Sometimes, unique adventures are found in the most unexpected places. If you don’t know where to look, it’s easy to miss this abandoned castle right along National Road in Wheeling. If you’re paying attention, you can stop and explore this intriguing building.
The Mount Wood Overlook, also known as “The Castle,” has a fascinating history.
Ryan Stanton/Flickr The building was intended to be a home that a local doctor was building for his wife in 1925. However, he ran into trouble with the law and was imprisoned on drug trafficking charges before the fairy tale home was ever finished.
Today the property is owned by the City of Wheeling, and visitors can park nearby and wander around the structure.
Ryan Stanton/Flickr
From the top of the castle, you have excellent views of the city of Wheelng.
Ryan Stanton/Flickr
There’s another fascinating story about this spot, which is also known as McColloch’s Leap.
WikiMedia Commons/Lithograph by Nagel and Weingaertner In 1777, there was an attack by Native Americans on Fort Henry. Major Samuel McColloch was being chased and took a risky leap on horseback off the side of the cliff to the ground 300 feet below. Legend has it that to everyone’s amazement, the horse galloped away, bringing McColloch to safety.
McColloch’s Leap is now marked with a statue describing the legend.
TripAdvisor/bethryan20
Below the castle and across the street, you’ll also find the Mount Wood cemetery, where you’ll find many historic graves of Wheeling’s earliest residents from the 1700s.
WikiMedia Commons/Nyttend
Unfortunately the castle and cemetery have been damaged by vandalism, but there have been efforts made to restore them.
Ryan Stanton/Flickr
The building was intended to be a home that a local doctor was building for his wife in 1925. However, he ran into trouble with the law and was imprisoned on drug trafficking charges before the fairy tale home was ever finished.
WikiMedia Commons/Lithograph by Nagel and Weingaertner
In 1777, there was an attack by Native Americans on Fort Henry. Major Samuel McColloch was being chased and took a risky leap on horseback off the side of the cliff to the ground 300 feet below. Legend has it that to everyone’s amazement, the horse galloped away, bringing McColloch to safety.
TripAdvisor/bethryan20
WikiMedia Commons/Nyttend
The castle and cemetery can be found on Mount Wood Road, which intersects with National Road in Wheeling, West Virginia. McColloch’s Leap Monument is on National Road.
For another hidden castle in West Virginia, check out the history of the Good Counsel Friary in Morgantown.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
