Today in Wheeling History: March 1–Clarence Virgil Slack Jr., Korean War hero, born in Wheeling (1925).
 
Clarence Virgil Slack Jr. was born on March 1, 1925, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Clarence Virgil Slack Sr. and Elizabeth Gehring Slack. Growing up in the Richland District, 9th Ward, Wheeling, he attended Warwood Elementary School and graduated from Warwood High School in 1942. His father worked as an accountant at Cloverdale Dairy. Clarence entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1945, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force.
 
During the Korean War, Captain Slack served as a pilot with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 14, 1951, his F-80C Shooting Star was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Pyongyang, North Korea, and he was listed as Missing in Action. He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953, and his name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Captain Slack was posthumously awarded several medals, including the Silver Star, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart.
 
Captain Slack's legacy is remembered for his bravery and service to his country. In recognition of his sacrifice, the Virgil Slack Memorial Bridge in Wheeling was named in his honor.
 
To learn more: West Virginia GenWeb (https://shorturl.at/OOuRg), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/2hhc8uuu), Military Hall of Honor (https://tinyurl.com/4suzsx8f), West Virginia Veterans Memorial (https://tinyurl.com/5ccjnftw)
 
Photo credits: Find a Grave, West Virginia Veterans Memorial 

​Today in Wheeling History: April 1--Ohio River floods Wheeling, cresting at 39.5 feet but causing relatively light damage compared to previous floods (1960).
 
On April 1, 1960, Wheeling residents experienced what The Wheeling Intelligencer dubbed the weatherman's "April Fool's joke" when the Ohio River crested at 39.5 feet—three feet above flood stage but significantly lower than initially predicted. The river remained stationary at this level for approximately seven hours before beginning to recede. Damage across the Wheeling area was relatively light compared to the more severe January 1959 flood when the river reached 43.3 feet and damaged hundreds of homes and industries.
 
Several streets in Central Wheeling, South Wheeling, and Wheeling Island were inundated, with damage primarily limited to items stored in basements. The Wheeling Downs race track and some of the stall area were covered with water, though horses had been previously evacuated. Throughout the Northern Panhandle, residents in low-lying areas took refuge on higher ground, with communities like New Cumberland, Chester, Newell, Wellsburg, Glen Dale, and Moundsville affected to varying degrees.
 
The Salvation Army provided shelter for 11 people, while Benwood and McMechen remained largely unaffected due to precautionary measures. The Wheeling Steel Corporation temporarily adjusted operations but expected to resume regular production schedules the following day. Despite the inconvenience, hundreds of Ohio Valley residents "breathed easier" as the crest moved downstream without causing serious damage, and many who had evacuated returned to their homes within hours.
 
To learn more: Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/325edbzn) (https://tinyurl.com/4jcr4kv8)
 
Photo credits: Wheeling Intelligencer, Google Maps

​Today in Wheeling History: March 31—The Winston-Salem Thunderbirds announced their relocation to Wheeling for the 1992-93 season (1992).
 
The Winston-Salem Thunderbirds, a minor league hockey team, made a significant move to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1992, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s sports history. The relocation was officially announced on March 31, 1992, after extensive discussions between the team’s management and Wheeling’s civic leaders. The team was rebranded as the Wheeling Thunderbirds and began playing at the Wheeling Civic Center, which underwent renovations to accommodate the franchise. This move brought professional hockey to the region, energizing local sports fans and boosting community engagement.
 
The Wheeling Thunderbirds debuted in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) during the 1992-93 season, achieving remarkable success by finishing first overall in the regular season. The team’s presence in Wheeling also contributed to the local economy, drawing fans from across the Ohio Valley. In 1996, the franchise underwent another transformation, becoming the Wheeling Nailers due to a trademark dispute with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Despite the name change, the team continued to thrive and remains an integral part of Wheeling’s sports culture.
 
The relocation of the Thunderbirds to Wheeling not only enriched the city’s athletic landscape but also fostered a sense of pride and unity among residents.
 
To learn more: Fun While It Lasted (https://tinyurl.com/yc5ftc3e), Wheeling Nailers Timeline (https://tinyurl.com/mwrexak5), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/4rx8fc9s) (https://tinyurl.com/2tpcwwt8)
 
Photo credits: Wheeling Nailers via Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: March 30—West Liberty University, the oldest institution of higher education in West Virginia, was established as West Liberty Academy, laying the foundation for its longstanding ties to Wheeling, including the WLU Downtown Center (1837).
 
West Liberty University, located in West Liberty, West Virginia, near Wheeling, has a longstanding connection to the community. Founded in 1837 as West Liberty Academy, the institution was created to provide educational opportunities to residents of the Northern Panhandle region, including Wheeling. As the closest city of significant size, Wheeling has played a key role in the university's development, serving as a cultural, economic, and educational hub for its students and faculty. Over the years, West Liberty has expanded its presence in Wheeling, including through satellite campuses such as the WLU Downtown Center.
 
