Wheeling was chosen as the first capital in West Virginia. In 1870, Charleston became the state capital.  Five years later Wheeling again became the capital.  However, voters chose Charleston as the permanent capital in 1877.  The capitol opened in 1885 and burned in 1921.  Today's capitol opened in 1932.  Charleston is also the state's largest city and ranks as a U.S. leader in glass and chemical production.