Parkersburg, West Virginia

Parkersburg, West Virginia
Name	Parkersburg
Settlement type	City
Nickname	"The Burg"
Pushpin label	Parkersburg
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	West Virginia
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Wood
Established title	Founded
Established date	1810
Established title2	Incorporated (town)
Established date2	1820
Established title3	Incorporated (city)
Established date3	1860
Government type	Mayor-Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Tom Joyce
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	12.54
Area land sq mi	11.48
Area water sq mi	1.06
Elevation ft	614
Population total	29949
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	26101-26106
Area code	304, 681
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	54-62140
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1555351
Website	www.parkersburg-wv.gov

Parkersburg, West Virginia is a city located at the confluence of the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River, serving as the county seat of Wood County. As the state's third-largest city, it has historically been a significant hub for transportation and industry, particularly in oil, gas, and manufacturing. The city is part of the Parkersburg–Marietta–Vienna metropolitan area and features a rich architectural heritage with numerous sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

The area's earliest known inhabitants were the Adena culture, with later settlement by the Shawnee and Mingo peoples. European-American settlement began after the 1785 Treaty of Fort McIntosh, with the community initially known as Neal's Station. It was renamed in 1810 to honor Alexander Parker, an early landowner, and was formally incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly in 1820. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1857 and the discovery of the Parkersburg Oil Field in the 1860s spurred rapid growth, with the city serving as a key Union supply depot during the American Civil War. The late 19th century saw the establishment of major industries, including the Parkersburg Rig and Reel Company and plants operated by DuPont. The city was also the site of significant labor history, including the 1913 West Virginia coal wars.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.54 square miles, of which 11.48 square miles is land and 1.06 square miles is water. Parkersburg is situated within the Appalachian Plateau physiographic province. The city's topography is defined by the broad valleys of the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River, with surrounding hills. It is located at the intersection of several major transportation routes, including Interstate 77, U.S. Route 50, and West Virginia Route 68. The city contains several parks and natural areas, such as Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Fort Boreman Park, which offer views of the river confluence.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the city had a population of 29,949. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and multiracial residents. The population density was approximately 2,600 people per square mile. The median age was 42.7 years, and the median household income was below the state average. A significant portion of the population holds a high school diploma or higher, with a smaller percentage holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The city is part of the larger Parkersburg–Marietta–Vienna metropolitan area, which spans parts of West Virginia and Ohio.

Economy

Historically centered on the oil and gas industry, Parkersburg's economy has diversified into advanced manufacturing, chemicals, and polymers. Major employers have included the DuPont Washington Works plant, which produced materials like Teflon, and successor companies such as Chemours. Other significant industrial operations have been run by Blennerhassett Island and the Parkersburg and Marietta Sand Company. The city is a regional retail and healthcare hub, with major facilities like Camden Clark Medical Center, part of the West Virginia University Health System. The presence of the federal government is also notable, with offices for the United States Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.

Government

Parkersburg operates under a mayor-council system. The city government consists of a mayor and a nine-member City Council elected from single-member districts. The current mayor is Tom Joyce. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including a Police Department and Fire Department. Parkersburg is the county seat of Wood County, housing the Wood County Courthouse and related judicial offices. The city is represented in the West Virginia Legislature by members of the West Virginia Senate and the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Culture and recreation

The city is home to several cultural institutions, including the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History and the Parkersburg Art Center. The historic Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, accessible by sternwheeler, features a reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion and offers living history demonstrations. Annual events include the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair in nearby Ripley and the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival. The Smoot Theatre is a restored 1920s venue hosting concerts, plays, and films. Recreational opportunities abound at City Park, which features the City Park Pool, tennis courts, and the Stadium Field, and along the North Bend Rail Trail. The city's connection to the Ohio River also supports boating and fishing activities.

Category:Cities in West Virginia Category:County seats in West Virginia Category:Populated places on the Ohio River