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Parkersburg, WV
The city of Parkersburg enjoys a splendid setting, nestled beside the Ohio River in a lush landscape of farmland and forest. But this special place offers more than surface beauty; its roots run deep. Visiting the Parkersburg area will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of American history — and you'll have a good time doing it.
Blennerhassett Island Sternwheeler
Treasures, Treason and Tragedy
In 1798, fleeing scandal and political trouble, Harman Blennerhassett settled in the Mid-Ohio Valley, claiming part of an island that had formerly been home to the famous Delaware Indian Nemacolin. With his young wife, Margaret, Harman built an extravagant mansion and entertained in high style. But, instead of living happily ever after, they soon encountered more political trouble when Harman, along with his associate Aaron Burr, was accused of treason by President Thomas Jefferson. In the scrupulously recreated Blennerhassett Mansion, you'll get a taste of the Blennerhassetts' lavish lifestyle and learn about their tragic fall from grandeur to disgrace. Better yet, you'll travel to and from the island on an authentic sternwheeler. The park opens for the season on May 1.
Before visiting Blennerhassett Island, get your historical bearings at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, a three-story compendium of relics ranging from prehistoric Indian tools to 19th-century jewelry and glassware.
Downtown, the majestic Blennerhassett Hotel, built in 1889, also emanates an aura of luxury. Now fully restored, the hotel's elaborate architecture, huge English doors, brass and leaded chandeliers and original antique furnishings bespeak the wealth and style of Parkersburg's gaslight era. But, never fear. Plush rooms, an upscale restaurant, martini bar and outdoor courtyard provide all the modern amenities you need.
Parkersburg's Oil and Gas Museum
Trailblazers, Tycoons and War
Parkersburg's Oil and Gas Museum is another must-see for lovers of history. After a visit to this fascinating museum, you'll understand why early speculators, including young George Washington, were eager to buy land here. Even the names of nearby towns tell the story: Burning Springs. Volcano. Oil Rock. Petroleum. You'll learn how oil and gas, and the fortunes they spawned, influenced regional and national politics. The museum offers online visitors a colorful map that illustrates a new Civil War Heritage District project, which also encompasses a West Virginia Byway, National Scenic Byway and a section of the American Discovery Trail: the North Bend Rail Trail.
At Burning Springs, a new park commemorates one of the country's oldest oil fields and the oldest producing oil well in the world. During the Civil War, this early oil field was destroyed by a fire set by the famous General Jones's Rebel raiding party.
Find out more about Parkersburg's strategic role in the Civil War while you take in panoramic views of the Ohio Valley from the hilltop setting of the new Fort Boreman Historical Park. Then watch history come to life in a theatrical production, The Civil War, presented on three weekends in April by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg.
On May 24 and 25, Mountwood Park and the 14th Virginia Cavalry sponsor the Battle for Volcano, a re-enactment that will also feature Civil War-era merchants called sutlers, artisans and craftsmen working in early traditions, historic displays, period dancing and entertainment, wagon rides and hayrides. You'll get to "meet" the flamboyant Confederate spy Belle Boyd, Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins and General Robert E. Lee as portrayed by Al Stone, the leading national portrayer of the Confederate general.
Overlook at Fort Boreman Park
Historic Homes and Hometown Hospitality
Stop by the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau to pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure, then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gracious Julia-Ann Square Historic District, West Virginia's largest historic district. One of the showplaces of the city, this charming neighborhood comprises about 125 homes, primarily built between the mid-1800s and 1915. Among others, you'll see the beautifully restored homes of early state government officials, gas and oil barons, prosperous merchants and professionals.
Mark your calendar for the Julia-Ann Square 2008 Spring Victorian Garden Tour and Tea, June 7 and 8. You'll enjoy an elegant afternoon of visits to the gardens of historic homes, as well as refreshments, a raffle and a plant sale at "the Castle," the multi-turreted home of Senator Peter Goodwin Van Winkle, a delegate to the state convention who framed the constitution of West Virginia and one of the state's first U.S. senators.
Phone: (304) 424-8400 Address: 200 Avery Street City: Mid-Ohio Valley~ State: WV Zip: 26102 Region: Mid-Ohio Valley Url: http://www.greaterparkersburg.com/ Canaan Valley - Albright - Davis - - Mathias - Keyser - Thomas - Berkeley Springs - Potomac Highlands~ - Fayetteville - Harpers Ferry - West Virginia Regions - Roanoke - Moorefield - Beckley - Eastern Panhandle~ - Hico - Cass - Petersburg - Snowshoe - Elkins - Hatfield-McCoyMountains~ - Ansted - Franklin - Philippi - Fairmont - Buckhannon - NewRiverGreenbriarValley~ |
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Phone: (301) 330-0307
