Population: 1,855,364 thousand pers. (2011)
Area: 62755.0 sq. Km
In the southeastern United States is West Virginia, which is the only area in the South Atlantic that has no access to the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Charleston.
The lands of West Virginia lie in the territory of the Appalachians, the highest point of which is Mount Spruce-Nob. Large natural reservoirs are the rivers Monongahila, Potomac, Kanova. Most of the province is covered with forests. The state has a temperate continental climate. Floods often occur.
According to documentary sources in the territory of modern West Virginia lived Indian tribes Delaware, Shaun, Sakuehanna, Cherokee. The first European settlers in this area were Colonel Morgan, the founder of a colony on the Mill Creek River in 1726; John Van Meter is a fur trader and German who founded the village of New Mecklenburg-present Shepherdstown on the right bank of the Potomac. In addition, the lands of the present state in the middle of the 18th century were settled by immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and Germany. As a result, the cities of Wheeling, Point Pleasant, Parkersberg, and Charleston appeared on the territory of the current state.
Originally, West Virginia was part of the state of Virginia. But in October 1862, its inhabitants voted for the creation of their state of Canova with its capital in the city of Wheeling. A positive result was the adoption of the constitution in the mid-spring of 1862. In 1863, West Virginia became part of the United States and became its 35th state. In 1870, the capital city was Charleston.
The active development of minerals and the construction of new railways in the late 20th century gave another impetus to the economic development of the state. The mining industry is a leading industry in West Virginia. Between 1910 and 1970, the state ranked high on coal production in the country. Poultry and animal husbandry are well developed here. Well-groomed orchards give rich harvests of peaches and apples. Tobacco and corn are grown in the fields. The tourism industry is developed.
Wheeling, West Virginia
History and Climate of Wheeling, West Virginia:
History:
- Indigenous Inhabitants: Before European settlement, the area that is now Wheeling, West Virginia, was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mound Builders and later the Delaware and Shawnee tribes. The region was home to ancient earthworks, evidence of the pre-Columbian cultures that once thrived.
- European Exploration and Settlement: European explorers, including Christopher Gist and George Washington, explored the Ohio Valley in the mid-18th century. The first permanent European settlement in the Wheeling area was Fort Fincastle, later renamed Fort Henry, built in 1774 during the Revolutionary War era.
- National Importance: Wheeling played a crucial role in the nation’s history during the Civil War. In 1861, the city served as the capital of the newly formed state of West Virginia, which seceded from Virginia. The decision was made at the Custom House in Wheeling, now West Virginia Independence Hall, a National Historic Landmark.
- Baltimore and Ohio Railroad: The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad reached Wheeling in the 1850s, enhancing the city’s economic significance. Wheeling became a transportation hub, connecting the Ohio River Valley to the eastern United States. The B&O Railroad played a vital role in the city’s industrial development.
- Economic Prosperity and Industry: Wheeling thrived in the 19th century, fueled by industrialization and the development of manufacturing. The city became known for its iron and steel industries, including the famous Wheeling Steel Corporation. The city’s waterfront was bustling with river trade and commerce.
- Victorian Architecture and Culture: The prosperity of the late 19th century is reflected in Wheeling’s architectural heritage. The city boasts well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and homes. The Eckhart House, Victorian Old Town, and Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center are examples of Wheeling’s commitment to preserving its cultural and architectural history.
- Decline and Renewal: Like many industrial cities, Wheeling faced economic challenges in the mid-20th century. The decline of heavy industry had an impact on the city’s economy. However, in recent decades, Wheeling has experienced a renewal, with efforts to diversify the economy, promote tourism, and preserve its historical and cultural assets.
- Cultural Institutions and Heritage Tourism: Wheeling has invested in cultural institutions to showcase its history. The Wheeling Artisan Center, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, and the Capitol Theatre contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy. Heritage tourism has become a focus, with visitors exploring sites related to the city’s role in the Civil War and its industrial past.
Climate:
According to Calculatorinc, Wheeling, West Virginia, experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (June-August): Summers in Wheeling are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The region experiences occasional hot and humid days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities along the Ohio River and in the surrounding hills.
- Fall (September-November): Fall brings a spectacular display of foliage as temperatures cool. Average highs range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, creating an inviting atmosphere for fall festivals and outdoor excursions.
- Winter (December-February): Winters in Wheeling are cold, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common, contributing to the winter landscape. Residents engage in winter sports, and the city embraces the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
- Spring (March-May): Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. As flowers bloom and trees regain their foliage, Wheeling experiences a renewal of life. Spring is an inviting time for outdoor activities, gardening, and community events.
The climate of Wheeling, marked by seasonal changes, aligns with the city’s diverse offerings and recreational opportunities. The Ohio River, with its scenic views and historical significance, enhances the appeal of Wheeling as a place with a rich history and a community that values its cultural heritage. Wheeling’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing modern opportunities reflects its resilience and evolution over the centuries.
