Opening in 1889 during the "Gaslight Era," this hotel became the center of Parkersburg society during and after the region's oil and gas boom. The hotel, nearby island, and several other places in the city were named in honor of the famous Blennerhassett family. The family were local power brokers who captured the nation's attention after their association with then Vice President Aaron Burr and his attempt to capture the American West. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and a full restoration took place in 1986.
This museum in downtown Parkersburg offers a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and documents related to the history of the oil and gas industry in the region and beyond. The museum also includes a replica of an old oilfield office. It is a blast from the past when walking inside this old building, which dates back to 1900 after the original building was destroyed by fire. The grounds of the museum include a collection of different engines and machinery dating back to West Virginia's first oil boom.
The State of West Virginia created the North Bend Rail Trail from 150-year-old rail road tracks in 1996 to create “one of the most renowned recreational trails through the Appalachians.” This trail showcases the great historical highlights of the area including old buildings, factories, small Appalachian towns, and ghost tunnels. Today, visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses along this 72 mile trail across the state.
This local retail establishment opened in 1908 as Hunt and Berdine's Five and Dime. The business was established by K.C. Berdine and his brother, Lafayette Hunt, who left the business in 1909. The store was first located at corner of Court and Main Street from 1908 to 1915, when K. C. Berdine purchased the present lot and built this building to expand his business, which he renamed "Burdine's Variety Store." Once common in big and small cities alike, few locally-owned five and dime stores have survived to the present. The store includes its original antique confection counter, oak shelves and counters, and tin ceilings.
The Old Stone House and Museum, sometimes referred to as the Webster-Martin-Ireland House, was built in 1810 and served as an inn and boarding house for over a century. The many additions and renovations done to the home over the years give it features from a variety of time periods and styles. After the formation of Ritchie County in 1843, the inn sometimes served as the site of early court meetings. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s.
The Pennsboro B&O Train Depot was built in 1883 and was in use until the late 1960s. Pennsboro, WV was once a central location on the Parkersburg Branch of the B&O Railroad. The line contributed to the economic development of the town until its decline after the Great Depression. The depot closed in 1974, and in 1990 a group fought to save the property from possible demolition. It now serves as a local cultural and historical center and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Located in front of the Doddridge County Court House, in West Union, WV, stands a memorial, hand made in part, to all those persons who have served in the wars of the United States and were from the county of Doddridge, WV.
Built from the bricks of the Doddridge County Courthouse which burnt down in 1898, the Silas P. Smith Opera house was created in 1900. Silas P. Smith was a town staple. He served as postmaster, mayor and publisher of the local newspaper and was very influential in the town. Once the building was built, it was adorned with large bay windows and arches the building shows the architecture of the time. When opened, the opera house was a prominent in West Union. Acts would come in and out bringing with them tourism to the small town. Several decades later, the house was bought by the town and turned into the Doddridge County Public Library in 1965. Since 2015, due to the relocation of the county library, the building has been used as office buildings while the Doddridge County Courthouse gets a renovation.
Fort New Salem is a living history museum located in Salem, West Virginia. This eight-acre outdoor museum consists of a collection of 18 log structures intended to take visitors back into the 19th century Appalachian frontier. The museum provides glimpses into the crafts, lifestyles, and history of early Appalachia. Fort New Salem offers visitors a unique educational and entertaining experience that provides an escape from modern life. The museum is ran by the Fort New Salem Foundation, Inc., which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of early western Virginia.
The Brandy Gap Tunnel is a former railway tunnel that has gained notoriety as a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal. Several stories of hauntings have been told about the site dating back to the early 1900s when the tunnel was the site of several lynchings. The tunnel opened in 1857 and was not closed until the 1990s as railway use had heavily declined in the region. Today, the tunnel can be accessed as a part of the North Bend Rail Trail System which allows hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders to travel along the former B&O line.
Nathan Goff Jr. hired architect Harrison Albright to design the Waldo Hotel in 1901, and when the Waldo opened in 1904 it was one of the most luxurious hotels in West Virginia. The Waldo Hotel was named after Nathan Goff Jr.’s father, whose home sits beside the hotel. The Waldo was built with the intent to entertain prominent guests in Clarksburg, and became the hub of social and political life. After serving as a hotel for many decades, the Waldo was converted into dormitories for Salem College and later, apartments. The building currently sits vacant and is uninhabitable. Debate over whether the hotel should be restored or demolished is a common topic in Clarksburg, and the building’s future is uncertain.
The Robinson Grand Theater opened its doors in 1913 with the help of its founders William Lafferty, Charles Alexander and Reuben Robinson of the Clarksburg Amusement Company. It was later renovated and enlarged in 1927 to appeal to contemporary designs and society of its time. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in May of 1939 when an air conditioner caught on fire destroying most of the stage and theater house. Luckily, it was able to be rebuilt by December of the same year. This was the place where many locals first saw classics like Jaws, Star Wars and the Sound of Music. The theater continued to show movies and host local events through the 1980s but later shut down due to other popular suburban multiplexes within the area. Thanks to the hardworking people of Clarksburg, the Robinson Grand Theater was completely remodeled.
This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.
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Drive along US Route 50 from Parkersburg to Clarksburg and see a variety of historical locations. The tour includes elements of transportation history, music, and local business. This road was a major commercial transportation route and was essential to the development of the area. Start in Parkersburg or Clarksburg and spend the day traveling this historical route.
