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History,
Entertainment & Adventure |
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measured by the river that runs through them, downtown Marietta and downtown
Parkersburg lie just a little over 13 miles apart. But make the distance
between them the circumference of a small circle, and you'll find an entire
bountiful world of unique memorable experiences, rich in history and natural
beauty. Visitors discover interesting shops for the whole family, quiet
wooded byways in which to relax, wonderful new dining opportunities, and a
wealth of well-preserved antiquities, proudly displayed by area residents who
cherish their roots and these towns that they call home.
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 Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park The Jonathan Stone House and The Sawyer-Curtis House, two major Underground Railroad stations more than 150 years ago that remain beautifully preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places today. Parkersburg, too, continues to bear noteworthy reminders of visitors drawn to its landscape over the centuries. In 1798, Harman Blennerhassett, a rich Irish aristocrat, constructed an opulent mansion on a wilderness island here, complete with such exquisite details as alabaster lamps and porcelain from Paris. The magnificent residence-once considered one of the most luxurious estates in the United States burned down in 1811. However, the estate was recreated, and it is now a popular feature at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, along with such fun activities as horse-drawn wagon rides and a variety of special events throughout the year. |
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Regardless of
where visitors to the Mid-Ohio Valley region choose to spend the
afternoon, they'll undoubtedly find places filled with historic
significance - not to mention, residents who have a knack for imparting
that history in an educational and entertaining manner. As the
oldest established town in Ohio, Marietta was the gateway to the Northwest
Territory, and thus became well known as a stopping place for migrants
throughout the centuries - most dramatically, slaves escaping to freedom
via the Underground Railroad. Today, history buffs revel in the
countless noteworthy sites sprinkled across Marietta/Washington County's
landscape, including