Oil and Gas Museum 5.0 (reviews)

Your history lessons begins as soon as you arrive at the Oil & Gas Museum, because the exhibits are housed in a historic building in downtown Parkersburg that dates back to 1900!

Did you know that both oil and natural gas were discovered in western Virginia by the first explorers in the mid-1700s?

Then, George Washington acquired 250 acres in what is now West Virginia as it contained an oil and gas spring. This was all the way back in 1771, making the father of our country the first petroleum industry speculator!

See how exciting the history is and you haven't even left for the Oil & Gas Museum yet!

When you arrive, check out the outside exhibit area showing the Parkersburg pump jack, and the Spencer Machine pump jack. The stones are from the old Parkersburg City Building! You'll also see a steam engine build by the US Engine Works around 1905. 

Moving inside, the history continues with a host of historic artifacts and equipment that helped shape the revolution. There's a 19th century pumping wheel, as well as an early pump used to pump oil or water.

There is even an exhibit on the Civil War and the effect it had on the West Virginia oil industry!

A fascinating day out where are just surrounded by history, and kids can really gain an understanding of the people and events that shaped the state and industry to what you know today!