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Wetzel County

Named for Indian fighter Lewis Wetzel, Wetzel County was created on January 10, 1846. The county fronts the Ohio River for just over 13 miles. Most of Wetzel County falls within the watershed of Fishing Creek, which joins the Ohio at New Martinsville.

Mapped Points

• New Martinsville

  In 1838, ‘‘Martinsville’’ was incorporated, and in 1846 became the county seat of newly formed Wetzel County. Long called ‘‘New’’ Martinsville to distinguish it from the other Martinsville, Virginia, the town was officially renamed in 1871. New Martinsville is home to a branch of West Virginia Northern Community and Technical College.

• Littleton

  The William Little family settled Littleton in 1797.

• Pine Grove

  John Wyatt settled Pine Grove in 1790.

• Paden City

  Paden City is a glass-making town. Early factories included the Paul Wissmach Glass Company, makers of cathedral glass, and the Duquesne Bottle Factory. Paden City is home to Marble King, which manufactures more than a million marbles each day.

• Smithfield

  Smithfield was settled by Aiden Bales in 1796

• Ohio River

  The Ohio River begins at Pittsburgh, with the union of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. From there the Ohio travels 981 miles to Cairo, Illinois, where it joins the Mississippi.

• St. Joseph Settlement

  The people who live in the St. Joseph Settlement are proud descendants of German Catholic immigrants who came to America in the 1850s.