Transportation
Wheeling's existence is probably largely due to its value as a transportation hub. During all the time up to the 1816 when the National Road reached Wheeling, the Ohio River was the major axis of transportation. Later [when?] the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad reached the city and in 1849 the Wheeling Suspension Bridge connected the B&O with the way west. In 19xx Interstate Highway 70 reached Wheeling, ripping through neighborhoods to provide fast east-west transit. And the Ohio River is still an active artery of transportation of barges of coal. While all cities have roads, few have bridges and tunnels as well!
The classic book, A history of transportation in the Ohio valley, with special reference to its waterways, trade, and commerce from the earliest period to the present time, authored by Charles Henry Ambler and published in 1932 is available for download.
The classic book, A history of transportation in the Ohio valley, with special reference to its waterways, trade, and commerce from the earliest period to the present time, authored by Charles Henry Ambler and published in 1932 is available for download.
