Blennerhassett Island in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Paling Fence

— Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park —

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 11, 2021

1. Paling Fence Marker

Inscription. Each of the Blennerhassett estate’s gardens was surrounded by a high paling fence. Made of a durable wood, such as locust (a favorite frontier Ohio Valley fence wood), the fences stood some 10-12 feet tall and were used to keep out predators such as deer. The pleasure garden fence also served another role: on its interior, gardener Peter Taylor traced up espaliers of gooseberry bushes along with apricot, peach, pear and quince trees, an exotic, Old-World touch on the new American Frontier.

Erected by Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 39° 16.339′ N, 81° 36.041′ W. Marker is on Blennerhassett Island, West Virginia, in Wood County. Marker can be reached by sternwheeler riverboat passenger ferry ($12 round trip) from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg between May 1st and early October. Ferry departs on the hour from 10 AM to 5 PM. Last ferry departs the island at 5:30 PM. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is closed Mondays (except Memorial Day and Labor Day), Tuesdays in September and October, and for the winter after the last weekend in October until

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the first weekend in May. You should call ahead to verify this information at +1-304-420-4800 or 1-800-CALL-WVA. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parkersburg WV 26101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fishpond (within shouting distance of this marker); Pleasure Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Blennerhassett Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Flower Bed (within shouting distance of this marker); Arbors (within shouting distance of this marker); Summerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Blennerhassett Island Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hothouses (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blennerhassett Island.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 11, 2021

2. Paling Fence Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.