1797 BROOKE COUNTY....

Became a separate county, named in honor of Governor Robert BROOKE of Virginia.

Formerly we had been part of Ohio County. Our southern boundary is Short Creek and our northern boundary extends along the river for about eighteen miles.

The first court was held at the home of WILLIAM SHARP in Charlestown, Virginia on Tuesday, May 23, 1979, at that time Charlestown was established as the county seat. (Note: this home just north, across the street from our Wellsburg Library on 10th & Main Street, Wellsburg)

The legislature of the State of Virginia passed an act December 27, 1816 to change the name of Charlestown to Wellsburg.

The new name was in honor of CHARLES WELLS, who married ELIZABETH, the only daughter of CHARLES PRATHER.

The first names given the streets in town and their present names are as follows: First, (same); Federal, Second; Washington, Third; Union, Fourth; Green, Fifth; Ohio, Sixth; Liberty, Seventh; Uurana, Eighth; Queen, Ninth; Prospect, Tenth; Walnut, Eleventh; Fleet, Twelfth.

Hancock County was formed in 1848 and its southern boundary starts approximately at 3679 Main Street in Hollidays Cove.