Blennerhassett Island State Park
Description
Blennerhassett Island State Park is a legendary historic site. The splendor of America's frontier is reflected in the beauty of Blennerhassett Island. The exciting history behind Blennerhassett Island State Park began in 1798 when Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, exiled Irish aristocrats, arrived to make their home on the upper end of the Island. In an area where most people lived in crude one- or two-room log cabins, the Blennerhassetts, by 1800, had erected a mansion which was considered the most beautiful home west of the Alleghenies. People called their estate a paradise in the wilderness; but it was a tragically short-lived one. Harman and Margaret became entangled in the ill-fated Aaron Burr Expedition to the Southwest (1805-1807), which some, but not all, historians have labeled as treasonous. In December 1806, the local Virginia militia invaded the Island, causing the Blennerhassetts to flee. During the 1807 Burr treason trial in Richmond, Virginia (during which Blennerhassett was confined in the penitentiary), Blennerhassett Island became a nationally known spot and was to retain this fame for over a century. After the trial, the Blennerhassetts moved to a Mississippi cotton plantation name “La Cache,” where they eventually lost what was left of their once large fortune. After living in Canada and then returning to England, they finally died in poverty. Their splendid island mansion had accidentally burned to the ground on March 3, 1811.
The most exciting chapter of its history having passed, Blennerhassett Island led a sleepy existence through the remainder of the 19th century. During the 1920s, the suggestion was first broached to convert the Island into a West Virginia state park. Although the various plans to do this always failed, the idea itself survived until it finally achieved success in the 1970s. Much of the upper portion of the Island was cleared of its jungle of weeds in the fall of 1979 in preparation for its being opened as a public park. This park admitted its first visitors on July 27, 1980. Due to public demand, the state of West Virginia decided to rebuild the legendary Blennerhassett mansion. The exterior of the house was reconstructed in 1984 and 1985 on top of the original foundation. Work on finishing the mansion interior went along slowly. The kitchen wing was opened to the public in April 1987 and is considered one of the most completely furnished 18th-century kitchens in the United States. The north wing interior was furnished in 1990 and was opened to visitors on October 6th of that year. The final completion of the mansion’s reconstruction was achieved the spring of 1991. The house was then opened to the public on July 4, 1991.
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facebook.comAn absolutely beautiful Spring day on Blennerhassett Island! Only two weeks left before the Island opens on May 1, 2018. Come visit this year and enjoy this special place. Call 304-420-4800 for details.
The Annual Give Local MOV is fast approaching and is scheduled for May 1, 2018! This is a day when you can show your favorite non-profits some love by making online donations. Supporters make a secure, online donation through www.GiveLocalMOV.org to their nonprofit(s) of choice. Donations of up to $100 are matched so your contribution counts even more on that day. So if you were thinking of helping to sponsor events and improvements to the Blennerhassett Island then please consider donating that day especially, as your money goes a long way to helping the Blennerhassett Foundation assist the Park in many ways.
Blennerhassett Mansion is nearly ready for Visitors. Less than thirty days until we open May 1, 2018! Spring will start budding out soon all over the Island and be a welcome sight to all. Call 304-420-4800 to plan your visit soon.
Sending Good Wishes for a wonderful Easter to all our Friends, Visitors and Families. A vintage Ellen Clapsaddle Postcard from the turn of the Last century expresses it well still today. The Museum will be closed Sunday, April 1, 2018 in observance of the Holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 3 at 11:00 am. Call 304-420-4800 for information on the Museum or the upcoming Season on the Island which begins May 1st.
Snowfall blankets Blennerhassett Island today as the crew moves to indoor preparations for the Season. The sun will return tomorrow and outdoor work will resume. This special place is beautiful in all seasons! May 1, 2018 we will be ready to welcome visitors. Come stroll the Island this year! Call 304-420-4800 for information.
Another Beautiful day on Blennerhassett Island! Maintenance crew and Caretaker busy cleaning up debris from the floodwaters and preparing for the new Season that is only six weeks away! May 1st is opening day and getting very near. Plan a visit to the Island soon!
The Winner of this years People Choice Award in the Quilt Show is Deborah Davis for her stunning Quilt 'Breath of Springtime Bike'. It is a whimsical Quilt that has appliqués bicycle, flowers and baskets, and 1930s prints in the wheels. It is a longarm-free motion Quilt. Congratulations on being the people's favorite! With that Our Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt show has come to a close. Thank you to everyone who came to view the exhibit, to the volunteers and Quilt Committee that put it all together, and all the Quilting Artisans that created these works of art. See you next Spring for the show when the 2019 theme is 'Cabin Fever'. Next Year show dates are March 9 -17, 2019 so start getting those Quilts ready! Thanks to all!
It's predicted to be a chilly weekend but luckily the forecast in the Blennerhassett Museum is warm and comfy. Come enjoy the warmth and comfort of a locally crafted Quilt at the Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show! This weekend is your last chance to view these incredible quilts from 11am until 5pm through Sunday, March 18th. Call 304-420-4800 for details. Located at 137 Juliana Street in Downtown Parkersburg.
Sun setting over Blennerhassett Island this evening as another day of clean-up and preparation for the new Season continues. Come visit the Island this year from May 1st through October 28, 2018 and enjoy a peaceful relaxing escape. Call 304-420-4800 for details.
Visit the Blennerhassett Museum to see these beautiful works of art and craftsmanship in person. Every day through March 18, 2018 from 11:00am until 5:00 pm at 137 Juliana Street in Downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia. Call 304-420-4800 for details.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show is up and running today through March 18, every day (including Monday) from 11:00 am until 5:00pm. Come and see these beautiful quilts lovingly created by local crafters. Shown is Susie Franks standing in front of 'Diamonds Jubilee' her quilt that was judged Best Of Show for 2018. Call 304-420-4800 for information.
It is almost here! The 14th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show will be on display beginning tomorrow, March 10 through 18, 2018 at the Blennerhassett Museum from 11am until 5pm every day. We will also be open Monday the 12th for folks to enjoy the Quilt display! Themed category this year is Spread Your Wings, All things that Fly and these will be shown along with our regular categoried Quilts. This is a most beautiful time to visit the Museum and enjoy browsing these one-of-a-kind Quilts displayed throughout the regular Museum exhibits. For information please contact the Blennerhassett Museum at 304-420-4800. 137 Juliana Street in downtown Parkersurg, WV.
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