From a civil war medical outpost to oil-boom town, Parkersburg's
fascinating history in rich, historic photographs and first-hand
accounts.
The history of Parkersburg is, essentially, the history of the United
States. Founded shortly after America's independence, Parkersburg grew
from a small river town in what was once wilderness to a thriving
industrial city to one that is currently redefining itself. Industrial
giants, such as Camden and Cabot, made Parkersburg a leader in the oil
and gas industry by the early 20th century. The maturing city boasted
numerous factories, luxury hotels, upscale stores, and several ornate
theaters while also serving as a rail hub. Parkersburg also took pride
in education, with architecturally stunning primary and secondary
schools and the building of a branch campus of West Virginia University.
High school sports contributed to the city's reputation, with a lengthy
list of statewide championships won by local schools.