The Mountain State is filled with hidden gems that are worth seeking out and exploring. Among them are many little-known spots that are both picturesque and historically significant, like the amazing park below. Check it out…
Fort Boreman Park, located in Parkersburg, opened in 2007 on a high bluff (it's more of a hill, actually) overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers as well as downtown Parkersburg.
Oddly enough, this spot was also a park back in the 1940s too, before it was abandoned and became overgrown. Prior to that, back in 1863, it was a very significant fortification during the Civil War.
Advertisement
On top of what is now called Fort Boreman Hill was a defense fort large enough to hold more than 100 soldiers.
It was built to defend the railroad and the bridge from attack from Confederate soldiers. Fortunately, the records show the site was never called upon for any such battle. After the war, the park was abandoned and used for a few other things before being completely abandoned sometime in the 1940s.
But all that changed in 2007 with the opening of Parkersburg's Fort Boreman Historical Park.
It's now a lovely escape from the city, with breathtaking views from several overlooks. The park also has an interpretive trail hike, picnic shelters and tables, and a partially reconstructed Union Civil War fort, complete with a set of double zig-zag trenches like those originally placed around the fort for security during the war.
A short nature trail brings even more adventure to a day trip to Parkersburg to visit Fort Boreman Park.
Fort Boreman Park is located on Fort Boreman Road in Parkersburg. Take exit 9 from Route 50. The park is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and admission is free. Learn more at this link on the Parkersburg CVB official website.
Why not make a day trip of your visit to Parkersburg and combine it with another, more famous, historic site? Blennerhasset Island is also steeped in history and is an experience everyone should have at least once.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.