Welcome to Fort Boreman Historical Park, a site brimming with history and nestled in the picturesque landscape of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Established during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, Fort Boreman played a crucial role in protecting vital transportation routes for the Union Army.
Originally known as Mount Logan, the land where the fort now stands was purchased in 1820 by Francis Beckwith for merely 25 cents per acre. However, it was during the Civil War that this site gained prominence. Construction of the fort began in 1863 and it was named after Arthur I. Boreman, West Virginia’s first governor and a native of Parkersburg. The strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers made it an ideal vantage point.
Fort Boreman was constructed to safeguard the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a critical supply line for Union forces. The fort was equipped with five cannons, which, although never fired in battle, served as a powerful deterrent against Confederate raiders. These raiders were notorious for disrupting railroad tracks and trestles, threatening the Union’s operations. The fort housed the 11th West Virginia Regiment, originally known as the 11th Virginia, providing barracks and a powder house for the soldiers.
After the Civil War, the fort was abandoned by the military but found a new life as a recreational spot for locals who enjoyed its stunning views. Unfortunately, without maintenance, nature began reclaiming the site. In 1927, the Nemesis Temple purchased and revitalized the area, transforming it into a public park once more.
Throughout its history, Fort Boreman has been a silent witness to the ebb and flow of Parkersburg’s development, from its early days as a strategic military post to its current status as a cherished historical park. Visiting Fort Boreman today offers not only panoramic views of the surrounding landscape but also a chance to reflect on the site’s rich history and its role in shaping the region.
