In 1878, the first Pennsylvania Railroad train arrived in Wheeling from Steubenville, Ohio, the Sunday News Letter began publication, Wheeling's population was slightly under 30,000, and the Iron Market House, after 28 years of success, had created a business depot in this area of the city. That year George E. Zink, a cabinetmaker, built his house on this lot in the Victorian Italianate style, reflecting the popular design of the day. He operated his cabinet shop on the first floor, with his private residence directly above, following the trend of the day, while the twin adjoining structure served as a rental property that provided housing for Wheeling's growing population.