The university evolved from a teachers' academy to a state college and attained university status in 2009. Today, West Liberty University serves approximately 2,500 students, offering over 70 undergraduate and several graduate programs. Known for personalized education, its small class sizes and committed faculty create a welcoming environment for learning. Its historic campus includes landmarks like College Hall, while NCAA Division II athletics and arts programs contribute to a vibrant student life.
 
West Liberty's ongoing collaborations, including its initiatives in downtown Wheeling, underscore its commitment to education and community engagement throughout the Wheeling area.
 
To learn more: West Liberty University (https://tinyurl.com/42jcezum) (https://tinyurl.com/3mfra9ba), West Liberty Athletics (https://tinyurl.com/2cpy2wya), West Liberty University Virtual Tour (https://tinyurl.com/mtjhfj42), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/yrkf2x3d)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, West Liberty University

​Today in Wheeling History: March 29—William J. Mitsch, renowned ecosystem ecologist and ecological engineer, was born in Wheeling (1947).
 
William Joseph Mitsch, born on March 29, 1947, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was a trailblazer in the fields of wetland ecology and ecological engineering. Growing up in Wheeling, he developed a deep appreciation for nature, often exploring the hills and creeks of the Ohio River Valley. He graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1969. While at Notre Dame, he played keyboard in rock bands and met his future wife, Ruthmarie Hamburge.
 
Inspired by the first Earth Day in 1970, Mitsch pursued graduate studies in environmental sciences at the University of Florida, earning his Ph.D. in 1975 under the mentorship of systems ecologist Howard T. Odum. Over his career, Mitsch held faculty positions at institutions like Ohio State University and Florida Gulf Coast University. He authored the influential textbook *Wetlands* and founded the journal *Ecological Engineering*. His groundbreaking work earned him numerous accolades, including the Stockholm Water Prize in 2004.
 
Mitsch passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of environmental stewardship and innovation.
 
To learn more: The Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/3zdex6w4), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/hx3u2k5k), Legacy (https://tinyurl.com/mr4b9f3d)
 
Photo caption and credit: William J. Mitsch, Ph.D. (Wmitsch via Wikimedia Commons)

Today in Wheeling History: March 28—David McKinley, U.S. Representative for West Virginia's 1st District, was born in Wheeling (1947).
 
David Bennett McKinley, born on March 28, 1947, in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a prominent figure in American politics and civil engineering. He attended public schools in Wheeling and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Purdue University in 1970. After working as a civil engineer for 12 years, McKinley founded McKinley and Associates, an architectural and engineering firm based in Wheeling. His firm has been involved in over $1 billion worth of construction projects, including the renovation of historically significant structures like the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling.
 
McKinley's political career began in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he served from 1980 to 1994. He also chaired the West Virginia Republican Party from 1990 to 1994. In 2010, McKinley was elected as the U.S. Representative for West Virginia's 1st Congressional District, a position he held until 2023. During his tenure, he sponsored 36 bills that passed, focusing on issues such as opioid addiction and infrastructure development. McKinley is known for his moderate Republican stance and dedication to serving West Virginia families and businesses.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/55w49xxx), Congressman David McKinley website (https://tinyurl.com/2kh8hwf6)
 
Photo caption and credit: David McKinley, former member of the United States House of Representatives (U.S. House of Representatives)

​Today in Wheeling History: March 27––The Wheeling rail disaster occurred, marking a tragic moment in the city's transportation history and the first time in the history of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad that passengers perished as the result of an accident (1853).
 
The disaster unfolded on the newly constructed rail bridge over the Cheat River near Rowlesburg, Virginia (present-day West Virginia), a critical part of the ambitious project to connect the Ohio River Valley to Atlantic ports via rail. The bridge suffered from structural flaws, including loose crossties held in place by inadequate nails. Around 3:00 P.M. on March 27, 1853, a two-engine train carrying four cars—three of which were full of passengers—departed from Wheeling and began to cross the bridge. As it passed over the compromised crossties, the nails gave way, causing the train to derail. The cars tumbled down a 100-foot embankment, shattering upon impact.
 
The aftermath was devastating. Furnaces inside the wooden passenger cars spilled burning coals, igniting fires that trapped many passengers. The reported death toll ranged from eight to as many as 17, with between 25 and 40 individuals injured. This event became one of the earliest documented train derailments in the United States.
 
The Wheeling rail disaster underscored the urgent need for higher safety standards in rail construction and operations, leaving an enduring legacy in the history of American railroads.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mru7yfkh), Wikiwand (https://tinyurl.com/5n8w5v5u), Natchez Daily Courier (https://tinyurl.com/5fvtyjb8), Railroad Record and Journal of Commerce, page 134 (https://tinyurl.com/2jfd37ay)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Natchez Daily Courier, Railroad Record and Journal of Commerce, Library of Congress

​Today in Wheeling History: March 26––The Wheeling Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Passenger Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its legacy as a vital part of the city's history (1979).
 
