Croswell's Historic Blennerhassett
Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. Blennerhassett Hotel. Blennerhassett Island State Park. Blennerhassett Mansion. Blennerhassett Museum. Sternwheeler? A paddle steamer having the paddle wheel in the stern. Like a steamboat, right? Right. Needless to say, my curiosity was getting the best of me. So off we went to explore, learn, enjoy adventures, and relax on this island in the Ohio River near Parkersburg, West Virginia, where Harman and Margaret made their home.
Only a few hours’ drive east on Route 32 from Williamsburg, Ohio, we reached Parkersburg and checked in at the Blennerhassett Hotel. This charming, renovated hotel first opened its doors in 1889. Companies from Cincinnati had original connections during the construction by designing all the window treatments throughout the hotel, as well as frescoed decoration (painting). During our two-night stay, we enjoyed two breakfasts and one dinner in a private conference room. During the dinner, we celebrated one passenger’s 90th birthday. There was an outdoor patio with a performance by a jazz band on Friday night. Beauty and elegance surrounded us and the hotel staff were always on hand to meet our needs.
Our first evening was spent with a tour guide who gave us a history lesson on the founding of Marietta, Ohio. We learned that this town was the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory in 1788, making it the oldest city in the state of Ohio, and located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. There were many millionaires in this area in the 1800’s, rich from oil and natural gas. For reading enthusiasts, check out David McCullough’s latest best selling history book, “The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West.”
After our city tour, we boarded the Valley Gem Sternwheeler for a two-hour dinner cruise. There was brief concern about the weather, however, all went well with a sunset and no rain.
On day two, we boarded the Island Belle Sternwheeler for a short trip to Blennerhassett Island Park. This is where we toured the mansion of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. He was an eccentric Irish aristocrat who was very wealthy at one time, but eventually losing his wealth and had to depend on family for support. Part of his life was involved with Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States. Both Burr and Blennerhassett were imprisoned in the Virginia State Penitentiary for a short time, the federal government having decided that Burr’s “treason” had been committed on Blennerhassett Island.
Included on the island was a boxed lunch for everyone, and a horse and wagon ride. I must say, our wagon ride was very exciting. At a certain point on our route, one of the horses began to get anxious and excited, bucking and kicking and generally becoming uncontrollable. However, our driver knew this would happen and explained that the horse knew she was close to the area where she would be given free rein to RUN! She just couldn’t wait! Once given free rein, we got the ride of our lives!
Once the sternwheeler brought us back to Parkersburg, West Virginia, we had time to enjoy the Blennerhassett Museum before dinner at the hotel.
Day three was our return trip home, with a lunch stop at Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. A highlight for me happened as we were preparing to board the coach that morning. A couple I had met on a past Croswell tour happened to be staying at the hotel. They saw our Croswell name in the lobby listed on a poster. They came to where we were, greeted me with hugs, and we visited for awhile and talked about our travels. I love those surprise moments!
From the escort seat of Maxine Harris