Trains first came to Wheeling on January 1, 1853.
In 1907-08, the B&O Train Station was built. The train trestle spanned three streets in Wheeling and right by the train station itself, and when you think about it and look at the photos, it was a massive undertaking. The bridge went across Chapline Street, Market Street, and Main Street before turning south through Wheeling.
I used to love walking under the bridge going to downtown Wheeling. This beautiful train station is still here and houses West Virginia Northern Community College. It is a fantastic structure.
It has been a passion of mine to showcase and preserve Wheeling’s rich history with this series of historic photographs that briefly highlight businesses or buildings that are “Gone Forever” from the fabric of Wheeling life and the Ohio Valley.
I hope with this “Gone Forever” series, I will be able to show the large amount of industry and commerce that thrived here in the early 1930’s and 1940’s, attracting people from many countries and all walks of life who all helped to make Wheeling the greatest city in West Virginia.
If you have suggestions on a favorite business or location that is gone, please submit that to me at cre8m@comcast.net I will do my best to search out and tell that story.
James Thornton has published several volumes of history on the city of Wheeling, and those interested in purchasing one of them can do so by contacting him at cre8m@comcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website. The books can be purchased at the Wheeling Heritage Center, Kroger on Mount de Chantal Road, Miklas Meat Market, Nail City Records, the UPS Store in the Washington Avenue Plaza, VC Wares at Centre Market, Bower’s Decorating at The Highlands, and on the website www.wheelinghistory.net.mcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website.
