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 |
Welcome to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park! This special place is located on Blennerhassett Island, a small island in the Ohio River. You can find it in Wood County, West Virginia, in the United States.
This island was once home to a grand mansion owned by a man named Harman Blennerhassett. He and his wife, Margaret Agnew Blennerhassett, were part of a big, secret plan with Aaron Burr. The original mansion sadly burned down in 1811.
But don't worry! A detailed copy of the mansion was built in the 1980s. It stands on the same spot where the first one was. You can even take a tour inside this amazing replica today. The Blennerhassett Mansion is built in a style called Federal architecture, with some fancy Palladian touches.
To reach this exciting park, you get to ride a special boat! It's a sternwheeler riverboat that leaves from Point Park in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The boat ride is a fun adventure itself, taking about 20 minutes to get to the island.
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Discover the Blennerhassett Museum
The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is a great place to visit. It works closely with the state park. You can find the museum just two blocks from where the riverboat docks. It's at the corner of 2nd and Juliana Streets.
What You'll See at the Museum
The museum has many cool exhibits about the history of west and central West Virginia. You can see old household items, beautiful art, and clothing from long ago. There are also amazing prehistoric Native American tools, jewelry, and weapons. It's like stepping back in time! You need a separate ticket to enter the museum.
Fun Things to Do on the Island
Blennerhassett Island offers lots of exciting activities for visitors. It's a perfect spot for a day of exploration and fun.
- Carriage Rides: Enjoy a relaxing ride around the island in a horsedrawn carriage. It's a charming way to see the sights.
- Putnam-Houser House: Explore a restored house from 1802. It shows what life was like over 200 years ago.
- Gift Shop: Find unique souvenirs and gifts to remember your visit.
- Picnic Shelters: Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
- Bicycle Rentals: Rent a bike and cycle around the island's paths. It's a great way to get some exercise.
- Hiking: Take a walk on the island's trails and enjoy nature.
Easy to Visit for Everyone
The park wants everyone to have a great time. In 2005, West Virginia University checked how easy it was for people with disabilities to visit. They found that the park's facilities are "accessible." This means they meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the park.
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
More to Explore
- Blennerhassett Island Bridge
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wood County, West Virginia
- List of West Virginia state parks
