Parkersburg history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Parkersburg is rooted in the late 18th century. The lands where the city is located today were originally granted to Captain Alexander Parker for his service during the American War of Independence. Although Parker himself did not manage to develop these territories, his heirs planned a settlement here in 1810, which was originally called Newport.

The city officially received its current name and status in 1820, when the Virginia charter was approved. The name was chosen in honour of Alexander Parker to memorialize the first landowner.

Key Development Factors

The rapid development of Parkersburg was driven by its exceptionally fortunate geographical location. The city emerged at the confluence of two significant rivers — the Ohio and the Little Kanawha. Key growth factors included:

• River Navigation: Location on the banks of the Ohio River made the city an important port and transit point for steamboats plying between Pittsburgh and the southern states.
• Gateway to the West: Parkersburg served as a key point for settlers and traders heading to settle the western territories.
• Transport Infrastructure: Later, the city's development was accelerated by the construction of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and the arrival of the railway, connecting it to the Atlantic coast.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first half of the 19th century, Parkersburg's economy was built around river trade, logging, and serving travellers. The city was a bustling trade hub where the paths of farmers, merchants, and adventurers crossed.

A special place in early history is occupied by the neighbouring Blennerhassett Island. The luxurious estate built there by Irish aristocrat Harman Blennerhassett became the centre of the region's social life, bringing elements of European culture and refinement to the harsh conditions of the American frontier.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1785 — Captain Alexander Parker receives land rights in this area as a reward for his service in the American War of Independence.
• 1810 — A settlement, originally named Newport, is officially planned at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers.
• 1820 — The city receives an official charter and is renamed Parkersburg in honour of its first landowner.
• 1847 — Completion of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, connecting the city with the central part of the state of Virginia.
• 1857 — Arrival of the first Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) railroad, turning Parkersburg into a key transport hub of the region.
• 1860 — Beginning of the oil boom in West Virginia, making the city an important centre for resource processing and transportation.
• 1863 — Parkersburg becomes part of the new 35th US state — West Virginia.
• 1913 — The city experiences a devastating flood, leading to the subsequent strengthening of the shoreline and levees.
• 1929 — Opening of the Parkersburg-Belpre Bridge, ensuring a reliable automotive crossing over the Ohio River.
• 1980 — Creation of a historical state park on Blennerhassett Island, giving a powerful impulse to tourism development.
• 1991 — Completion of the large-scale reconstruction of the famous Blennerhassett Mansion, recreated in its original form.
• 2005 — Opening of the renovated Point Park, which became the main venue for city festivals and concerts.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The evolution of Parkersburg is a journey from a small river port to an important industrial and cultural centre of the region. Each of the events listed below played a decisive role in shaping the modern appearance of the city.

• Railway Revolution (Mid-19th Century). The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad line to the Ohio River turned the city into a strategic transport hub. This event connected the East Coast with the Midwest, ensuring a powerful influx of goods and settlers.
• Oil Breakthrough (1860s). The discovery of oil fields in nearby Burning Springs made Parkersburg a centre for processing and transporting "black gold". Capital inflow from the oil trade allowed for the financing of large-scale urban construction and infrastructure development.
• Architectural Flourishing (Late 19th Century). On the wave of economic rise, the historic Julia-Ann Square district was formed. The construction of luxurious Victorian-style mansions set high urban planning standards and created a unique cultural heritage that is valued to this day.
• Industrialisation (Early 20th Century). The appearance of large production facilities, including glass factories and rayon manufacturing plants, diversified the economy. This ensured stable employment for the population and a transition from a purely trading to a manufacturing development model.
• Construction of Flood Defence System. After devastating floods in the first half of the 20th century, the erection of a concrete floodwall radically changed the waterfront landscape. This engineering solution secured the downtown business district, allowing for the safe development of business and housing near the river.
• Integration into the Highway Network (Second Half of 20th Century). Connecting to the I-77 interstate highway shifted the logistics vector from rivers and railways to road transport. This stimulated commercial development on the outskirts and simplified tourist access to the city.
• Cultural Revitalisation (Late 20th — Early 21st Century). The restoration of historical heritage, including Blennerhassett Island and vintage hotels, as well as the reconstruction of Point Park, marked a turn towards the experience economy. The city reimagined its historical assets, placing a bet on tourism and hosting festivals.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban development of Parkersburg is inextricably linked with its industrial past and location by the river. The layout of the historic centre represents a classic orthogonal street grid for American cities, oriented towards the Ohio River embankment. The wealth that came to the city with the oil and gas boom of the late 19th century was reflected in the luxurious construction of residential and administrative quarters, turning Parkersburg into a showcase of architectural achievements of that time.

