Parkersburg is located in the state of West Virginia and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Parkersburg, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Parkersburg
When most people think of West Virginia, they think of coal mines and hillbillies. However, there is much more to the state than that. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. It is also home to the city of Parkersburg, which offers a variety of vacation possibilities for visitors.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Parkersburg is Blennerhassett Island. The island is home to a replica of the mansion that once belonged to Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy man who was accused of plotting with Aaron Burr to overthrow the government. Today, the island is a state park, and visitors can take a boat ride to the island, tour the mansion, and picnic on the grounds.
Another popular destination is the Fenton Art Glass Museum. The museum houses a collection of over 12,000 pieces of art glass, making it one of the largest collections in the world. Visitors can see a wide variety of glass art, from early pieces dating back to the 1800s to modernday works.
For those looking for a more active vacation, Parkersburg is home to a number of trails and parks. The North Bend Rail Trail is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail spans over 73 miles and follows an old railroad bed through the scenic West Virginia countryside. Watoga State Park is another great option, offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an actionpacked adventure, Parkersburg has something to offer. With its convenient location and variety of attractions, Parkersburg is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
Sights in Parkersburg
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Parkersburg, West Virginia, has something for everyone. The city’s parks, trails, and golf courses are perfect for a leisurely afternoon, while the nearby mountains offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. And for those who prefer indoor activities, Parkersburg’s museums, shopping centers, and restaurants are sure to please.
One of the best places to start exploring Parkersburg is Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The park is home to the restored mansion of Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy man who was accused of plotting to overthrow the government in the early 1800s. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which is furnished with period furniture and decor, or explore the grounds on their own. The park also has a visitors center with exhibits on the history of the island and the Blennerhassett family.
Another popular spot in Parkersburg is the West Virginia State Capitol. The capitol building, which dates back to 1932, is open for tours Monday through Friday. Visitors can learn about the state’s history and see the office of the governor, the state senate chamber, and the state supreme court.
For those who love to shop, the Grand Central Mall is the place to go. The mall features more than 100 stores, including Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. shoppers can also enjoy a meal at one of the mall’s restaurants, such as the Cheesecake Factory or Texas Roadhouse.
No visit to Parkersburg is complete without a stop at the Blennerhassett Museum. The museum tells the story of the Blennerhassett family and their involvement in the Aaron Burr conspiracy. Visitors can see artifacts from the family’s time on the island, including furniture, dishes, and personal items. The museum also has a replica of the Blennerhassett Mansion, which visitors can tour.
Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or a day of adventure, Parkersburg has something for you. So come and explore all that this historic city has to offer.
History of Parkersburg
The first white settlers in the area now known as Parkersburg were Capt. Michael Cresap and his company, who arrived in 1749. Cresap was operating under the Terms of Settlement that had been established by the Maryland Assembly in 1732. According to these terms, veterans of the Maryland militia who had served in the recent war against the Iroquois were each allotted 500 acres of land west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Shawnee and Delaware Indian Tribes had long occupied the lands in presentday West Virginia. The area was not surveyed by Europeans until 176970. Cresap lay claim to several thousand acres which he obtained by patent in 1782.
Benjamin Wilson, John James, Andrew Wilson, Francis McDonough, and John Miller were among the first settlers in what would become Parkersburg. In 1780, these men built Fort Wilson near the mouth of Deer Creek, making it the first fort west of the Alleghenies. The following year, they constructed Fort Harmar at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers. In 1784, nearly one thousand acres of land in the vicinity of these forts was laid out and incorporated as a town called “Mattingly’s Addition”, named for one of the original landowners.
The name Parkersburg is thought to have been derived from the nearby settlement of Parker’s Station, named for its founder, Isaac Parker. This latter settlement was eventually annexed by the city of Parkersburg.
In 1785, Harmar unsuccessfully attempted to subdue the Native American tribes in the Ohio Country. In 1786, these tribes concluded the Treaty of Fort McIntosh, which ceded much of presentday southeastern Ohio to the United States. This opening of the region to white settlement spurred additional growth in Parkersburg and the surrounding area.
In 1793, Parkersburg served as a waystation for the new United States Army during its expedition against the Northwest Indian Confederacy led by Chief Little Turtle. A flood damaged much of the town’s fledgling infrastructure in 1796.
Parkersburg became an important river port in the early 19th century as the Volga Germans settled in the vicinity, establishing farms along the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. In 1820, it was incorporated as a town; in 1827, as a city. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1857 further increased its prominence as a transportation hub.
During the Civil War, Parkersburg was considerable Confederate sympathy, although the state of Virginia remained in the Union. Several local slaveholders helped slaves escape across the river to Ohio. On June 3, 1861, the city was the site of the Parkersburg Convention, an attempt by Virginia unionists to create a separate state loyal to the Union. The convention failed, but the event served as an early rallying point for Union sympathizers in presentday West Virginia.
In 1862, Union troops occupied Parkersburg, although fighting continued in the area throughout the war. Many of the town’s residents were forced to flee as Confederate raiders burned homes and destroyed infrastructure. Parkersburg was rebuilt following the war, and prospered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a regional industrial center. The city’s population grew steadily throughout the 19th century, reaching nearly 5,000 by 1900.
The 20th century brought further industrialization to Parkersburg, along with population growth and suburbanization. A major flood struck the city in 1907, causing considerable damage. Parkersburg was hit hard by the Great Depression, but bounced back in the 1930s with the help of New Deal programs. The city continued to grow in the postwar years, reaching a peak population of nearly 32,000 in 1970.
Since then, Parkersburg’s population has declined slightly, as the city has faced economic challenges associated with deindustrialization. Nevertheless, it remains an important center for industry and commerce in the region.
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