People curious about the origins of the West Virginia State need not look far as the answers can be found inside the Independence Hall Museum. The building began construction six years after President Lincoln giving West Virginia statehood in 1863. The Wheeling Custom House became the headquarters for federal offices of Western District of Virginia. It was completed just when Civil War began, dividing the infant state over hot political issues of the time such as slavery and civil war. This is where West Virginians raised, debated, and settled the issues of that time.

The hall housed many district courts during its historic existence. The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1988. Recently, the West Virginian Civil War regimental flags were added in the museum?s exhibit.