Fourth of July revelers visiting Wheeling’s Heritage Port on Friday were greeted by a most unique site: a giant cruise ship docked at the venue.

The American Melody, a cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, spent the weekend at Heritage Port. It holds up to 180 passengers and cruises various routes around the country. This particular route was a Louisville to Pittsburgh cruise over nine days that spent the Independence Day weekend in Wheeling.

How that sight harkens back to a time when the city’s riverfront truly was booming. Passengers riding the rails hopping off in Wheeling for an afternoon of shopping and fun. Thousands of people downtown. Ships docking for a day of adventure.

And what a better introduction to our wonderful city than to listen to the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and enjoy the Fourth festivities downtown. The sight made for a majestic appearance for our waterfront that we don’t see often enough.

Wheeling has so much to build on –history, cultural amenities, wonderful people and more.

Let’s continue to work to get the word out about our gem of a city.