Blennerhassett Island - West Virginia State Parks

BLENNERHASSETT ISLAND HISTORICAL STATE PARK

OHIO RIVEROHIO68LocationBelpreWV77Marietta1414137 Juliana StreetParkersburg, West Virginia 26101304–420–4800www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.comWest Virginia Division of Natural ResourcesParks and Recreation324 4th Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303STATEMENT OF POLICY REGARDING THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITYTO USE FACILITIES AND PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMSVisitors are responsible for observing park rules and regulations.“It is the policy of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to provide its facilities, accommodations,services and programs to all persons without regard to gender, race, color, age, religion, national origin ordisability. Proper licenses, registration and compliance with official rules and regulations are the only sourcesof restrictions for facility use or program participation.”“The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer.”Information provided in this brochure is current as of design date, but subject to change thereafter. 12/097ParkersburgWilliamstownBlennerhassett Island and the Blennerhassett Mansion arelocated on the Ohio River near Parkersburg, WV. Access toParkersburg is offered by U.S. 50 east/west and I-77 north/south. The departure site for sternwheeler rides to the islandin 2010 is Civitan Park in Belpre, OH. Rides will resume fromPoint Park, Parkersburg, WV, when riverfront construction iscompleted. A completion date has not been established.Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is locatedat the corner of 2nd and Juliana streets in downtownParkersburg, WV.Please consult map and directions in this brochure.77 Island History31KYOH2PAWVMDVABlennerhassettIslandHistorical State Park2010 scheduleisland, mansion, events & museumwww.wvstateparks.comThe splendor of America’s frontier is reflected in the tranquilbeauty of timeless Blennerhassett Island; yet the placidnature of the isle belies its turbulent past.The BlennerhassettsHarman Blennerhassett, a wealthy Irish aristocrat,settled on the wild island in 1798 and built a magnificentmansion and estate. However,he became entangled in amysterious military enterprisewith Aaron Burr in 1806. Asa result, President ThomasJefferson accused both men ofplotting treason in attemptingto establish an empire in theSouthwest.Blennerhassett fled the island,but was captured and put intothe Virginia State Penitentiary.Although Burr was tried andacquitted and Blennerhassett was released from prison, thelives of both men were ruined. Interestingly, most historiansnow agree that Burr had set his sights on northern Mexicofor his dominion.The exquisite mansion accidentally burned to the groundin 1811, leaving no visible trace of its graceful, semicircularlines. However, modern archaeologists rediscovered itsfoundations in 1973. Through a continuing program ofcareful historical and architectural research, the mansionhas been recreated for visitors. Work on the furnishing of itsinterior is still in progress.Other InfluencesThe Putnam-Houser HouseOriginally located in Belpre, Ohio, this historical andarchitectural landmark was completed in 1802 and called“Maple Shade” by the Putnam family, who were close friendsof the Blennerhassett family. Today it remains one of theOhio Valley’s oldest and best preserved wooden homes.Thanks to the generosity of the Shell Chemical Company,the Putnam-Houser House was rescued from demolitionand moved to the island in December 1986. Restoration ofthe structure has been accomplished largely through thevolunteerism of the Blennerhassett Historical Foundationand was completed in July 2009. Today, the house, oncethe West’s largest and most beautiful home, is open to thepublic to be enjoyed by everyone who has an interest in thissignificant structure.Noted Island VisitorsBlennerhassett Island is a noteworthy historic location for avariety of reasons. During the 1760s, the famous DelawareIndian, Nemacolin, made the island his home. In addition,renowned figures including George Rogers Clark, KingCharles X of France, Johnny Appleseed, Henry Clay and WaltWhitman visited the island.The Ice AgeBlennerhassett Island’s antiquity spans to Ice Age hunters9,000 years ago. Native American tribes lived on the islandalmost continuously, until white settlers began to flock intothe Ohio Valley in the 1780s.Many artifacts and tools dating to these ancient residents ofBlennerhassett Island are on display at the BlennerhassettMuseum of Regional History in downtown Parkersburg, at2nd and Juliana streets.

When to plan your visitIsland ExperiencesBlennerhassett Island and MansionThe only way to experience the enchantment ofhistoric Blennerhassett Island is via a 19th century-stylesternwheeler riverboat on the beautiful Ohio River, carryingpassengers to a setting of a bygone era.Costumed volunteers, referred to as docents, conduct toursthrough the reconstructed mansion. Tours of the Putnam-Houser House may be scheduled. Self-guided walking toursand horse-drawn wagon rides also are available. Specialevents are highlighted throughout the season.Public excursions are available from the first weekend inMay through the last weekend of October. A schedule ofevents, departure times, with transportation and admissionfees, is maintained on the park Web site and available atthe park office housed in the Blennerhassett Museum ofRegional History.Note: Beginning in 2009, visitors will board thesternwheeler in Belpre, Ohio, Civitan Park area. TheParkersburg riverfront, which includes Point Park, thetraditional loading area for island trips, is being developed.Departure from Belpre will continue until the Parkersburgriverfront development is complete.Blennerhassett Museumof Regional HistoryThe Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is an idealstarting point to learn about the island and history of thearea. It features a video about the Blennerhassetts and thehistory of their island, as well as artifacts and tools dating tothe island’s ancient residents, including mammoth bones.Visitors to the museum may also trace the history of theOhio Valley, the city of Parkersburg and the islands throughexhibits of 18th, 19th, and 20th century relics. Open yearround,the museum requires a separate admission ticketfrom the island, and is located in downtown Parkersburg,WV, at the corner of 2nd and Juliana streets.Adding to the charm of the island, lush hardwood groves,long beaches and broad fields provide habitat for a largewhite-tailed deer population, throngs of waterfowl andother birds. Visitors to the island may enjoy other amenities,such as a snack stand and gift shop.Nearby Attractions• Fenton Art Glass, Williamstown. WV• Historic Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg, WV• Middleton Doll Factory, Belpre, OH• North Bend State Park, Cairo, WV• North Bend Rail Trail• Oil & Gas Museum, Parkersburg, WV• Smoot Theatre, Parkersburg, WV

