Weirton

Weirton was originally settled as the village of Holliday’s Cove, a strategic fortification along the Ohio River in northwestern Virginia. In 1909, a tinplate mill was established in northern Holliday’s Cove, and Weirton was born. Thousands of immigrants of many nationalities came here to work and live, while Ernest T. Weir created his life’s dream of a fully integrated steel plant. Weirton became the “Largest Unincorporated Town in the Country” and remained unincorporated for 38 years. In 1947, Weirton combined with Holliday’s Cove, Weirton Heights, and Marland Heights to become the official City of Weirton. Thomas E. Millsop, president of Weirton Steel Co., became the first mayor, and the mill became a major factor in the city’s success. Many historic moments, including the record snowfall of Thanksgiving weekend 1950, were highlighted in the Weirton Steel Employees’ Bulletin. Weirton captures this event and tells the story of the “New City,” which thrived in the 1950s and 1960s.