Wheeling WV (West Virginia)

Wheeling WV is an Ohio River cruise port and city in West Virginia USA (Ohio County) with population around 30,000 (urban around 80,000). The town covers a total area 16 mi2 (42 km2), spreading along the river and also on Wheeling Island. Wheeling is the principal city of the WV-OH Metro Area (population around 150,000). Ohio's tributary Wheeling Creek flows through the town, meeting in downtown the Ohio River.

The settlement was founded in 1769 (as part of Great Britain's Commonwealth of Virginia colony). The town status was granted in 1806 as the second largest in the colony (after Virginia Beach). Wheeling was Virginia's first capital (in 1780 relocated to Richmond). In the late-19th-century, the city developed into a major manufacturing/state's prime industrial center (especially for pig iron and steel manufacturing, hence the nickname "Nail City") due to its location along Ohio River (shipping trade), as well as the National Road (aka Cumberland Road/USA's first major improved highway) and B&O Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad/USA's first railway). Wheeling became the National Road's terminus in 1818. Wheeling Suspension Bridge (over Ohio River) was opened in 1849, linking downtown with Wheeling Island. Since 1853, the B&O Railroad interlinked Wheeling with the states Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Among the oldest buildings are Shepherd Hall (aka Monument Place, 1798) and West Virginia Independence Hall (1859). Residents and tourists can also enjoy leisure activities in several nature parks, six golf courses, Wheeling Skatepark (12000 ft2 / 1100 m2 concrete facility within the Chambers Ballfield Complex).

The city's current economy is based on industries like healthcare, education, law and legal services, tourism, entertainment, energy. East-west through the city run two highways - I70 (on Fort Henry Bridge) and I470 (on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge) both linking with Pittsburgh PA. Wheeling Suspension Bridge is still operational, serving light vehicles and pedestrians. Wheeling Tunnel (1966-opened, length 0,27 mi / 430 m) through Wheeling Hill carries two lanes (I70 and US250).

The city is served by two airports - Wheeling Ohio County Airport (8 mi / 13 km northeast of downtown) and Pittsburgh International Airport (approx 50 mi / 80 km to the north-northeast).

As a cruise port, Wheeling WV is included in the schedule of one of the USA's largest river cruise companies - AQSC-American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company. The next table shows a 7-night/8-day itinerary (from Pittsburgh to Louisville) as port sequences.

Prices start from ~USD 2700 per person (with double occupancy). Traditionally for AQSC, the cruisetour is operated by paddle-wheel riverboats.