West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling

You know I've been stopping to see any site associated with the Civil War lately- luckily, many great places have been preserved.  Some areas have tried to keep places associated with the war around.  Some Civil War sites have been weathered and neglected, only to be restored later.

I am glad to say that the good people in Wheeling realized the treasure that they had in their Independence Hall.  They have restored it, and made it into a great museum.

We arrived as the museum opened, and we were welcomed by the staff, who told us all about the place, and took us to see a film about Independence Hall, and its significance. 

You could say that the state of WEST Virginia started at this spot.  On the third floor, politicians had various meetings- creating the 35th state- West Virginia.

The citizens  in this area decided, after Virginia left the Union, that they wanted to leave the Confederacy.  Well, they formed a new state and did just that!

On display are many relics from the Civil War, and from Wheeling at that time.  There is an amazing display there now of Civil War flags, some of which were present at battles!

The thing that impressed us the most- was the building itself.  It looks great.  Several offices are set up to look like they would have in the 1860s.  There is a nice display on the whole restoration project too.

AND, it just gives you goose bumps thinking about the fact that, in this building, West Virginia got it's start!