DirectionsMaps and written directions are also posted to the park’sWeb site for printing. Any changes that may occur regardingdirections are posted to the Web as available and serve as themost current information.DIRECTIONS to BLENNERHASSETT MUSEUM –Parkersburg, WVArriving from Interstate77 (north/south)and U.S. Route 50 Eastfrom Clarksburg, WV• Take exit #176 – Route50 – Downtown 7thStreet.Follow the signs to•Route 50 west.• Get into the left-handlane and follow Route 50 West toward Athens, OH.• Continue on Route 50 west for approximately 3 miles.• Take the Division Street exit (downtown) – Route 14 north.• Turn right at the light at the end of the ramp and go acrossthe 5th street bridge. Get into left lane (14N)• Turn left on Market Street and go three blocks to SecondStreet.• Turn right on Second Street to go one block to JulianaStreet.• The Blennerhassett Museum is the four-story red brickbuilding located directly on the left corner.Arriving from Route 50 West from Athens, OH• Follow Route 50 East toward Belpre, OH.• Take Belpre exit and follow right hand lane to end of ramp.• Turn right onto Main Street.• Stay on Main Street until you come to the next traffic light.• At the intersection of Main Street and WashingtonBoulevard go through the light and veer to the left andcross over the bridge to West Virginia (left lane acrossbridge, which will put you in the center lane at the otherend of the bridge).• Turn left onto Fourth Street (far right lane).• Turn right on Market Street and go three blocks to SecondStreet.• Turn right on Second Street and go one block to JulianaStreet.• The Blennerhassett Museum is the four-story red brickbuilding located directly on the left corner.DIRECTIONS from BLENNERHASSETT MUSEUMin Parkersburg, WV, to the STERNWHEELER BOARDINGSITE at CIVITAN PARK in Belpre, OH• Follow Juliana Street to 5th Street.• Turn left onto 5th Street.• Go across the bridge into Belpre, OH.• At the end of the bridge, veer left onto WashingtonBoulevard.• Once on Washington Boulevard, go to the third red lightand turn left onto Lee Street.• Follow Lee Street until it ends.• Turn right onto Blennerhassett Avenue.• Once you pass the Belpre swimming pool on your right,you will turn left down into the Civitan Park boat dock.DIRECTIONS to the STERNWHEELER BOARDING SITE –Civitan Park in Belpre, OHArriving from Interstate 77• Take exit 176 off I-77 (Route 50/Downtown/7th Street).• Take Route 50 West toward Athens/DowntownParkersburg.• Take Division St./Downtown exit off Route 50.• Turn right at the end of the ramp, toward downtownParkersburg (5th Street).• Stay on 5th Street through downtown and across thebridge into Belpre, OH.• At the end of the bridge, veer left onto WashingtonBoulevard.• Once on Washington Boulevard, go to the third red lightand turn left onto Lee Street.• Follow Lee Street until it ends.• Turn right onto Blennerhassett Avenue.• Once you pass the Belpre swimming pool on your right,you will turn left down into the Civitan Park boat dock.Arriving from Route 50 East (Clarksburg, WV)to Civitan Park• Follow Route 50 West toward Athens/ DowntownParkersburg.• Take Division St./Downtown exit off Route 50.• Turn right at the end of the ramp, toward downtownParkersburg (5th Street).• Stay on 5th Street through downtown and across thebridge into Belpre, OH.• At the end of the bridge, veer left onto WashingtonBoulevard.• Once on Washington Boulevard, go to the third red lightand turn left onto Lee Street.• Follow Lee Street until it ends.• Turn right onto Blennerhassett Avenue.• Once you pass the Belpre swimming pool on your right,you will turn left down into the Civitan Park boat dock.Arriving from Route 50 West (Athens, OH)to Civitan Park• Follow Route 50 East toward Belpre, OH.• Take Belpre exit and follow right hand lane to end oframp.• Turn right onto Main Street.• Stay on Main Street until you come to the next trafficlight.• Turn right onto Washington Boulevard.• Once on Washington Boulevard, go to the third red lightand turn left onto Lee Street.• Follow Lee Street until it ends.• Turn right onto Blennerhassett Avenue.• Once you pass the Belpre swimming pool on your right,you will turn left down into the Civitan Park boat dock.