Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


    We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-
K) of United Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries of our report dated February 25,
2000, included in the 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders of United Bankshares,
Inc. and Subsidiaries

    We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements pertaining to the Incentive Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 33-
22941) and the Savings and Stock Investment Plan (Form S-8, No. 33-32522) of
United Bankshares, Inc. of our report dated February 25, 2000, with respect to
the consolidated financial statements of United Bankshares, Inc. and
Subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999.



                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Charleston, West Virginia
March 27, 2000



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