Photo byWV Legislature

West Virginia’s state capital didn’t settle down in Charleston right away—it took a rather winding road through history to find its permanent home. As a state born out of the Civil War in 1863, West Virginia’s early years were marked by a shifting political landscape, and its capital city was no exception. From Wheeling to Charleston and back again, the story of West Virginia’s capital journey is filled with historical milestones, burned buildings, and a legacy of resilience. Let’s take a look at how West Virginia’s capital found its place.

Wheeling: The Birthplace of West Virginia

Before we dive into Charleston's role, we need to start where it all began—Wheeling, located in Ohio County. Wheeling holds a special place in West Virginia’s history, not just as the first capital city, but as the birthplace of the state itself. The historic Washington Hall in Wheeling is known as the "Birthplace of West Virginia" because this is where the state's first government was organized during the tumultuous days of the Civil War.

When West Virginia became the 35th state in 1863, Wheeling was the natural choice for the capital. The Linsly Institute Building, built in 1858, served as the state’s first capitol building. For seven years, it was the heart of the state's political life, where legislators and officials gathered to guide the new state through its early challenges.

Charleston’s First Moment in the Spotlight

In 1870, West Virginia’s government decided to move the capital from Wheeling to Charleston, a more centrally located city. Charleston’s first capitol building was constructed at Capitol and Lee Streets. This location seemed ideal at the time, and the city served as the state capital for five years.

However, in 1875, the state legislature had second thoughts. After just a short stint in Charleston, they voted to return the capital to Wheeling. This back-and-forth reflected the political tensions and logistical challenges of managing a young and evolving state.

The Permanent Move to Charleston

The capital's return to Wheeling was brief, and it wasn't long before Charleston would regain its place. In the fall of 1877, a statewide election was held, and the people of West Virginia voted to move the capital back to Charleston—this time for good. Governor Jacob made it official with a proclamation, and Charleston became the permanent seat of government.

The Capitol in Flames and the “Pasteboard Capitol”

Charleston’s role as the capital city was secure, but the journey of its capitol buildings was far from over. On January 3, 1921, disaster struck when the state capitol burned to the ground. Four different buildings had served as West Virginia’s capitol by this point, but this fire left the state government without a permanent home.

To keep things running smoothly, a temporary office structure, nicknamed the “Pasteboard Capitol,” was constructed. It wasn’t glamorous, but it got the job done while plans were made to build a proper, permanent capitol.

Cass Gilbert’s Vision: The Modern West Virginia Capitol

West Virginia needed a new, grand capitol to reflect its growing stature as a state. Enter Cass Gilbert, a renowned architect based in New York. Gilbert was already well-known for designing several other significant buildings, including the capitol buildings in Minnesota and Arkansas, and the U.S. Treasury Annex in Washington, D.C.

Gilbert’s design for West Virginia’s new capitol was elegant, timeless, and ambitious. Construction began, and after eleven long years of planning and building, West Virginia’s new capitol was dedicated on June 20, 1932. The timing couldn’t have been more symbolic—this date marked the state’s 69th birthday.

A Capitol Like No Other

West Virginia’s state capitol is truly a marvel. At a cost of nearly $10 million (an enormous sum in 1932), the building became an architectural gem, representing both the state's history and its future. One of the most iconic features of the capitol is its dome. Standing at an impressive 292 feet, the dome is taller than the one atop the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The capitol’s design, both inside and out, reflects a blend of neoclassical and Renaissance Revival styles. Its grandeur is a testament to the state’s perseverance, rising from the ashes of the 1921 fire to become a beacon of West Virginia pride.

Conclusion: A Capitol That Stands for West Virginia’s Strength

West Virginia’s capital story is one of persistence, much like the state itself. From its early days in Wheeling to the challenges faced by Charleston, the journey wasn’t always easy, but it shaped the state’s identity. Today, Charleston remains the heart of West Virginia, with its iconic capitol building standing as a symbol of resilience, progress, and history.

As West Virginians pass by the golden dome or visit the Capitol grounds, they’re reminded of the state’s rich heritage and the long path it took to establish Charleston as the permanent seat of government. Whether through fire, relocation, or political debates, West Virginia’s capital journey reflects the unyielding spirit of the Mountain State.