Once upon a time, elephants roamed West Virginia … and we’re not talking prehistoric elephants, either. We’re talking about a time that’s almost within memory for some of us! Not sure you believe that story? Then keep reading, because we’ve got all the details about the unique stop circus elephants used to make right here in Wheeling, West Virginia, including their parade across the famous Wheeling Suspension Bridge and the one elephant still left behind.
The Ohio River, the National Road, and the B&O Railroad all come together in a historically significant merging in none other than Wheeling, West Virginia.
With that ease of transportation, it's no wonder, then, that numerous national circuses used to regularly stop in the Wheeling area. Circus animals bound for performances on Wheeling Island would arrive at the downtown train depot -- but they still needed to get that extra little bit further to their final destination.
Enter: the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. From the train station, the animals, including elephants, would be led to the Ohio River for a refreshing bath in the water, then led across the Wheeling Suspension Bridge to the Wheeling Island Bridge Park or fairgrounds.
Crowds of spectators would gather ahead of the actual formal circus events to watch this informal, entertaining parade of animals across the Ohio River.
This fascinating tidbit of history is uniquely preserved at Heritage Port Park and Sculpture Garden in Wheeling. You've likely heard of Heritage Port Park: festivals, fireworks, cruises, and more take place here.
And then ... there's the elephant. This nod to Wheeling's history is a delightful reminder of just one of many fascinating tales the Wheeling Suspension Bridge could tell. Elephants. Who knew?!