The Wheeling Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Passenger Station, located at 1704 Market Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a historic landmark that reflects the city's industrial and architectural heritage. Designed by M.A. Long in the Beaux-Arts style, the station was constructed between 1907 and 1908. It features a four-story rectangular brick and limestone structure with mansard roofs covered in Spanish tile. The interior was equally impressive, boasting marble floors, brass chandeliers, and a colored glass dome ceiling in the two-story waiting area.
 
The station was built to accommodate the growing number of passengers traveling through Wheeling, which had become a bustling industrial hub. At its peak, over 100 passenger trains passed through Wheeling daily. The station was equipped with modern amenities for its time, including steam heat, indoor plumbing, and electric elevators. Passenger service ceased in 1961, and the building was later repurposed. In 1976, it was remodeled to house the West Virginia Northern Community College, preserving its exterior architecture while adapting the interior for educational use.
 
The station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 26, 1979, ensuring its legacy as a vital part of Wheeling's history.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/wffhzx8h), Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/53m8dfm3), The Clio (https://tinyurl.com/yrees36w)

​Today in Wheeling History: March 25—The William Miles Tiernan House was added to the National Register of Historic Places (1993).
 
The William Miles Tiernan House, also known as the Tiernan-Riley House, is a historic residence located at 5 Kenwood Place in Wheeling, West Virginia. Built between 1900 and 1901, this Georgian Revival-style home is a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. The house features an L-shaped design, with two-story Ionic order pilasters flanking a one-story entrance portico. Its foundation is made of sandstone, and the exterior is constructed of brick, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
 
The house was built for William Miles Tiernan, who served as vice president of the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company, a prominent business in Wheeling. The Tiernan House is situated in the Woodsdale-Edgewood Neighborhood Historic District, an area known for its historical significance and architectural beauty.
 
In 1993, the house was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. Today, the Tiernan House stands as a testament to Wheeling's rich cultural and industrial heritage, offering a glimpse into the lives of its influential residents during the early 1900s.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/5fpbt3p9), West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History (https://tinyurl.com/53avbfms), Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/2tmsey4b)
 
Photo credits: Historical Marker Database, Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: March 24–Thomas D. Carr, notorious thief, arsonist, murderer, and self-confessed serial killer of 14 men, who grew up in Woods’ Run, Fulton, Centre Wheeling, and North Wheeling, was executed by hanging in St. Clairsville, Ohio for the murder of 13-year-old Louiza Fox (1870).
 
Thomas David Carr, born on March 6, 1846, in Sugar Hill, Virginia, was a notorious thief, arsonist, murderer, and self-confessed serial killer who spent part of his life in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia). Carr’s family moved frequently around Virginia (and what is now West Virginia), living in areas such as Woods’ Run, Fulton, Centre Wheeling, and North Wheeling. His troubled childhood, marked by an abusive father and frequent fights, set the stage for his later criminal activities. Carr enlisted in the military at 16, serving in the 16th and 18th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. His military career was marred by misconduct, leading to multiple arrests and even a death sentence, which was later pardoned by President Abraham Lincoln.
 
Carr’s criminal activities escalated after the war, culminating in the murder of 13-year-old Louiza Fox in Belmont County, Ohio. Louiza was employed as a house worker at the home of Alexander Hunter, a local coal mine owner who also employed Carr. Carr became infatuated with Louiza and proposed marriage, but her family retracted the engagement upon learning of his violent tendencies. On January 21, 1869, Carr waited for Louiza behind a fence on her route home from work. When she approached, he spoke to her, kissed her, and then brutally murdered her by slitting her throat with a razor and stabbing her multiple times. Her younger brother, Willy, witnessed the murder from a distance. Carr was apprehended the next day after a failed suicide attempt. He confessed to murdering 14 men, including a famous 1867 murder in West Virginia involving a German traveler named Aloys Ulrich. Carr, along with his accomplice Joseph Eisele, attacked Ulrich while traveling along the Hempfield Railroad. Eisele struck Ulrich with a hatchet, and Carr, fearing for his own life, hit Ulrich with a rock. Eisele then finished Ulrich off with the hatchet. Carr was executed by hanging on March 24, 1870, in St. Clairsville, Ohio. His life and crimes remain a dark chapter in the history of Wheeling and the surrounding areas.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/37epjp4e), Penn State University (https://tinyurl.com/3xbwr5a9), Archiving Wheeling (https://tinyurl.com/39jwpvye), The Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/35pmmjfz), The Ohio Project (https://tinyurl.com/4a876myf), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/2sc23e4w) (https://tinyurl.com/2sc23e4w), Murderpedia (https://tinyurl.com/9u292yfk), DBpedia (https://tinyurl.com/yc7uutvn)
 
Photo credits: Find a Grave, Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Library of Congress Find a Grave