Saturday, June 23, 2012

Interested in the Colonial History of the Appalachian Backcountry. Prickett's Fort

WILD AND WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

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DSC_0343 Here is a link to a blog post by John Boback, Ph.D. of Morgantown, West Virginia CLICK for the real low down. The following images are of the reconstructed Memorial Fort etc.

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“All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife.”Daniel Boone ( I wonder if in that order )

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“Perched on a small rise overlooking the confluence of Prickett's Creek and the Monongahela River, this rustic log fort is a re-creation of the original Prickett's Fort of 1774, which served as a refuge from Native American war parties on the western frontier of Colonial Virginia. Built in 1976 by the Prickett's Fort Memorial Foundation, the "new" fort serves as a living history site where interpreters recreate late 18th century lifestyle through period attire and demonstrations of a variety of colonial crafts.” READ MORE

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Job Prickett House..”The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains antiques originally used by the Prickett family.”

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Just signed up at the welcome center for the next tour of the fort and Job Prickett house.

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You will find historical interpreters dressed in 18th century frontier clothing and involved in activities which would have been found on the Virginia frontier at the time. I believe that is Judy Wilson standing in the doorway. Judy demonstrates various women's skills particularly textiles. She raises her own fiber producing animals on her farm which she uses for spinning, weaving and dyeing.

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One day I undertook a tour through the country, and the diversity and beauties of nature I met with in this charming season, expelled every gloomy and vexatious thought. Daniel Boone

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The Memorial Fort measures about 110 feet square and features a two storey blockhouse on each of the four corners.

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“I wouldn't give a tinker's damn for a man who isn't sometimes afraid. Fear's the spice that makes it interesting to go ahead.” D.B.
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“This is a place you should visit if the Lord is willin' and the creek don't rise.” J.T.

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Some mint from the herb garden.

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At this table..“Welcome, stranger, light and hitch,” is the salutation, and the stranger is bidden to take “damn near all” of whatever the table offers.

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DSC_0388DSC_0390 Thanks for stopping by. WILD AND WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park:: A Photo Tour::

A one tank trip from Lancaster,Ohio to Parkersburg,W.V. and you are ready for a short boat ride back in time and a taste of history.A really great place to spend some “Quality Time.”

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Parkersburg, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, is the third largest city in the State of West Virginia..ALL ABOARD

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Meet Captain Gary a man with thirty years experience in the industry. Gary spent many years in the Caribbean before returning home to the Midwest.

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Gary is always willing to train a new “mate”

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Getting close::

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Getting ready for a wagon ride around the island.

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The Walnut Grove was planted in 1935. The trees today are worth several million dollars.

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Let’s take a look at the mansion:::

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Aaron Burr, Jr. (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836) was the third Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson. Aaron Burr Jr. hatched his plan for western expansion at Blennerhassett Island.His activities eventually led to his arrest on charges of treason in 1807. Read about the TREASON TRIAL..

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Time to head up the stairs where Miss. Layne (a history major) will show us around.

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DSC_0172A sample of the art work… Now back down the stairs and a stop at the most important room in the house.

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Back outside..

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We also took a guided tour of the::

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I have several photos of the very interesting Maple Shade home,but that will be for another post as well as..

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Time to head back to Parkersburg. I was the only one on the upper deck (in the sun)

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I didn’t want to miss any of the scenery (LOL)

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DSC_0119 That’s all folks.. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you feel as if you had been there.

A one tank trip from Lancaster,Ohio to Parkersburg,W.V. and you are ready for a short boat ride back in time and a taste of history.