The Northern Panhandle is the northern of the two panhandles in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is a culturally and geographically distinct region of the state. It is the state's northernmost extension, bounded by Ohio and the Ohio River on the north and west and the state of Pennsylvania on the east. Its unusual configuration is the result of the Revolutionary-era claims of Virginia's former Yohogania County boundary lying along the Ohio River, conflicting with interpretations of the Colony of Pennsylvania's royal charter. The conflict was settled by compromise in the 1780s. Today, due to the southern boundary being an extension of the Masonâ€"Dixon line and the panhandle's proximity to the Pittsburgh area, the Northern Panhandle resembles more of the Midwestern United States or the Northeastern United States compared to the rest of the state (including the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia), which is classified as part of the Upland South.
In 2013, its northernmost two counties were included in the Pittsburgh consolidated area by the U.S. Census.
The region has a total combined population of 132,295 as of the 2010 census.
Counties
Northern Panhandle of West Virginia - The Northern Panhandle is the northern of the two panhandles in the U.S.state of West Virginia.It is a culturally and geographically distinct region of the state.It is the state's northernmost...
The following counties, listed from north to south, are universally accepted as being part of the Northern Panhandle:
- Hancock County
- Brooke County
- Ohio County
- Marshall County
Most West Virginians also include Wetzel County, directly to the south of Marshall County, as a part of the Northern Panhandle, although it does not lie strictly within the northern extension.
The northern counties of the Northern Panhandle comprise part of the Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, as well as the western regions of Greater Pittsburgh. The southern counties are part of the Wheeling, WV-OH Metropolitan Area.
Economy
In the late 19th century, the Northern Panhandle developed as an industrial area, especially in the manufacturing of steel and glass products. It still largely retains its industrial character, although many of its factories have closed down or fallen on hard times like others in the Rust Belt. The region also contains the Panhandle Coalfield.
Banks in these counties are serviced by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, while the rest of West Virginia is in the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Education
The region houses three four-year collegesâ€"the public West Liberty University and the private Bethany College and Wheeling Jesuit University. All five counties listed in this article, plus Tyler County, are in the service area of West Virginia Northern Community College.
See also
- Yohogania County
References
