Greater Parkersburg is home to several fascinating museums and historical attractions. Immerse yourself in history, from the captivating tales of Blennerhassett Island to the remnants of the ghost town Volcano, WV. Here are 10 must-see historical attractions to add to your itinerary during your visit.

1. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

Take a ride on our sternwheel boat, the Island Belle, across the Ohio River to Blennerhassett Island — an island with a dramatic past and scandalous backstory. The Blennerhassetts are a family of Irish aristocrats who settled on the island in 1798. After living on the island for six years, misfortune came in the form of former Vice President, Aaron Burr. After his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton, Burr sought refuge on the island and quickly befriended Harman Blennerhassett. Eventually, their correspondence took a turn for the worse — a plot to commit treason and insurrection began to form.

2. Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History

Before setting off on your voyage, stop by the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. The Blennerhassett Museum is a three-story museum focused on the history of the Blennerhassett Family and the history of the Mid-Ohio Valley region. Peruse local artifacts and get a great background on Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett before visiting the Island. The museum also has a gift shop full of items by regional artisans. You can purchase tickets for the sternwheel ride to the Island as well as for activities including the guided mansion tour and horse-drawn carriage ride.

3. Volcano Museum

Located in Mountwood Park, the Volcano Museum highlights the history of the oil boom town of Volcano, the history of the oil and gas industry in the 1800s and how the endless cable system was the newest technology of the time. Volcano’s story is a fascinating part of Wood County’s history. The museum features intricately crafted displays of oil machinery and even some of the real oil produced in Volcano!

4. Henderson Hall Plantation

Henderson Hall is a historic house museum located just 20 minutes outside of downtown Parkersburg. This 8,000 sq ft home belonged to the Henderson family, of which Scottish-born Alexander Henderson Sr. who purchased 25,000 acres of land on the advice of his friend George Washington. Henderson brothers Alexander and John played a key role in thwarting the treasonous exploits of Aaron Burr. The brothers turned in Harman Blennerhassett and Burr when Blennerhassett tried to recruit the Henderson’s to become part of Burr’s scheme. Generations of the Hendersons lived in the hall, and the home contains countless priceless artifacts, antiques, furnishings, handmade linens, books dating back to the 1600s, the original signed land deed, a letter written by Robert E. Lee and more.

5. Oil & Gas Museum

It’s a lot more than just oil & gas! The Oil & Gas Museum located in downtown Parkersburg offers its visitors a wealth of information on its two floors. The museum highlights the history and present-day impact of oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin, the largest reserve of oil and gas in the world! The museum also features exhibits on the Civil War and other industries, including shovels used during North and South Pole expeditions!

6. Julia-Ann Square Historic District

Walk through the halls of resplendent Victorian residences belonging to some of the most influential figures in West Virginia’s history at the Julia-Ann Square Historic District — a collection of more than 120 homes dating from 1850 to 1910. Visit during the holidays for a special Christmas tour or take a walking tour through the historic district any time you’d like.

7. The Phelps-Tavenner House

Where Wood County was. Built around 1798, the Phelps-Tavenner house is the oldest house in Wood County and the first Wood County courthouse. The house was built by Hugh Phelps, the colonel of the militia in 1806. It would have been at this house where Phelps received orders from President Jefferson to arrest Harman Blennerhassett! The Phelps-Tavenner House also acts as a research center for local and family history with information on over 450 families from the area.

8. The Blennerhassett Hotel

Opened in 1889, the Blennerhassett Hotel is a full-service Victorian-style boutique hotel with 82 guest rooms. Enjoy a high-class restaurant serving a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s luxurious MediSpa offers its customers a full range of spa amenities. You can also enjoy a guided historic hotel tour during your stay.

9. The North End Tavern & Brewery

1899. That’s the year the North End Tavern (NET) opened, making it the oldest restaurant in the state of West Virginia. The NET is the perfect place to top off your historical adventure here in Parkersburg. Enjoy delicious pub fare and hand-crafted beer from their on-site craft brewery. Make sure to try their legendary NET burger with their award-winning amber ale, Roedy’s Red, during your visit.

10. The Weeping Woman Statue

Graveyards are one of the most historically rich locations in the world. Riverview cemetery in Parkersburg, WV is now home to governors, congressmen, Civil War senators and even relatives to famed Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. The Weeping Woman is a statue located in Riverview cemetery that holds a scroll that reads “In the silence and to thee, JACKSON.” This status has been a focal point for ghost hunters, lore seekers and wishful thinkers. It’s not uncommon to find offerings on her stone headrest, everything from flowers to coins to wine. Some believe she is capable of granting wishes, good luck and fertility.