History Abounds in these 3 Charming Small Towns

Is your inner history buff begging for a getaway to a place with a past? These charming towns are perfect for a one-day trip or a weekend stay.

Parkersburg

Located on the intersection of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers, Parkersburg is a small town with a past full of drama and history. Visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park to learn all about its 18th and 19th century lore, take a ride on a sternwheeler (the only way onto the island), tour the mansion on the grounds, and much more.

If you want to see the gorgeous architecture of the past, take a walk through Julia-Anne Square and admire the dozens of Victorian and Edwardian style houses that surround it.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a small, 19th century town that has been dubbed as a ‘National Historic District’ by the National Register. Located at the halfway mark of the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Maine, this historic town is perfect for nature lovers and history lovers alike. The headquarters for the 2,181-mile long trail are actually positioned in Harpers Ferry as well.

Be sure to spend a day in the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. There you can access hiking trails of all levels of difficulties. You can even take a guided tour with archeologists and park rangers leading the way. If you want to learn more about John Brown’s Raid and Harpers Ferry’s complex history be sure to visit the John Brown Fort and John Brown Wax Museum while you’re in the area.

Bramwell

Once the home to the most millionaires per capita of any town in the United States, Bramwell is a charming small town with a history that runs deep. Filled with historic Victorian and Tudor-style mansions that are open to the public during spring and Christmas time, you can listen to the knowledgeable guides as they share stories of the families and pioneers that lived there.

Visit the Bramwell depot, a replica of the original railroad depot that served the town, to learn more about the town’s history and the 19th century coal industry. Then stop by the Bramwell Soda Fountain and Corner Shop for a bite to eat and of course their delicious homemade ice cream. At any given time, you’ll find 10 or more flavors that can be used in a float, sundae, milkshake or split.

More Almost Heaven History

This post was last updated on March 2, 2022