[3] Brilliant was laid out in 1819 by western Virginia statesman Philip Doddridge under the name "Philipsburgh".

[4] The location was considered significant to commerce as it was the convergence of many roads in close proximity to the Ohio River and parallel to the Wellsburg wharf.

The town later adopted the name of the glass company and was incorporated as "Brilliant", changing the titles of the railway station and post office.

[6] Brilliant is in northeastern Wells Township, along the Ohio River 7 miles (11 km) south of Steubenville.

Ohio State Route 7, a four-lane freeway, passes through the southeast side of the community, leading north (upriver) to Steubenville and south 16 miles (26 km) to Bridgeport, across the river from Wheeling, West Virginia.