These 11 Hidden Gems in West Virginia Hold Historic Keys To The Past

This is where our state began! This was the site of the Wheeling Conventions during the Civil War, which ultimately led to West Virginia being formed as its own state. You can tour the building now and see many artifacts from West Virginia's history.

This is the largest surviving burial mound made by the Adena culture. The Delf Norona Museum is also at the site, and displays other artifacts from the Adena people.

This stunning theatre cost a million dollars when it was built in 1928. It was important to the musical history of West Virginia. The theatre hosted live music and broadcasted Jamboree USA, one of the longest-running radio shows in the country.

The Holocene glacial retreat 12.000 years ago helped to form the Cranberry Glades into what they are today. The unusual plants seen in the bogs descend from seeds scattered from that era, and include several species of carnivorous plants.

From 1890 to 1992, the West Virginia Mail Pouch chewing tobacco company out of Wheeling, WV painted businesses and barns with their advertisements. In the beginning owners were paid just 1-2 dollars per year for the space, but more importantly, their barns got a fresh coat of paint every year. These barn are now designated as historical landmarks. They extend into 22 states.

This station built in 1911 served as a stop on the historic B & O railroad. It now holds the Barbour County Historical Museum. The museum is home to civil war artifacts and the Philippi Mummies. The mummies' creator was trying to unlock the secrets of mummification in Egypt. He never revealed his formula.

The remains of this old luxury resort have sat abandoned since 1993, but it is now beginning to be renovated and may have a future for visitors. West Virginia was once home to many spa towns that surrounded its natural springs, but now only a few remain.

The Greenbrier is one of the resorts that is still standing, but it has some surprising history as well. Beneath the luxurious hotel is a bunker that was intended to house Congress in the event of a nuclear war. Its existence was kept secret for 30 years.

Thurmond was once a prosperous coal town, but now has a population of just 7 people. The railway station shown here still serves passengers, and also functions as a visitor's center with information about the town and local history.