Marietta-Washington County CVB

The Julia-Ann Square Historic District is one of the showplaces in the city of Parkersburg, reminding citizens and visitors of the rich history of the Mid-Ohio Valley, of the men and women who worked unselfishly to make it the great city it is today.  many of the planners and developers of early West Virginia clearly had a large hand in developing the area and the character of the state.  Parkersburg is a city with a rich heritage located within the Ohio River Valley in north central West Virginia.  Numerous early state government officials resided in Parkersburg.  the majority of the homes in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District were built in the mi-1800's and 1900-1915.  The historic district was home, work and the final resting-place for many of these people.

Julia-An Square Historic District was a who's who in West Virginia early history.  The districtis the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia.  Julia-ann Square is a community of approximately 125 homes surrounded by the bustling city of parkersburg.  Many past and current residents of the district understood the importance of the area and the historic value to the state; the entire Julia-Ann Square was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. 

The district associaten is organized as Julia-Ann Square Historic Community Association, Inc., a tax exempt non-profit 501. C- (4) organization.  The goals of the organization are to implement a long-range master plan to restore the district to its original splendor.  Most phases of the master plan have been completed; Period lighting, park benches, Gateway Arches to the district entrances, and current phase replacement of deteriorated sidewalks.

Throughout the year, the district attracts many visitors from other states and countries as well as local citizens who come to take a magical step back into history and experience the beauty of this area.  The district offers many tours throughout the year, including The Christmas Tour of Homes, the Spring Garden Tour and the Riverview/Cook Cemetary Tour (a tribute to the famous people buried there including former West Virginia Governors).  Each year, the district organization distributes approximately 4,000 Walking Tour Brochures located at intervals throughout the district, community, airport and hotels.  The brochure provides an interesting view of many homes throughout the district.  The donation of a DVD production of these events now offers a beautiful picture tour for history classes in our schools.  We extend an open invitation to visit our historic district and enjoy the rich heritage it has to offer.  Please visit our website, www.juliannsquare.org to view homes, gardens and future tour information.