By 
Come enjoy the timeless appeal of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
This story was originally published in the September 2024 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Mason Jack
photographed by Carla Witt Ford
Rising out of the serene, ancient waters of the Ohio River, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a captivating haven that beckons visitors with its lush landscapes, storied past, and unique events. This jewel of West Virginia offers a satisfying blend of natural wonder and rich historical significance. Visitors to the island are transported through time, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of modern life and stepping into a bygone era.
The island’s towering trees and tranquil atmosphere create a serene natural escape that invites exploration and contemplation. History lovers will rejoice at the immersive period dress of the volunteers who walk the island. Captivating storytelling sessions and interpretive signage across Blennerhassett Island bring the past vividly to life. Throughout the year, events are curated to further the sense of historical significance, culminating in the October weekend in which the mansion is lit by candlelight and visitors experience a night on the island as it used to be. These events provide opportunities to connect with the island’s fascinating history and culture.
Rife with History
Blennerhassett Island is steeped in a rich history that intertwines with the lives of some of America’s most prominent historical figures. Before the island was named after the Blennerhassett family, it served as a refuge and home to Native Americans. Artifacts discovered on the island suggest human activity dating back 13,000 years. After the Northwest Ordinance was passed in 1787, settlers began flocking to the newly established territory, and it became the very edge of the frontier of the young United States. A host of familiar names have set foot on or sailed past the island, including George Washington, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and even Johnny Appleseed, to name just a few.
The most famous history surrounding the 381-acre island is a tapestry of ambition, romance, and scandal. It all began in the late 18th century when Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy Irish aristocrat, and his wife, Margaret, arrived in Marietta, Ohio, in 1797 and started searching for a place to lay down roots. They settled on the upper section of the island a year later and started planning the layout of their estate with the help of renowned architect Joseph Barker. At a time when most inhabitants of the Ohio Valley lived in log homes, they constructed a grand Palladian mansion—the style of George Washington’s Mount Vernon—completed in 1800.
“In such a wilderness setting it seemed at first sight totally incongruous and unreal, as did its owners, who, in a land where everyone worked exceedingly hard of necessity, did nothing but whatever suited their pleasures,” noted the late, great historian David McCullough in his 2019 book The Pioneers. The Blennerhassett residence soon became the center of social and cultural life in the region. Some called it “the enchanted island,” “Eden,” or “an earthly paradise.” The mansion, renowned for its architectural beauty and exquisite gardens, was a testament to the couple’s refined taste and love for the finer things in life.
However, the Blennerhassetts’ idyllic existence would prove to be short-lived. In 1805, the island became entangled in the infamous Burr Conspiracy. Former Vice President Aaron Burr sought to establish an independent empire in the western territories of the United States, and he found a gullible and wealthy ally in Harman Blennerhassett. The plot was ultimately foiled, leading to condemnation from President Thomas Jefferson and the arrest and ruin of both men’s careers. The mansion was ransacked and burned in 1811, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and intrigue that lingers on the island to this day.
In the mid-1970s, as bicentennial fever took hold of the country, efforts began to preserve the island’s infamous history and natural beauty. The state Legislature of West Virginia recognized the site’s significance and created the Blennerhassett Historical State Commission to study it. Archaeologists rediscovered the mansion’s foundations soon after, and the state implemented plans to recreate it. In 1980, Blennerhassett Island was opened to the public, but it wasn’t until 1989 that it was officially designated a historical state park. On West Virginia Day in 1984, Governor Jay Rockefeller, wielding a golden shovel, struck the earth where the mansion would be reconstructed, and work began. A faithful reconstruction of the original mansion was completed in 1991 through meticulous research and craftsmanship.
During the reconstruction of the mansion, a museum bearing the Blennerhassett name was also established and opened in downtown Parkersburg. The museum displays many artifacts that illustrate local history, including ancient arrowheads and tools used by the island’s native inhabitants, items related to the Blennerhassetts and their history, and more. Unlike the island, the museum is open year-round for visitors.
