Today in Wheeling History: September 14–Freedom Train stops in Wheeling, bringing 127 priceless historical documents, including Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s copy of the Constitution, to the Pennsylvania Railroad depot at the Wharf (1948).
On September 14, 1948, the Freedom Train, a seven-car train adorned in red, white, and blue, arrived at Wheeling’s Pennsylvania Railroad depot at the Wharf, now known as Heritage Port. This train, which embarked on a 31,000-mile journey across 48 states, carried 127 of the nation’s most priceless historical documents, including Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, Washington’s copy of the original printed draft of the Constitution, and a manuscript copy of the Gettysburg Address. The Freedom Train's visit to Wheeling was part of a nationwide tour aimed at promoting patriotism and educating the public about American history. Mayor Carl G. Bachmann officially welcomed the train at 9 a.m., and the national director of the Freedom Train’s journey discussed the exhibits during a special noon broadcast on WWVA Radio. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., a constant stream of visitors toured the train to view the hallowed documents and rededicate themselves to the principles of freedom and democracy. The day prior to the train's arrival was celebrated as "Pursuit of Happiness Day," featuring free dances and musical performances at Wheeling Park’s White Palace and Oglebay Park’s Pine Room.
To learn more: Archiving Wheeling (https://tinyurl.com/hf28bkcx), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mvf4ewte)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
On September 14, 1948, the Freedom Train, a seven-car train adorned in red, white, and blue, arrived at Wheeling’s Pennsylvania Railroad depot at the Wharf, now known as Heritage Port. This train, which embarked on a 31,000-mile journey across 48 states, carried 127 of the nation’s most priceless historical documents, including Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, Washington’s copy of the original printed draft of the Constitution, and a manuscript copy of the Gettysburg Address. The Freedom Train's visit to Wheeling was part of a nationwide tour aimed at promoting patriotism and educating the public about American history. Mayor Carl G. Bachmann officially welcomed the train at 9 a.m., and the national director of the Freedom Train’s journey discussed the exhibits during a special noon broadcast on WWVA Radio. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., a constant stream of visitors toured the train to view the hallowed documents and rededicate themselves to the principles of freedom and democracy. The day prior to the train's arrival was celebrated as "Pursuit of Happiness Day," featuring free dances and musical performances at Wheeling Park’s White Palace and Oglebay Park’s Pine Room.
To learn more: Archiving Wheeling (https://tinyurl.com/hf28bkcx), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mvf4ewte)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
RSS Feed
