1800s high society homes beside downtown Parkersburg
As West Virginia’s largest and oldest historic district, Julia-Ann Square Historic District regularly invites people to explore some of the city’s most architecturally significant homes. Over 120 19th-century Victorian and Queen Anne-style houses that once belonged to prominent professionals and political figures line the neighborhood’s lush green streets. “That would’ve been where high society lived in the 1800s,” says Christopher Cochrane, a 23-year local. While homeowners open their doors to the public a few times a year, the community usually keeps to itself, focusing on maintaining the area’s history. The neighborhood touches two other historic districts, as well as downtown. Restaurants, offices and shops are within walking distance, while parks and event spaces are just a few blocks farther.
Each building in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District is unique, reflecting the rich history of West Virginia.
Queen Anne style homes are prevalent in Julia-Ann Square Historic District of West Virginia.
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Diverse historic homes owned by prominent figures
Towering shade trees and vintage-looking street signs introduce the district’s array of original Victorian homes. Architecturally unique, stately American Foursquares and red-brick duplexes sit next to colorful Queen Annes, Dutch Colonials and entirely custom homes with intricately designed eaves. Some homes are lovingly maintained and renovated by homeowners whom take the time to learn about their house’s history. Norman Smith lives with his wife in the Caswell-Smith house, which has historical significance in the community. “This house was built for a lumber baron named Captain William Butterworth Caswell. He owned the Parkersburg Mill which had over 300 workers, and he helped to found the Republican Party in West Virginia,” Smith says. Annually, the Smiths join their neighbors in opening their homes for tours, especially around the winter holidays. Homes for sale range between $56,000 and $375,000 depending on condition, size and historical significance. The neighborhood is heavily renter-occupied – roughly 70% of housing units.
The Julia-Ann Square Historic District in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is home to many historical homes.
An impressive Dutch Colonial-style home sits along the streets of the Julia-Ann Square Historic District in West Virginia.
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Julia-Ann Square’s annual Victorian Christmas Homes Tour
The historic district’s walking tours are the community’s most well-known attraction. Exploration is welcome year-round, with Smith saying, “A person can easily pick up the walking tour brochure at Ninth Street and walk through the district on their own to learn about the houses.” However, the district hosts Christmas-themed tours for the city’s annual Winterfest. Groups enjoy warm drinks and cookies before admiring several festively decorated Victorian homes, with some homeowners dressing in period costumes to add to the experience. Outside the holiday season, residents host open houses and front porch get-togethers to connect with the community.
Julia-Ann Square is close to downtown events like the Taste of Parkersburg, which annually draws thousands of food and wine lovers. The aroma of smoked pork wafts through the neighborhood as the Downtown Throwdown BBQ & Brewfest at Bicentennial Park comes around in August, backed by the sounds of local musicians.
Taking the ferry to Blennerhassett Island
Julia-Ann Square is within a mile of various natural spaces, including the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, offering recreational opportunities from kayaking and boating to fishing. Point Park follows the riverfront, allowing visitors to bike and walk along the water. Pathways pass the park’s floodwall, decorated with murals detailing city history and significant events. The park’s amphitheater is home to open-air concerts in the summer months. The Island Belle Sternwheeler ferries people over to Blennerhassett Island to tour the island’s historic landmarks, including the mansion that headquartered Aaron Burr’s treasonous military exploits. The state park also has guided tours, carriage rides and hiking trails. Located 2 miles away, City Park is popular for its seasonal public swimming pool and year-round playgrounds, picnic shelters and sports courts.
Green space inside the historic district is part of the Riverview Cemetery. “It’s an important part of our district. Buried there are eight mayors, two governors, one of the first senators from West Virginia, and many pioneers of the state political system,” says Smith. Visitors stroll past weathered 19th-century headstones and shade trees changing color with the seasons.
Point Park is a popular park along the mighty Ohio river where residents enjoy pleasant views.
At Parkersburg City Park, located near the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, residents can shoot some hoops on the basketball courts.
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Local bites and brews along Market Street
The neighborhood is just outside downtown, so residents can easily access major offices, boutique shops and restaurants. Market Street is part of the Private Outdoor Designated Area, which allows pedestrians to carry alcoholic drinks outdoors while browsing attractions. The Blennerhassett Restaurant & Lounge inside the Blennerhassett Hotel is a participating restaurant popular for its upscale fare. Chams Lebanese Cuisine brings a Mediterranean flair to the scene, and Parkersburg Brewing Co. pairs laidback eats with local beer. Sandwiched between Garfield and Murdoch Avenues just outside the neighborhood, Camden Clark Medical Center provides emergency services, and Big Sandy Superstore specializes in home appliances. About a mile away is a Hometown Piggly Wiggly, the closest grocery store.
Chams Lebanese Cuisine, a beloved spot just a short walk from the Julia-Ann Square Historic District.
Julia-Ann Square Historic District locals get their groceries at the neighborhood Piggly Wiggly.
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Parkersburg Catholic Elementary is within walking distance
Students attend the Wood County Public School District, which has a B-plus score on Niche. Kids start at the B-rated Jefferson Elementary Center, followed by the C-rated Van Devender Middle School. Parkersburg High School has a B rating and a standout athletics program. It is located just northeast of the neighborhood and is walkable for some students. Since its inception, the school has won 147 high school state championships. The neighborhood is also within walking distance of Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School, which is currently unrated.
Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School is a private, coeducational institution that provides faith-based education for students from preschool through 6th grade.
Parkersburg High School is a historic building and the largest school in the region.
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Mild traffic but a lot less noise
The district’s sidewalks and proximity to downtown make the area moderately walkable, although most people get around by car. Ann and Juliana Streets are the area’s primary thoroughfares, but 13th Street is also an important road and can get congested during peak traffic. The neighborhood is less than 1 mile from Fifth Street, which crosses the Ohio River and connects to Highway 50, a major state route. About 10 miles away is the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
Crime
CAP Index gives the area a crime score of 5 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. However, some categories of violent crime rate as high as 8 out of 10.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
388
Median Age
43
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$36,250
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,657
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.6%
College Graduates
16.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.3%
% Population in Labor Force
47.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
