The original mansion was destroyed by fire in 1811 after the Blennerhassetts were implicated in an alleged conspiracy with Aaron Burr.
The current mansion is a full-scale architectural reconstruction completed in 1984 based on the original blueprints.
The island served as a base for Harman Blennerhassett to provide supplies for Aaron Burr's controversial 1806 expedition.
Archaeologists have recovered thousands of artifacts from the island, ranging from prehistoric Native American tools to 19th-century domestic items.
The island is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is an island destination on the Ohio River accessible only by sternwheeler boat from Point Park in downtown Parkersburg. The island features a reconstructed 18th-century Palladian-style mansion originally built by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett in 1800. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include archaeological sites and period-accurate gardens. The onsite museum at the Juliana Street visitor center provides historical context regarding the island's role in the Aaron Burr conspiracy. Guided tours of the mansion offer insights into the lifestyle of the early frontier elite. The park serves as an open-air historical site with limited modern infrastructure, preserving the rural atmosphere of the original estate. The island landscape supports diverse local flora and fauna, characteristic of the mid-Ohio River valley.
The front facade of the reconstructed Palladian mansion framed by the island's lush garden landscaping.
Purchase your ferry tickets at the visitor center early in the day as boats have capacity limits.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths between the dock, the mansion, and the museum area are unpaved or gravel.
Bring bug spray, as the river environment often has high mosquito activity during the summer months.
Do not attempt to swim in the Ohio River, as currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The park is a seasonal destination, typically operating from early May through late October; it is closed during the winter months.
Maintain silence inside the mansion, do not touch historic artifacts or furniture, and remain on marked paths to protect sensitive vegetation.
