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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.
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.