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WHEELING - About 130 people have registered to set out on a bus tour of Wheeling's history next week.
Actually, a total of four buses will take the tour that begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the White Palace.
The excursion is a summer version of the "History of Wheeling" classes now taking place on the first Saturday of each month during the school year.
"The vast majority of those registered are people that have been attending the History of Wheeling class since its onset in September of 2024," explained Karin Butyn, director of strategic communications and related arts programming for Ohio County Schools.
Points to be examined on the tour have now been announced:
- Stamm’s Lane across from Wheeling Park
- Mount Calvary Cemetery
- Triadelphia Middle School, and why it has the name "Triadelphia" when it is not in Triadelphia.
- Greenwood Cemetery
- How the area was once known as "Pleasant Valley."
- A brief history of the National Road and how it would have looked leading up to the Suspension Bridge.
- Frank Walters Two Mile House, where the Vance Church currently stands.
- Toll house at Leatherwood Lane
- The Mingo Indian Statue
- 711 Main St. at the light in North Wheeling, and the homes on the river side.
- A stop at the Suspension Bridge, where passengers will unload.
Ryan Stanton, who teaches the history of Wheeling class at Wheeling Park High School, also presents the monthly sessions for the community. He will be the guide for the history of Wheeling bus tour.
"I am very excited to take the history of Wheeling out on the road to explore Wheeling’s historic sites and attractions," he said. "Sometimes it’s important to step out of the classroom and experience history in person.
"One of the sites I plan on visiting is the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. To truly understand its importance in transportation history, you need to view the bridge in person to fully grasp why, at one point in time, this was one of the most important bridges in the world. It was a marvel for people to see and cross, and the only way to understand that is in person."
The tour is being sponsored by Ohio County Schools, Coleman’s Fish, and Orrick.
Butyn reports the buses are presently at capacity for the trip, but those still interested may call 304-243-0300 to be placed on a cancellation list to be notified if an opportunity becomes available. Additional tours may be scheduled in the future.