Nestled at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, Parkersburg, West Virginia, is a city steeped in history, from its Revolutionary War roots to its industrial heyday. This blog post explores the layered past of a town that has witnessed pivotal moments in American history, hosted scandalous political plots, and evolved into a hub of Appalachian culture.
Early Settlement and Founding
Parkersburg’s story begins in the late 18th century, when settlers established a small community called Newport on land granted to Captain Alexander Parker, a Revolutionary War veteran. Parker never set foot on the property, but after decades of legal disputes between his heirs and local planners, the town was renamed “Parkersburg” in 1810 to honor his service. The area’s strategic location along vital transportation routes, including the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, positioned it as a key gateway to the western frontier. By 1820, Parkersburg was officially incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly, laying the groundwork for its future growth.
Civil War and Industrial Transformation
During the Civil War, Parkersburg became a critical Union stronghold. Its proximity to the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad made it a logistical hub for troop movements and medical care. Fort Boreman, constructed in 1863 atop a hill overlooking the rivers, served as a defensive outpost against Confederate sympathizers and offered a panoramic view of the region—a vantage point still accessible to visitors today.
The post-war era ushered in an economic boom fueled by the discovery of oil and natural gas. Nearby Burning Springs and Volcano oil fields became some of the nation’s earliest commercial drilling sites, with Parkersburg emerging as a refining epicenter. Industrialist Johnson Newlon Camden capitalized on this growth, founding the Camden Consolidated Oil Company, later absorbed by John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil empire. The city’s Oil and Gas Museum now preserves artifacts from this transformative period, including Civil War memorabilia and drilling equipment.
Scandal and Intrigue: The Blennerhassett Legacy
No history of Parkersburg is complete without the tale of Blennerhassett Island, a site shrouded in scandal. In the early 1800s, Irish aristocrat Harman Blennerhassett and his wife Margaret built a lavish mansion on the island, hosting elites like Henry Clay. Their idyllic life unraveled when Blennerhassett conspired with former Vice President Aaron Burr to establish an independent nation in the Southwest. Accused of treason by President Thomas Jefferson, both men were acquitted but left financially ruined. The mansion mysteriously burned in 1811, and today, a reconstructed version stands as part of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, accessible via sternwheeler boat rides.
Architectural Heritage and Cultural Landmarks
Parkersburg’s architectural legacy is epitomized by the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, a neighborhood of over 120 Victorian-era homes. Once owned by industrialists and politicians, these residences showcase styles ranging from Queen Anne to Colonial Revival. The district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers guided tours highlighting landmarks like the Van Winkle-Wix “Castle,” complete with its iconic turret.
Another gem is Henderson Hall, a pre-Civil War plantation home that reflects the region’s agrarian past and later oil prosperity. Built in 1856, the Italianate mansion now operates as a museum, offering glimpses into 19th-century life. Meanwhile, the Blennerhassett Hotel, established in 1889, remains a downtown landmark, blending historic charm with modern amenities.
20th-Century Growth and Modern Identity
The 20th century saw Parkersburg diversify into manufacturing, producing chemicals, glass, and textiles. The arrival of the Bureau of the Public Debt in 1954 (later merged into the Bureau of the Fiscal Service) cemented its role in federal governance. Today, the city balances its industrial roots with cultural attractions like the Parkersburg Art Center and outdoor adventures along the North Bend Rail Trail, a 72-mile path tracing former B&O Railroad routes through tunnels and forests.
Parkersburg also embraces its quirky side with events like the Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tour, which recounts local legends of the Mothman and spectral figures. Annual festivals, such as the Henderson Heritage Festival, celebrate Appalachian traditions, ensuring the past remains vibrantly alive.
Conclusion
From its contentious founding to its industrial triumphs and enduring legends, Parkersburg’s history is a microcosm of America’s evolution. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of pioneers, oil barons, and even alleged traitors, all while appreciating a community that cherishes its heritage. As Bob Enoch of the Wood County Historical Society aptly noted, Parkersburg is where “disgruntled Virginians took the first steps that led to the creation of West Virginia”—a testament to its enduring significance.
Bibliography
- “History & Heritage.” Greater Parkersburg CVB. Last modified August 21, 2024. https://www.greaterparkersburg.com/history-heritage/.
- “Parkersburg, West Virginia.” Wikipedia. Last modified May 22, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkersburg,_West_Virginia.
- “Parkersburg: Where History Lives.” Greater Parkersburg CVB. September 9, 2015. https://www.greaterparkersburg.com/blog/parkersburg-where-history-lives/.
- Enoch, Bob. “Look Back: The Early Days of Parkersburg.” News and Sentinel, July 4, 2020. https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/local-columns/2020/07/look-back-the-early-days-of-parkersburg/.
- “Parkersburg WV Historic Walking Tour.” D’Andrei Fort (blog). March 9, 2009. https://dandreifort.com/2009/03/09/parkersburg-wv-historic-walking-tour/.
- Britny. “Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in Parkersburg, West Virginia.” Darling Travels (blog). May 18, 2023. https://www.darlingtravels.blog/post/hidden-gems-and-unique-things-to-do-in-parkersburg-west-virginia.
- “Parkersburg.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed May 28, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/place/Parkersburg.
Note: URLs and access dates reflect availability as of May 28, 2025.
Visibility: Partly Cloudy
GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Charleston (7:30)
I77N
Fairplain (40:00)
Ripley
Ravenswood
Mineral Wells
Parkersburg (1:25:30)
Viena
I77S
Kanawha Turnpike – South Charleston – (3:15:00)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
