Parkersburg, WV

Parkersburg is a city in northwestern West Virginia and the seat of Wood County. It is the largest population center in the area and the third-largest city in West Virginia. Geographically, the city is defined by the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, which meet within the city's borders. The Kanawha River divides the city into northern and southern sections. Parkersburg was a major regional transportation hub in the 19th century; today, it's best known for several popular tourist attractions and museums.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Parkersburg is home to several notable enterprises. The Fenton Art Glass Co. has operated in the city for more than 100 years. Tourism is another key factor in the city's economic life. The city's Grand Central Mall is a major area employer. In addition, West Virginia University Regional Campus serves as an important economic stimulus for the area.

Parkersburg is sometimes called the "Savings Bond Capital of America." Since 1957, when the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Public Debt was moved to Parkersburg, every U.S. Savings Bond bought or redeemed has passed through the office for processing.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

All of the population in Parkersburg is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Parkersburg accommodate around 16,000 houses, out of which more than 14,400 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 9,000 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 5,500 houses.

The major neighborhoods in the north Parkersburg include Downtown, Fairview Heights, Worthington, East End, Granada Hills, Julia-Ann Square, Meadowcrest, Oakwood Estates, Quincy Hill, Beechwood, Woodland Park, Riverside and North End. Neighborhoods in southern Parkersburg include Marrtown, Washington, Larkmead, Tavennerville and Pettyville.

BEST BETS

• Julia-Ann Square Historic District: Once the center of upper-class life in the city, the Julia-Ann Square Historic District includes 125 buildings that together constitute a stunning collection of Victorian architecture in such styles as Second Empire and Queen Anne. The neighborhood has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• George Avery Historic District: This neighborhood has historically been home to the city's black population and retains a number of interesting sites and buildings dating back to the mid-19th century. The most significant of these is the free school established by town residents for black children in 1862. Today, the original gymnasium serves as the Sumnerite African-American History Museum, which houses extensive records relating to the area's black history and also features a number of intriguing artifacts from the Civil War era.

• Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: Blennerhassett Island, located in the Ohio River, possesses more than its fair share of history, as excavations in the area have revealed Indian settlements dating back 11,000 years. More recently, the island was home to a pair of exiled Irish aristocrats who built a mansion here in the late 18th century. The two Blennerhassetts have a place in history because of an incident in which they permitted former vice president Aaron Burr to use the island as a jumping-off point for an unorthodox expedition to the southwest. Eventually, Burr was accused of attempting to break off a portion of the United States for himself and was accused of conspiracy against the government, as were the Blennerhassetts, who found themselves in the midst of an invasion of the island by a U.S. militia. Though the mansion burned down shortly after the incident, a replica has been built in its place and is open to tours. The island is accessible by way of a 20-minute riverboat ride.

• Fenton Art Glass Co.: Fenton Art Glass Co. is perhaps one of the best places in the United States to learn about the glass-making process. The famed facility has been producing handmade art glass using traditional techniques since it was founded over a century ago. Award-winning 45-minute factory tours allow visitors a perspective on the ancient process by which art glass is produced and painted. A museum is stocked with classic art pieces of the past and a gift shop ensures that visitors need not go away empty-handed.

• Grand Central Mall: Parkersburg's key commercial center caters to the region's shopping needs with over 100 retailers and a 12-screen movie theater.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Smoot Theatre: Founded in 1926, Smoot originally served as a vaudeville house, until it was purchased in 1930 by Warner Brothers and converted to a movie theater. Since 1989, the building has been partially restored to its original condition, and today it plays host to a variety of events ranging from musical performances of every genre to lectures, seminars, and theatrical productions.

• Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History: Located next to the riverboat landing by which visitors may access Blennerhassett Island, the Blennerhassett Museum focuses on the life and history of colonial West Virginia as well the pre-Columbian peoples who originally lived in the area. Artifacts, documents, and other items of interest are displayed for viewing.

• Oil and Gas Museum: Located in a handsome 19th-century building in scenic downtown Parkersburg, the Oil and Gas Museum covers the industry as a whole but with particular attention to its historical development in the surrounding region. Outside the building, visitors can examine classic oilrigs. Inside the building, the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits detailing the peculiarities of the energy trade and its impact on the lives of West Virginians. In addition to its educational programs, the museum is also active in restoring old rigs and equipment.