Exhibit 23

                        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
16, 2001, included in the 2000 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 16, 2001, 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, 2000.



                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Charleston, West Virginia
March 28, 2001

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