Independence Hall, Wheeling, WV. opened in 1859 as Custom House.
It was the site of pro-Union conventions in 1861. In 1863 West Virginia was named the 35th state of the U. S.
Trompe l'oeil is painting on a flat surface to make it look three dimensional.
Original chandelier.
Staircase spinals and railing are ironwork.
Even the inside shutters are iron.
The building went through many owners over the years. In 1988 it opened as restored West Virginia's Independence Hall.
The Washington Steamship was built in Wheeling and first traveled the Ohio River on May 12, 1816. It is said this was the birth place of the American steamship.
The first glass house in Wheeling opened in 1820. Wheeling was at the confluence of the Ohio River, the National Road and B & O railroad. It was the gateway to the West in the 19th century and major industrial area.
M. Marsh and Son Tobacco Company opened in 1840. It was the oldest cigar manufacturing company in the U.S. Opened as Beck Brewing in 1847, then bought by Reyman Brewing Company, this was one of the largest pre-Prohibition breweries.
Many pottery, tile and china factories were in Wheeling.
In 1820 the first steel factory in Wheeling started. Star Foundry was started in 1939. They were called the Nail Center in the U.S.
Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper which helped the harvest of wheat. Unfortunately it worked best on flat terrain. West Virginia is not flat terrain.
A display on restoring flags. It can cost $20,000 to restore a flag.
Good definition of the different flags used during the Civil War. There are 13 Civil War flags on display but due to the dimmed lighting to preserve the flags photos did not turnout good.
We stayed at Flying J Truck Stop at Spiceland, IN.
On the road again Thursday March 21. Brrr. It was 16 degrees overnight. Another RV stayed overnight, 2 school buses, a U-Haul truck and several other travelers.
We are home again. We traveled 5,265 miles in 56 days. The reason to head to Florida was to celebrate our nephew's wedding. What a great time we had. Through our journeys we visited many family members and friends. We learned so much about the founding of our country, Revolutionary War and the harshness of the Civil War. What a vast and interesting country we have.
We thank God and all who prayed for us on our journey. Thankful a kind soul turned in our iPad when we left it behind. Thanksgiving for awareness to get a new tire, new brakes, good places to stay and safe traveling.
We look forward to exploring again soon.
Location:Wheeling, WV and Spiceland, IN.
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