Main Styles and Historical Eras

The city's architecture serves as a visual chronicle of its economic prosperity. Several key directions corresponding to different stages of development can be highlighted:

• Victorian Eclecticism (Second Half of 19th Century). The period of the city's highest flourishing. Residential development is dominated by Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Italianate styles. They are characterised by asymmetry, complex roof forms, corner turrets, decorative wood carving, and spacious verandas.
• Richardson Romanesque (Turn of 19th–20th Centuries). This style, distinguished by massiveness, the use of rough stone, and wide arches, was often used for public and commercial buildings, symbolising reliability and financial power.
• Collegiate Gothic and Tudor (Early 20th Century). Manifested primarily in educational and religious institutions. The style refers to the medieval European tradition, using lancet windows and brickwork with stone decor.
• Neoclassicism (First Half of 20th Century). The style of banks and government institutions, inspired by antiquity. It is characterised by strict proportions, colonnades, and monumentality.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The unique appearance of Parkersburg is formed by several key objects and ensembles preserved to this day:

• Julia-Ann Square Historic District. An elite residential quarter where the mansions of oil tycoons and politicians of the late 19th century are concentrated. This is one of the most significant historic districts in West Virginia, representing an open-air museum of Victorian architecture.
• Wood County Courthouse. A magnificent example of the Neo-Romanesque style, built in 1899. The building with a high tower and sandstone facade is decorated with intricate carving and is the architectural dominant of the city centre.
• Blennerhassett Hotel. Opened in 1889, this hotel combines features of the Queen Anne style and Romanesque Revival. Its red brick facade and luxurious interiors are reminiscent of the "Golden Age" of the gas boom.
• Parkersburg High School. A monumental building from 1917, executed in the Tudor style (Gothic Revival). The school is known for its scale and architectural expressiveness, atypical for ordinary educational institutions of that time.

Prominent Figures of Parkersburg

The history of Parkersburg is inextricably linked with the names of people who not only shaped the appearance of the city but also left a noticeable mark on the history of the state and the entire country. From politicians who stood at the origins of West Virginia's statehood to modern cultural figures — these persons are the pride of the region.

• Harman Blennerhassett (1764–1831)
  Aristocrat, lawyer, and landowner.
  A wealthy Irish emigrant who built a luxurious estate on an island near the city, which became the centre of frontier social life. Known for his role in the alleged Aaron Burr conspiracy, making his name part of US national history. His legacy is immortalised in the name of the island and the historical park.
• Arthur Ingram Boreman (1823–1896)
  First Governor of West Virginia.
  A key figure in the process of separating West Virginia from Virginia. Boreman lived and worked in Parkersburg for a long time, and after finishing his political career, he returned to legal practice in the city. He is buried at the local Riverview Cemetery.
• Peter Godwin Van Winkle (1808–1872)
  US Senator and one of the state founders.
  Played a decisive role in writing the first constitution of West Virginia. At the national level, he went down in history as one of seven Republicans who voted against the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, which cost him his political career but demonstrated his principles.
• Johnson Newlon Camden (1828–1908)
  Industrialist, oil tycoon, and US Senator.
  One of the pioneers of the oil industry and railway development in the region. His entrepreneurial activity contributed to turning Parkersburg into an industrial centre in the late 19th century.
• Paul Dooley (born 1928)
  Actor, screenwriter, and comedian.
  A Parkersburg native who achieved success in Hollywood. Known for roles in cult films such as "Breaking Away" and "Sixteen Candles", as well as voice work in animated films (for example, the character Sarge in the movie "Cars").
• Morgan Spurlock (1970–2024)
  Documentary filmmaker and producer.
  Born and raised in Parkersburg. Gained world fame thanks to the documentary film "Super Size Me", which was nominated for an Academy Award ("Oscar") and raised important questions about food culture.