Brooke County, West Virginia
Brooke County sits in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, that narrow strip of land wedged between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Ohio River forms the county’s western boundary, giving the area a strong connection to the water and its river-town past.
Wellsburg, the county seat, is an old river community with plenty of history packed into its streets. The county may be small, but around 22,000 people call it home, and residents take pride in their West Virginia roots.
Bethany College is another important part of the area and has been here since 1840. Industry has shaped Brooke County for generations, especially glassmaking and steel production. While some of those traditional industries have changed, the county continues to adapt and reinvent itself. It’s a place with a long story, and there are plenty of local stories waiting to be heard.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Brooke County |
| County Seat | Wellsburg |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Wellsburg, Follansbee, Bethany, Hooverson Heights, Weirton |
| Interstates and Highways | US-22, WV-2, WV-27 |
| Etymology | Named after Robert Brooke, a governor of Virginia |
| FIPS Code | 54-009 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 93 sq mi (Land: 89 sq mi; Water: 4 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 40.2806° N, 80.5660° W |
| Major Landmarks | Brooke Hills Park, Wellsburg Wharf, Old Main at Bethany College |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Hancock County (North), Washington County, Pennsylvania (East), Ohio County (South), Jefferson County, Ohio (West) |
| Population | Approximately 22,000 |
