Northern Panhandle of West Virginia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Northern Panhandle is a culturally and geographically distinct region in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is the state's northernmost extension, bounded by the Ohio River on the north and west, along with the state of Pennsylvania on the east. Due to the southern boundary being an extension of the Mason-Dixon Line and its proximity to the Pittsburgh area, the Northern Panhandle resembles more of the Northern United States (particularly the Midwest) [1] compared to the rest of the state, which is classified in the Upland South. [2]
The following counties, listed from north to south, are universally accepted as being part of the Northern Panhandle:
Most West Virginians also include Wetzel County, directly to the south of Marshall County, as a part of the Northern Panhandle, although it does not lie strictly within the northern extension. [3]
Important towns within the Northern Panhandle include Wheeling, Weirton, and Moundsville. The region houses three four-year colleges—the public West Liberty State College and the private Bethany College and Wheeling Jesuit University. All five counties listed in this article, plus Tyler County, are in the service area of West Virginia Northern Community College.
In the late 19th century , because of this the Northern Panhandle developed as an industrial area, including steel and glass products. It still largely retains its industrial character, although many of its factories have closed down or fallen on hard times like others in the Rust Belt.
- To learn why the Panhandle is shaped the way it is, please read the history of Yohogania County
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The Northern Panhandle of West Virginia |
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| Counties | |
| Communities |
Beech Bottom | Benwood | Bethlehem | Bethany | Cameron | Chester | Clearview | Follansbee | Glen Dale | McMechen | Moundsville | New Cumberland | Triadelphia | Valley Grove | Weirton | Wellsburg | West Liberty | Wheeling | Windsor Heights |
| Attractions |
Bethany College | Chester Teapot | Grave Creek Mound | Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort | Oglebay Park | Tomlinson Run State Park | West Liberty State College | West Virginia Northern Community College | Wheeling Island | Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack | Wheeling Jesuit University | Wheeling Suspension Bridge | The Highlands Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Complex |
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![[3]](http://www.westvirginiatourist.net/assets/images/WVRegions.gif){kind=link}