Today in Wheeling History: October 13--The abandoned, dilapidated Wheeling pest house near the creek was intentionally burned down (1871).
On October 13, 1871, the city pest house located on the bank of Wheeling Creek south of the tunnel bridge was intentionally set on fire around 8:30pm and completely destroyed. The pest house had been vacant for three years and was dilapidated, with doors and windows removed. There was discussion of repairing it for reuse, which likely motivated its arson. Since it was isolated and abandoned, firefighters did not respond. Pest houses isolated contagious patients like smallpox victims away from the population. This burning eliminated Wheeling's outdated unused pest house near the creek. (https://tinyurl.com/4mef7ex4)
On October 13, 1871, the city pest house located on the bank of Wheeling Creek south of the tunnel bridge was intentionally set on fire around 8:30pm and completely destroyed. The pest house had been vacant for three years and was dilapidated, with doors and windows removed. There was discussion of repairing it for reuse, which likely motivated its arson. Since it was isolated and abandoned, firefighters did not respond. Pest houses isolated contagious patients like smallpox victims away from the population. This burning eliminated Wheeling's outdated unused pest house near the creek. (https://tinyurl.com/4mef7ex4)
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