As the birthplace of West Virginia and an early industrial hub along the Ohio River, Wheeling holds a unique place in American history. Its designation by Congress as a National Heritage Area gives us an effective way to tell the stories of its rich cultural past while allowing us to invest in its future. At Wheeling Heritage, our goal is to continue to shape downtown Wheeling's redevelopment through three types of programs: historic preservation and interpretation, community development, and arts and recreation.