Basics
- Length:
- 15.7 miles (25 km)
- Time:
- 20 minutes to drive or 8 hours to experience the Byway.
Description
Our nation forever changed due to what originated along this old, 16-mile stretch now called the Historic National Road. In 1863, West Virginia developed into a new state - the only state to successfully break off from another. At Mt. Wood Overlook, the highest point along the route, let your eyes sweep over views both east and west of the route, or walk through historic districts and see how life was a century ago.
There are many historic buildings interspersed along the route, and stopping by the Wheeling Visitor Center will give you a brief history of Wheeling, as well as suggestions for where to visit, such as the West Virginia Independence Hall where the Restored Government of Virginia was established. For entertainment and history in one setting, be sure to stop by the Capitol Music Hall, established in 1933 and now home to Jamboree U.S.A. and the Wheeling Symphony. The Byway also boasts many impressive museums and art galleries, such as the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, where the annual Marx Toy Convention is held.
Visitors and residents alike will enjoy the many parks available, such as Wheeling Park, complete with a pool, golf, paddle boats and a playground, or the Wheeling Heritage Trails which provides two scenic trails with all methods of transportation, such as biking, walking, or roller blading. And the Good Children's Zoo is open year-round, and visitors can look up at the stars in the planetarium.
To see other relics of the past, walk or drive across old bridges such as the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which was the first to cross the great Ohio River or the Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge, the oldest extant bridge in the state. Peer at the old train cars still existing at the B&O Railroad Passenger Station, which was first constructed in 1908. Or stroll along shady paths and a peaceful setting, Mt. Wood Cemetery has many unique markers that are perfect for charcoal rubbings. Several statues give tribute to those that came before, such as the Native American Statue and the Madonna of the Trail.
On this road, let the wind ruffle your hair as you walk along the shores of a river island or trail through the cool overhand of a forest. With a historic atmosphere, entertainment, and beautiful scenery on almost every spot along this Byway, there is something for everyone.
