Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park |
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Reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, 2008
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 Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Wood, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 511 acres (207 ha) |
| Elevation | 575 ft (175 m) |
| Website | |
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Blennerhassett Island Historic District
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| Nearest city | Parkersburg, West Virginia |
| Area | 508.6 acres (205.8 ha) |
| Built | 1799 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001294 |
| Added to NRHP | September 7, 1972 |
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a special state park found on Blennerhassett Island. This small island is in the Ohio River, located in Wood County, West Virginia, USA. The park is famous for being the home of a grand mansion.
This mansion belonged to Harman Blennerhassett and his wife Margaret Agnew Blennerhassett. It was built in a style called Palladian, which means it had a very balanced and grand design. Sadly, the original mansion burned down in 1811. However, a detailed copy of the mansion was built in the 1980s. You can visit and tour this amazing replica today!
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Visiting Blennerhassett Island
To reach Blennerhassett Island, you take a fun ride on a sternwheeler riverboat. The boat leaves from Point Park in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The riverboat trip takes about 20 minutes to get to the island. It's a great way to start your adventure!
What Can You Do on the Island?
Once you arrive, there are many exciting things to explore. You can step back in time and imagine life long ago. The island offers a unique look into history.
- Take a ride on a horsedrawn carriage.
- Visit the restored Putnam-Houser House, built in 1802.
- Browse for souvenirs at the gift shop.
- Enjoy a meal at the picnic shelters.
- Rent bicycles to explore the island.
- Go for a hike on the island's trails.
Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History
Before or after your island visit, you can explore the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. This museum works with the state park. It's located just two blocks from where the riverboat docks in Parkersburg.
What's Inside the Museum?
The museum shows the history of west and central West Virginia. You can see many interesting items from the past. These include old furniture, art, and clothing. There are also tools, jewelry, and weapons used by Native Americans long ago. The museum helps you understand what life was like in this region.
Accessibility for Visitors
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park wants everyone to enjoy their visit. In 2005, West Virginia University checked the park's facilities. They found that the park is "accessible" for people with disabilities. This means it meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Images for kids
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Drawing of the Blennerhassett home, circa 1800.
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North end of Blennerhassett Island
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Drawing from Appleton's Cyclopædia of American Biography