The establishment of the historical site and museum motivated the creation of other museums and restoration projects throughout the valley. This includes the nearby Oil and Gas Museum, Henderson Hall, and other important historical locations.
Island Fun
Today, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park offers diverse activities and attractions catering to visitors of all ages and interests. The journey to the island is an adventure, with a red and white sternwheeler transporting guests from Point Park on the river’s edge in Parkersburg to and back from the island. I was lucky to visit the island on a beautiful summer day aboard the Island Belle. As I disembarked, I was greeted by the island’s unique beauty of towering black walnut trees and manicured lawns and the majesty of the recreated mansion.
For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, the island offers several trails that weave through its scenic landscapes. You can walk along these yourself, rent a bike, or catch a horse-drawn carriage ride with knowledgeable guides who tell stories of bygone times. Interpretive signs and markers along the trails offer insights into the island’s past and the flora and fauna that call it home. Pack a picnic, and enjoy the well-maintained picnic areas set amidst the island’s lush greenery.
The mansion itself is majestic. It was the place I most wanted to see and tour. Guides dressed in period attire led my group through the elegantly furnished rooms, sharing stories of the Blennerhassett family, their illustrious guests, and the dramatic events that unfolded on the grounds. The mansion’s interior is a stunning recreation of early 1800s opulence, featuring fine antiques, period decorations, and intricate architectural details that place you inside the lives of the Blennerhassetts.
One of the tour’s highlights was seeing some of the actual pieces that were taken out of the building before it burned down in 1811. These precious artifacts, carefully preserved and displayed with red ribbons attached, added to the sense of realism and history the tour achieves. As we explored the mansion’s many rooms, I couldn’t help but feel closer to the events that took place there. The entire residence evoked images of lavish parties and elegant dances, especially the second floor of the main building, where our guide played an old tune on a hammered dulcimer, filling the mansion with sounds like those heard centuries ago.
The music I enjoyed during my tour was just a tiny teaser for the island’s grandest event, held in October. For two nights during the second weekend of the month, the island hosts Mansion by Candlelight, transforming the entire island and mansion into an 18th-century party. Electricity is replaced by the warm glow of hundreds of candles and lanterns, creating a magical ambience. Within the mansion, actors bring Harman and Margaret to life as they host a lively evening soirée. Step inside and be transported back in time, surrounded by the sounds of period music, the sight of elegant dances, and guests engaged in card games of the era. It’s a complete immersion into the social scene of early 19th-century America.
Your ticket to this enchanting evening includes more than just a tour of the mansion and a sternwheeler ride. You’ll also enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and a unique “harvest supper” served picnic-style. The menu features delectable dishes like apple and rosemary roasted turkey, fresh snap beans with shallots, and, for dessert, black walnut tarts, pumpkin tarts, and fruitcakes. After indulging in the feast, join in around a bonfire, dancing and listening to bluegrass music. Witness historic demonstrations of apple butter making and blacksmithing. And as the fire crackles, gather around for spooky tales and island folklore.
See It for Yourself
It’s gratifying seeing thousands upon thousands of people visit each year, says Craig Pyles, park superintendent. “My favorite part of the park is meeting our patrons and seeing the enjoyment on their faces as they explore the island.”
It’s clear that Blennerhassett Island is more than just a destination; it’s a journey into the past, a place where history comes alive and nature’s beauty is ever-present. Whether you are a history buff eager to delve into the tales of the Blennerhassett family, a nature enthusiast looking to explore the scenic trails on one of the larger islands in the Ohio River, or simply someone seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park has something to offer you.
When you visit the park, you are not just exploring a piece of West Virginia’s history; you are becoming part of a tradition that celebrates and preserves the rich tapestry of our past. Make plans to visit at WVstateparks.com, and let the island’s beauty and history leave an indelible mark.
By 
