Wheeling West Virginia, The Friendly City
Wheeling, WV has an incredibly rich history. From a frontier outpost and a gateway to the west, to the birthplace of a state and an industrial powerhouse, Wheeling has had an important impact on the history of our region, state and nation. This year, 2019, represents the 250th anniversary of the city’s founding in 1769. An array of events and activities have been planned to celebrate and commemorate this milestone.
A costume ball kicked things off in January, followed by several programs and events that have served to educate and entertain. Many more offerings are scheduled throughout the year, including first person historic character “Pop Up History” presentations, public art installations, historic church and cemetery tours and a major parade, to name a few.
In June, a series of events have been brought together to create a destination weekend in Wheeling. Beginning on Thursday, June 20, the birthplace of West Virginia will commemorate WV statehood day at WV Independence Hall with special programming.
That Friday, another program takes place at the historic site with an open house and reception to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the U.S. Custom House (WV Independence Hall), finished in 1859. Guests are invited to experience the historic spaces and exhibits in the building and enjoy refreshments at the reception.
The signature event for the weekend and for the 250th celebration occurs on Saturday, June 22, at Wheeling’s beautiful Heritage Port. To celebrate the 170th anniversary of the city’s iconic Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, a full day of activities are on tap with something to offer for all ages. Artists will be set up in various locations near the river to participate in a Plein Air painting event in which each of them will demonstrate their craft as they paint the historic bridge.
Coloring pages and art activities will be available for children. Live music from several genres will be provided throughout the day on the stage, while storytellers will present interesting history and anecdotes about the Suspension Bridge.
Cultural ambassadors in 19th century costumes will be on hand to interact with visitors, along with first-person historic character programs. Several delicious food options will be available as the celebration is being held in conjunction with the Ohio Valley Rib and Chicken Cook Off, and adult beverages can be enjoyed in the beer garden.
Perhaps most exciting, a Gateway Clipper riverboat will be on hand to offer ticketed tours throughout the day and evening to provide a fun and unique perspective of the Bridge and the mighty Ohio River. As dusk falls, attendees will be treated to a robust fireworks display to finish the day.
On Sunday, it will be time to hop on your bike to participate in the historic bicycle tour to visit fourteen historic sites located throughout the city. Starting at Center Market, the tour will meander through Wheeling’s historic neighborhoods and Wheeling Island to provide an overview of the city, combining good exercise with great history. We hope that you can join us to take part in our celebration and experience all that the “Friendly City” has to offer!
Article courtesy of Visit Wheeling, WV.Wh
Wheeling West Virginia
