Berdine's 5 & Dime Store - Harrisville, WV
Oil & Gas Museum - Parkersburg, West Virginia
The Oil & Gas Museum of Parkersburg, West Virginia offers a full range of displays and exhibits featuring the rich history of industry in the region.
Both oil and natural gas were discovered in western Virginia by the first explorers in the mid-1700s. George Washington acquired 250 acres in what is now West Virginia because it contained an oil and gas spring. This was in 1771, making the father of our country the first petroleum industry speculator.
A thriving commercial oil industry was in process as early as 1819 with the first major wells drilled at Petroleum, West Virginia, outside Parkersburg, early in 1859; California, West Virginia in the summer of 1859; and Burning Springs, West Virginia a year later in 1860. Natural gas was moved in wooden pipes from wells to be used as a manufacturing heat source by the Kanawha salt manufacturers as early as 1831. These events truly mark the beginnings of the oil and gas industry in the United States.
With oil selling for $30.00 a barrel in 1860 and natural gushers being drilled at only 100 feet, the West Virginia oil field quickly made local millionaires. The wealth of the first oil barons was used politically in bringing about statehood for West Virginia during the Civil War. Many of the founders and early politicians were oil men - governor, senator and congressman - who had made their fortunes at Burning Springs in 1860-1861.
On May 9, 1863 the important Burning Springs oil field was destroyed by Confederate raiders lead by General Jones, making it the first of many oil fields destroyed in war. After the Civil War, the industry was revived and over the next fifty years the booms spread over almost all the counties of the state. Drilling and producing of both oil and natural gas continues throughout the state to this day.
This exciting history is portrayed at the Oil & Gas Museum, and documented in a recently published book Where It All Began by David McKain and Bernard L. Allen, Ph.D.
This video was filmed by Andy Hall and produced by Stonewall Group for the Greater Parkersburg CVB (2011).
Cairo WV Then and Now
A few quick images from historic Cairo, West Virginia. Some date back to the early 1900's, while the video footage is from 2008. This is a great little town and well work a visit of you are in the area.
Make Your Own History - Greater Parkersburg, West Virginia
Make your own history in Greater Parkersburg. A place that changed history and was transformed by history in return.
Explore the great outdoors. Hike or bike North Bend State Park and its 72-mile rail trail. More than 82,000 acres of parks and public lands make this the perfect place to find yourself, lose yourself, or simply unplug to reconnect.
Savor something different in Greater Parkersburg. Dining indoor or out, casual or formal, comfort food or daringly different, you’ll find a welcome place at our collective table.
Find something unforgettable.
Shopping in Greater Parkersburg offers a truly unique take on one of America’s favorite past times. You’ll find nook and cranny after nook and cranny packed with unique folk art, seasonal decorations, furniture, pottery, candles, collectibles and more.
Imagine a world of artistry.
From live performances and fine art exhibitions to lively fairs, festivals, and special events, the curtain is always rising on a great time in Greater Parkersburg.
Make yourself at home.
You’ll feel welcome the moment you arrive to Greater Parkersburg. Cozy cabins, quaint bed and breakfasts and grand historic hotels provide refreshing warmth and hospitality.
Discover a fascinating past.
Board an authentic sternwheeler. Learn of the gritty birth of an industry at the Oil & Gas museum. Greater Parkersburg’s history comes alive through museums, re-enactments and tours. Explore Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Henderson Hall, an imposing pre-Civil War mansion that has become an immaculate time capsule filled with two centuries of furniture, paintings, photographs, and manuscripts.
We invite you to experience everything the area has become and all it has to offer. We invite you to make your own history in Greater Parkersburg.
Short video highlighting the must see attractions in Greater Parkersburg, WV. Filmed and produced by Stonewall Group on behalf of the Greater Parkersburg CVB in 2014.
20 Acres of Abandoned New Jersey Property
For those of you that have shown great interest in the abandoned places me and Neighborly find and explore during our free time, I made sure to bring along my video camera.
This property is a little over 20 acres and is located in Northern New Jersey. It is owned by the State.
Tom's cabin in Ritchie co. WV
The cabin
North Bend State Park, Rail Trail & Lake
This 2,400-acre park includes a lodge, deluxe cabins, campgrounds, and full service restaurant. Plus a 305-acre lake with fishing, kayaking and canoeing. North Bend Rail Trail is located nearby with hiking and biking. Other recreation includes outdoor pool (seasonal), picnicking and special events.
North Bend State Park, in West Virginia, is named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River. The park offers a multitude of recreational facilities in a beautiful pastoral setting. The fishing streams, lake, hiking trails, abundant wildlife and excellent overnight accommodations, lodge and cabins, and lodge dining room are some of the features of this year-round park. You’ll find true hospitality at this popular state park
North Bend also features the 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail, which is designed for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The rail trail runs along the old B & O Railroad bed from Parkersburg, WV to Wolf Summit, near Clarksburg, WV.
North Bend has a 305-acre recreational lake. A boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier, and other fishing access points. Visit our web pages for more information about lodging, activities and events, and recreation at North Bend State Park.
This video depicts the North Bend State Park (Cairo, W.Va.) located east of Parkersburg, W.Va., off U.S. 50.
Piece was filmed by Andy Hall and produced by Stonewall Marketing Group for the Greater Parkersburg CVB 2012.
Historic Smoot Theatre - Parkersburg, WV
Backstage tour and history of the Smoot Theatre in Parkersburg, WV.
Filmed, edited, and produced by Stonewall Group of Marietta, OH for the Greater Parkersburg CVB.
Kozy Rest Kampground Winter Wonderland 2
724-735-2417 Kozy Rest Kampground is rated as one of the best, set under the tall trees in the prettiest parts of Butler County in Western Pennsylvania. From basic tenting & travel trailers, to BIG RIG pull-thru sites, They have what you need. Rental cabins, basic to full service, and Yurts are available. The group camping area with a picnic pavilion is great for clubs and family reunions. With scheduled activities, & family fun, Kozy Rest Kampground is a great delight for the entire family. This campground has 170 shaded sites with 20/30/50 amp service, 23 pull-thru sites, swimming pool, game room, store, playground, fire rings, full schedule of activities and games, credit cards accepted. 10 miles from Grove City Prime Outlets and Moraine State Park, near Amish country, 60 miles north of Pittsburgh and 90 miles south of Erie. Very conveniently located close to Interstate 79 and Interstate 80. Kozy Rest Kampground was recently 1 of 21 campgrounds nationwide to be awarded an A in GuestRatings out of 4000.
Stormville,NY-Danville,PA
Trucking from Stormville,NY to Danville,PA