Oldest American Legion Post in U.S. carries on veterans' legacies in West Virginia

by Alise Valdes and Sadie Chafe

Tue, November 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM

A woman in a camouflage baseball hat and glasses smiles while holding a sign reading "American Legion Post #1: Wheeling, WV, Oldest Post in the U.S."

A bulletin board with wartime memorabilia

A brick building with a blue banner; grass with fallen leaves and a blue sky with green trees

Red bridge railing overlooking a river with trees with fall foliage to the left, along with tall brick buildings, one with a mural

American Legion Post 1 is located in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is known as the Oldest Post in the U.S. (Amazing America TV)

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WHEELING, W.Va. (Amazing America TV) — This Veterans Day, discover the history of the American Legion at the Oldest Post in the U.S., located in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Founded in 1919, American Legion Post 1 has been a beacon of veteran support and community engagement for over a century.

Most posts require membership or accompaniment by a member in order to gain access, but the American Legion is always interested in speaking with potential new Legionnaires.

At Post 1, we spoke with Commander John Powell, who told us about the history, core tenets and community service work of the American Legion.

To inquire about joining the American Legion, please visit www.legion.org to find a local post. As Commander Powell said: “If you have served one day on active duty since 1941, you are eligible to join the American Legion.”

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