Wheeling: The Transportation City

The history of Wheeling, West Virginia is rooted in transportation. For a time it was the terminus and then a major destination or way station along National Road, the historic (and oldest standing) suspension bridge served as a gateway to the west, for better or worse as the National Road carried on to Vandalia, Illinois (which was the state capitol at the time of construction). But, tucked up in the hills above Wheeling is another transportation gem: the Wheeling – Ohio County Airport. The Wheeling – Ohio County Airport no longer sees commercial aviation, likely due to the proximity to the much larger and central Pittsburgh International Airport, but general and military aviation thrive. The terminal’s art deco interior is pristinely preserved to give guests (and all are welcome) to get a feel for what aviation was in it’s heyday—before flights became glorified Greyhound buses crisscrossing the world.

The airport welcomed its first commercial passenger flights in 1947, served by TWA and Capital DC-3s. Cities serving Wheeling included Pittsburgh (from its original location off of Lebanon Road, much closer to the city center), Clarksburg, WV, and Washington, PA. In 1980 commercial aviation was permanently terminated, likely due to the fact that the Pittsburgh International Airport is a mere 45 minute drive from Wheeling. Since 1980, the terminal has been restored and maintained in peak 1940s style. Guests, non-aviators, are welcome to tour the terminal and take in the unique architecture of a small but grand shrine to flight.