Blennerhassett Island will be transformed June 25-28 as it becomes the setting for Rendezvous on the River, when re-enactors will present a living history of early frontier life. This annual event is sponsored by the West Virginia Muzzleloader Association and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
What is a rendezvous? “A rendezvous is defined as a retreat, an appointment, or a place specified for a special meeting,” explained Pam Salisbury, activities coordinator for Blennerhassett Island State Park. “It is a gathering of period personalities in an appropriate setting such as a village, a farm, an historic site or an encampment. Visitors to the island will share a rare glimpse into the past as frontiersmen and mountain men and women from across the nation gather at this special meeting place to observe how things were done more than 150 years ago. Re-enactors will be available to answer your questions as you travel back in time.”
A primitive encampment recreating the old-time rendezvous of the pre-1840 fur trade era is one of the presentations by “mountain men” wearing authentically reproduced buckskins and other period clothing. Re-enactors will shoulder muskets, cook over open fires and sleep in canvas tents or other primitive shelters illustrating camp life and traditional craft work. Traders will engage in activities that would have been typical to the early frontiersman. There will be a special Blennerhassett “shoot” demonstration Friday and Saturday.
Boats departing for Blennerhassett Island Tuesday-Friday operate on an hourly basis from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 5:30 p.m. Park officials recommend going to the island no later than 2 p.m. to allow ample time to visit the campsites. Boats depart the island on the half-hour. The last boat leaves the island at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The round-trip cost of the boat ride to and from the island is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. There is no fee to visit the encampments.
While on the island, visitors can purchase tickets to tour the Blennerhassett Mansion, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, rent bikes, make use of picnic facilities, browse the island gift shop, and have lunch at the snack stand. A golf cart operated by volunteers also is available to provide assistance for those island visitors with limited mobility.
For more information, contact Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, 304-420-4800 or www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
