Today in Wheeling History: June 20—West Virginia Independence Hall (originally the Wheeling Custom House) was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance as the birthplace of West Virginia during the Civil War (1988).
The Wheeling Custom House (later known as West Virginia Independence Hall) played a crucial role in the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War. It served as the site of the pro-Union state conventions of Virginia in 1861, the capitol of the Restored Government of Virginia from 1861 to 1863, and the location of the first constitutional convention for West Virginia from 1861 to 1862. The events that took place in the Custom House raised important constitutional and political questions and provided a unique episode in U.S. history.
During the Civil War years, the Custom House served many functions - as a post office, custom house, federal court, military arsenal, state house, executive offices, and space for the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The creation of West Virginia as a separate state, which was enabled by the Restored Government of Virginia headquartered in the Custom House, had significant political, military and economic implications for the course of the Civil War.
After the Civil War, the building continued to serve as a custom house, court, and post office for West Virginia. The State Library of West Virginia was also located on the second floor in 1866. In 1907, a new federal building was constructed in Wheeling, and the old Custom House was sold to private owners in 1912. The building underwent several renovations, including the addition of a three-story south side wing, and became known as the Conservative Life Building. The first floor was occupied by the Citizens National Bank, which added a Greek portico and steps to the front in 1913. The Conservative Life group occupied the second floor, while the third floor became offices for the Hazel-Atlas Company. When Hazel-Atlas needed more space, a fourth floor was added.
In 1963, during West Virginia's centennial year, the state purchased the property and leased it to the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation. The foundation worked to restore the building to its Civil War-era appearance, removing the fourth floor and south side addition in 1969-70. In 1980, the foundation returned the building to the State of West Virginia, which now manages it as part of the Department of Culture and History.
On June 20, 1988, West Virginia Independence Hall (originally the Wheeling Custom House) was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance as the birthplace of West Virginia during the Civil War. Today, the restored building serves as a museum showcasing this pivotal period in West Virginia history.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/fr4lJ) (https://shorturl.at/Kada0) (https://shorturl.at/b9r5J) (https://shorturl.at/F3Xbw) (https://shorturl.at/7jKxJ) (https://tinyurl.com/4d3rakvm) (https://tinyurl.com/3ak47mwh) (https://tinyurl.com/ze38m7r9) (https://tinyurl.com/yc25e86r)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History, The West Virginia Encyclopedia, The Historical Marker Database
The Wheeling Custom House (later known as West Virginia Independence Hall) played a crucial role in the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War. It served as the site of the pro-Union state conventions of Virginia in 1861, the capitol of the Restored Government of Virginia from 1861 to 1863, and the location of the first constitutional convention for West Virginia from 1861 to 1862. The events that took place in the Custom House raised important constitutional and political questions and provided a unique episode in U.S. history.
During the Civil War years, the Custom House served many functions - as a post office, custom house, federal court, military arsenal, state house, executive offices, and space for the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The creation of West Virginia as a separate state, which was enabled by the Restored Government of Virginia headquartered in the Custom House, had significant political, military and economic implications for the course of the Civil War.
After the Civil War, the building continued to serve as a custom house, court, and post office for West Virginia. The State Library of West Virginia was also located on the second floor in 1866. In 1907, a new federal building was constructed in Wheeling, and the old Custom House was sold to private owners in 1912. The building underwent several renovations, including the addition of a three-story south side wing, and became known as the Conservative Life Building. The first floor was occupied by the Citizens National Bank, which added a Greek portico and steps to the front in 1913. The Conservative Life group occupied the second floor, while the third floor became offices for the Hazel-Atlas Company. When Hazel-Atlas needed more space, a fourth floor was added.
In 1963, during West Virginia's centennial year, the state purchased the property and leased it to the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation. The foundation worked to restore the building to its Civil War-era appearance, removing the fourth floor and south side addition in 1969-70. In 1980, the foundation returned the building to the State of West Virginia, which now manages it as part of the Department of Culture and History.
On June 20, 1988, West Virginia Independence Hall (originally the Wheeling Custom House) was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance as the birthplace of West Virginia during the Civil War. Today, the restored building serves as a museum showcasing this pivotal period in West Virginia history.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/fr4lJ) (https://shorturl.at/Kada0) (https://shorturl.at/b9r5J) (https://shorturl.at/F3Xbw) (https://shorturl.at/7jKxJ) (https://tinyurl.com/4d3rakvm) (https://tinyurl.com/3ak47mwh) (https://tinyurl.com/ze38m7r9) (https://tinyurl.com/yc25e86r)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History, The West Virginia Encyclopedia, The Historical Marker Database
RSS Feed
