WHEELING, W.Va. — Long before it became known for its riverfront, historic architecture and hockey team, Wheeling built its reputation as one of America’s most important manufacturing centers.
The city’s industrial success was driven by three major industries — nail production, tobacco manufacturing and glassmaking — all of which helped shape Wheeling’s economy and identity for generations.
During the late 1800s, Wheeling earned the nickname “Nail City” after becoming the world’s leading producer of cut nails. Historical records show that by 1884, local factories were producing enough nails to fill nearly 1.5 million kegs.
Those nails were manufactured in a wide range of sizes, from small construction nails to larger spikes used in railroad projects. As settlers moved west, many relied on nails produced in Wheeling to build homes and communities beyond the Appalachian region.
The booming nail industry, along with steel production, provided jobs for thousands of residents and established Wheeling as one of the region’s leading industrial cities.
Tobacco manufacturing also became a cornerstone of the local economy.
Wheeling gained national recognition for its cigars, commonly known as “stogies,” before local entrepreneurs developed another product that would become widely recognized—Mail Pouch Tobacco. The flavored chewing tobacco was created by using leftover cigar cuttings, creating a product that became a household name across much of the country.
Tobacco production continues in South Wheeling today through Swisher, preserving part of the city’s manufacturing tradition.
Glass production was another industry that helped fuel Wheeling’s growth, with local factories producing glass products that were shipped throughout the United States.
Although many of the city’s largest factories have closed, reminders of Wheeling’s industrial past remain throughout the community.
Historic neighborhoods, former manufacturing sites and local landmarks continue to reflect the city’s rich heritage. Even the Wheeling Nailers hockey team pays tribute to the community’s history, carrying forward the “Nail City” nickname that has been associated with Wheeling for well over a century.
Today, Wheeling’s industrial legacy remains an important part of the city’s identity, serving as a reminder of the industries that helped build both the community and much of the nation during America’s industrial expansion.
