Thursday, June 6, 2019
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

Retirees traveled to Blennerhassett Island, a West Virginia historical state park. The property was the site of a Palladian mansion owned by Harman Blennerhassett, a participant in some of the alleged intrigues of Aaron Burr and his wife, Margaret Agnew.  While the original mansion burned to the ground long ago, a detailed replica has been built on its foundations.

They started the day with a tour of the museum before boarding a sternwheeler riverboat for a 20-minute boat ride to the island. The historical park is located on a small island in the Ohio River. The island was settled by the Blennerhassetts, wealthy Irish aristocrats fleeing political persecution and personal scandal.  Over the years, the couple’s mansion gained a reputation for being the West’s most beautiful home.  A tour guide introduced them to the mansion and grounds.  They also had the option of visiting the gift shop, using the hiking trails, or going on a narrated wagon ride.