Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 West-virginia — Ohio River island accessible only by sternwheeler — Harman Blennerhassett built a Palladian mansion here in 1800, then conspired with Aaron Burr (yes, the Vice President who killed Alexander Hamilton!) to create a new empire in the American Southwest. Jefferson had them arrested for treason!

Visitor Information

About Blennerhassett Island

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park in Wood County preserves the Ohio River island estate of Harman Blennerhassett — an Irish aristocrat who was drawn into Aaron Burr’s mysterious 1805 conspiracy to create an independent nation in the American Southwest. The mansion, originally one of the finest in the frontier West, was rebuilt in the 1980s. Access is by sternwheeler riverboat from Parkersburg.

Things to Do

Riding the sternwheeler to the island, touring the reconstructed Palladian mansion, horse-drawn wagon rides, visiting the island museum, biking the island trails, and exploring one of America’s most intriguing conspiracy stories.

Plan Your Visit

The sternwheeler ferry ($10 adults) departs from Point Park in Parkersburg May through November. Island tours include the reconstructed Palladian mansion, horse-drawn wagon rides, and the museum. Aaron Burr — fresh from killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel — recruited Blennerhassett for his mysterious Western conspiracy in 1805. Parkersburg’s Julia-Ann Square Historic District offers Victorian architecture. Allow 3-4 hours for the full island experience.

Insider Tips

Burr Conspiracy: Blennerhassett Island was the staging ground for Aaron Burr’s alleged conspiracy to create a Western empire (1806) — one of the most bizarre episodes in American history. Pro tip: Harman Blennerhassett, an Irish aristocrat, built a Palladian mansion on the island that was the finest home west of the Alleghenies. Ohio River: The island sits in the Ohio River near Parkersburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Burr Conspiracy?

After killing Alexander Hamilton in their 1804 duel, Aaron Burr (still Vice President) allegedly plotted to detach western territories from the US and create his own empire. He used Blennerhassett Island as his staging ground. Burr was arrested and tried for treason in 1807 — Chief Justice John Marshall’s narrow interpretation of treason resulted in acquittal. Whether Burr truly planned treason or merely a filibuster into Spanish Mexico remains debated.