The city was named for the nearby ancient Grave Creek Mound, constructed 250 to 100 BC by indigenous people of the Adena culture.

[5] In 1771, English colonists Samuel and James Tomlinson built a cabin at what later became Moundsville, although they did not overwinter, and in fact left for several years after attacks by Native Americans.

[6] In 1852, a line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opened, connecting the eastern rail network with the Ohio and Mississippi riverboat system; Moundsville was an important port until 1861, when the Civil War shut down the river system and caused major damage to the railroad.

[citation needed] Fostoria Glass Company (specializing in hand-blown glassworks) was headquartered in Moundsville from 1891 to 1986.

The retired West Virginia State Penitentiary operated in Moundsville from 1867 to 1995.

[7] On August 4, 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed The Spirit of St. Louis at Langin Field in Moundsville.

[9] The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year.

33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

You Missed My Heart, a song by Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and Jimmy LaValle, references a prison cemetery in Moundsville.