PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – A short sternwheel ride across the Ohio River takes visitors on a journey back in time. Just 20 minutes from downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia, Blennerhassett Island welcomes nearly 40,000 visitors each year to explore its rich history and scenic landscape.
Built in 1789 by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, the reconstructed mansion and the 300 acres surrounding it offer a glimpse into early American life. Adra Johnson, a docent for Blennerhassett Mansion, said the island’s story stretches far beyond the couple who once lived there.
“It really is an underrated piece of history to have had so many notable figures on the island, and not only on the island but in Parkersburg,” Johnson said. “Parkersburg is home to the first two governors in West Virginia, as well as the first state senator. There really is a lot that went on here that is left to uncover more than 300 years later.”
More than 200 years ago, the island was home to one of America’s most talked-about couples. Today, their legacy lives on through tours, educational programs and special events like the annual Mansion Candlelight Evening, which took place on October 10 and 11 this year. The event features food, music and storytelling inspired by the island’s past.
The Blennerhassett's House sites on 300 acres. Credit: Jerenie Sands/WVU Reed School of Media
Blennerhassett Island has long been a site of wealth and intrigue. In 1805, it served as the headquarters for Aaron Burr’s military expedition, a place he hid after he assassinated Alexander Hamilton and planned an overthrow of the United States government – and became tied to one of America’s earliest political scandals.
Now, the island offers visitors a peaceful escape from the pace of city life.
“We are an island in the middle of the Ohio River, and there is just a feeling, it’s peaceful, and time slows down a little bit when you’re here,” Chris Pyles, superintendent of Blennerhassett Island, said. “It’s just a place to unwind and get away from civilization for a while when you’re smack dab still in the middle of it.”
Pyles said the island continues to attract explorers, historians and travelers who want to experience a piece of West Virginia’s early history one boat ride at a time.
This article was adapted from a television news story using AI. All reporting, facts and quotes from sources are original. AI was only used to assist with formatting and style for a digital platform.