Blennerhassett Island, West Virginia

Trip Duration: 4 Days

Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Tour Director: Yes 

 

Western Maryland Railroad Ride

Enjoy a one-way train ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to Frostburg, MD. Once the train stops, you'll watch the locomotive uncouple, drive onto a turntable, rotate, then re-hook at the back for it's return trip down the Mountain. You will then reboard and descend 1410 feet in elevation to the town of Cumberland, MD. The train follows the Great Allegheny Passage as you go around iconic points of interest and through the famous Brush Tunnel where the track opens to breathtaking views of the Maryland mountains. Lunch will be included on the train.

 

Campus Martius Museum

Campus Martius, a civilian fortification, was built in 1788 by the Ohio Company of Associates. The Ohio Company Land Office is the oldest known building in Ohio that was moved to the museum site. Today, the museum preserves the history of America's migration west, its earliest native inhabitants, and Marietta's pioneers.

 

The Castle of Marietta

Tour the Castle of Marietta, with its octagonal tower, trefoil attic window, and stone capped spires. The Castle of Marietta is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival style architecture in Ohio. The Castle was built in 1855 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our guided tour will concentrate on the Victorian era in Marietta.

 

Tribute Performance with Harman & Margaret Blennerhassett

Following dinner return to the hotel and enjoy an evening with characters portraying both Harmon & Margaret Blennerhassett. Born in England, Margaret defied social and religious conventions by marrying her maternal uncle, Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy Irish aristocrat. They shared a 7,000-acre estate in County Kerry until 1795, when their union and Harman's revolutionary ideals prompted them to sell the estate and immigrate to America. She is considered the first published poet from what is now West Virginia. While in Montreal, she published two collections of poetry, The Deserted Isle in 1822, and The Widow of the Rock and Other Poems in 1824. It was not common at this time for women to publish under their own names, that is why Margaret published under the pseudonym "A Lady". The first collection of poems she published, The Deserted Isle referenced her beloved Island, now known as Blennerhassett Island. He was a planter who got involved with Aaron Burr, the disgraced Vice-President who had killed Alexander Hamilton in duel. Burr convinced Blennerhassett to invest in a military expedition to Texas, with the idea of starting a new country. This tale of intrigue ended in a charge of treason against both. Come find out the full story.

 

Blennerhasset Museum

The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is a showcase of three floors of priceless historical relics and objects of art from the Ohio Valley's past. Exhibits range from prehistoric Indian tools, jewelry, weapons and household items, ca. 9000 B.C., to oil paintings, old clothing, guns and military paraphernalia, furniture belonging to West Virginia's first governor, automobiles of the 19teens, farm implements, 19th-century jewelry and glassware ranging in age from 60 to 200 years old. In the 18th/early 19th century exhibit, visitors can find a "burning glass", a "bubby pot", some of Ohio Valley's oldest manuscripts, maps, and a mourning fan - objects of yesteryear that now strike us with their quaintness. Blennerhassett relics are among the museum's most valuable acquisitions. The Blennerhassett Museum indeed has something for every historical interest.

 

Riverboat Ride to Blennderhasset Island

The only way to experience the enchantment of historic Blennerhassett Island is via a 19th century-style sternwheeler riverboat on the beautiful Ohio River, carrying passengers to a setting of a bygone era. Located on a small island in the Ohio River, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features a Palladian mansion and museum visited by 40,000 people each year.

 

Blennerhassett Mansion & Island Tour

Harman Blennerhassett settled on the wilderness island in 1798 with his wife. There he built a magnificent mansion designed in the Palladian style (like George Washington's Mount Vernon). The house contained 7,000 square feet of floor space. Its rooms were furnished with furniture purchased in London and Baltimore, oriental carpets, oil paintings and procelain made in Paris. It was one of the most elegant and beautiful homes west of the Alleghenies. The Blennerhassetts reigned as the leading aristocratic family of the area...until they met Aaron Burr a former Vice President who involved them in a potentially treasonous act.

 

Crown Florals Gift Shop

The Crown Florals Gift Shop Area presents unique gift items for every occasion. Many guests are drawn into this wonderful space by the amazing assortment of Gourmet Dip Mixes and Specialty Foods. The gift inventory changes with the seasons and they work to find very special offerings.

 

Henderson Hall

Henderson Hall is a living legacy to the pioneers and patriots who walked its halls through an unbroken chain of five generations.

 

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Guided Tour of this breathtaking basilica. Saint Mary's became the USA's 76th basilica in 2013 because of its historical significance and artistic splendor.

 

Greater Parkersburg WV Visitor Center

Enjoy a presentation by a local historian about the Greater Parkersburg area.

 

Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Located in Historic Weston, WV, this National Historic Landmark served as a sanctuary for the mentally ill beginning in the mid-1800's. You will tour this 160 year old asylum and hear fascinating stores of Civil War raids, a gold robbery, the "curative" effects of architecture, and the efforts of determinded individuals to help better the lives of the mentally ill.

 

Need to Know:

Blennerhassett Island has grass and gravel pathways. It is relatively flat once you get off the riverboat gangway and sandy landing, but anyone on a walker, or in a non-motorized wheelchair will have a difficult time.

 

Eyre has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Blennerhassett Hotel - Parkersburg, WV

Enjoy the luxurious Blennerhassett Hotel, built in the historic Queen Anne style, in historic downtown Parkersburg, WV. The hotel opened in 1889 as new money from oil and natural gas flooded into Parkersburg. During this boom the town quickly became a vivacious city and the hotel a grand showplace for what would later be known as the Gaslight Era. The hotel features a fitness center. The Blennerhassett Restaurant & Lounge serves breakfast, lunch & dinner along with your favorite beverages. Guestrooms include coffee maker, hairdryer, iron/board