Blennerhassett Island
posted by on 06/19/07
Last week our cousins from PA visited us
and one of our outings was to Blennerhassett Island. To get to the island we took a small boat. It was fun to explore the two decks and climb the spiral staircase! The Island was very beautiful. During a covered wagon ride around the island a deer ran across the path right in front of us and there were lots of squirrels. Our tour guide told us all about the island. One thing she pointed out was the orchard 
of Black walnut trees. If cut, the value of the lumber would be a million dollars! They let the animals have the nuts. After the wagon ride we went on a tour of the Blennerhassett’s mansion that was built in 1798. They lived in it for eight years and then fled the Island because of their involvement with Aaron Burr. In 1811 the mansion was burned to the ground but archeologists found the 
foundation and some scraps that helped them rebuild it how it was. We are very thankful for what we have today after 
seeing how hard it was to live back then.
Gratefulness:
Expressing sincere appreciation for the ways God and others have benefited my life.
What a fun trip! All of the history surrounding it sounds quite fascinating. Jonathan, you must have had a lot of fun steering the boat!
WOW! I was somewhat baffled when you said you visited an island. I knew West Virginia had mountains, streams, and bulls
but - islands? With great curiosity, I checked out the link you provided and low & behold, West Virginia sure does.
Excellent history lesson Jonathan. I had no idea that such a place existed. Don’t you think the picture of you all inside the Blennerhassett Mansion resembles the interior of Mount Vernon in architechure and colors? You can tell it was originally built during the 1700s.
How fun! I have to agree with Josh that I did not realize that there was an island in West Virginia! How big was the island? Do people live on it year around or is it just a touring place?
Thank you Josh and Robert. When we first saw it we thought of Mount Vernon right away. But I think that Mount Vernon was bigger and had alot more.
Intriguing! That must have been a very fun field trip. And I am so glad you got some pictures, it really adds to the well-written post. Like Joshua, the mansion reminds me much of Mount Vernon; and in WV!