West Virginia Independence Hall Museum

West Virginia Independence Hall Museum is at 1528 Market St. This former Custom House is considered to be the Civil War birthplace of West Virginia. The state's separation from Virginia was the only change in the map of the United States resulting from the Civil War. From 1861 to 1863 the building housed the loyalist Union government of the Restored State of Virginia and the first constitutional convention for the state of West Virginia.

Restored rooms and a film interpret the building's history. A permanent exhibit of 3-D maps, artifacts and audiovisual displays depicts the rise to statehood and the war in West Virginia. The museum also features what is reputedly the largest exhibit of West Virginia Civil War battle flags and a Discovery Room for children.

Time: Allow 30 minutes minimum.