom House, and Post Office (built in 1905)
- St. Matthew's Church and Rectory (around 1892)
- Thomas Paull House (around 1835)
- English Lutheran Church (built in 1897)
- First United Presbyterian Church (built in 1825)
- City Bank Building (around 1890)
- Bank of Wheeling (built in 1892)
- Capitol Theatre (built in 1928)
- Medical Tower Building (built in 1915)
- Joseph Speidel & Company Building
Some buildings in the district are so important that they are also listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the West Virginia Independence Hall and the Baltimore and Ohio Passenger Terminal (built 1907-1908).
Why is it Important?
The district helps us understand the history of Wheeling. It shows how people lived and worked in the past. The buildings tell stories about the city's growth and its role in West Virginia's history. Protecting these buildings helps future generations learn about their heritage.
