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The Northern Panhandle is a region in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is the state's northernmost extension, bounded by the Ohio River on the west and the state of Pennsylvania on the east. The southern boundary is an extension of the Mason-Dixon Line.
The following counties, listed from north to south, are universally accepted as being part of the Northern Panhandle:
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.
Important towns within the Northern Panhandle include Wheeling, Weirton, and Moundsville. The region houses three four-year colleges—the public West Liberty State College 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.
In the late 19th century, the Northern Panhandle developed as a mostly industrial area. 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.
- To learn why the Panhandle is shaped the way it is, please read the history of Yohogania County
"Northern Panhandle of West Virginia"