In 1852, Van Winkle became treasurer and later president of the Northwestern Virginia Railroad Company, holding these roles through the American Civil War.

Wood County voters elected him to the second Wheeling Convention, where he played a crucial role in organizing the Restored Government of Virginia.

[4]Seven of the dissenting senators, including Van Winkle, cited concerns over the fairness of the trial proceedings, which they believed had been manipulated to present one-sided evidence.

[5][6] After the trial, Congressman Benjamin Butler conducted hearings on the widespread reports that Republican senators had been bribed to vote for Johnson's acquittal.

In Butler's hearings, and in subsequent inquiries, there was increasing evidence that some acquittal votes were acquired by promises of patronage jobs and cash cards.

His former home at Parkersburg, now known as the Peter G. Van Winkle House, is a contributing property in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District.