Prickets's Fort - The Frontier Life

School is ending and the days are finally starting to get warmer and the family was ready to get out on some new adventures. Not even the rain or a plague of cicadas could keep us inside.

It rained for like forty nights, seriously, so much rain

Our first stop on our weekend park exploration was to Prickett's Fort State Park.  Located just off exit 139 in Fairmont, the park is located where Prickett's Creek and the Mon River meet.

My wife and her brother visiting the park sometime in the very early 90s.

       Prickett's Fort was built in the 1970's as a reconstruction of an original fort that was meant to provide protection to the settlers of 1774 from Native American attacks. The fort now provides visitors with a glimpse into early America life on the frontier.

       Our first stop was at the Prickett's Fort gift shop. It is delightfully air conditioned, which was pleasant on the first day the mercury hit 90 this year. The kid had a good time playing with the toy rifles they have available for purchase, though he was a bit upset that we didn't purchase one. For those of you interested in local lore, they have a large selection of texts about the state.

Pick up a copy of Tell Tale Lilac Bush

This is also where you can purchase your admission sticker for the fort. A steal at only $8 for adults and free for children under 5!

From there we went to the blacksmith's shop. He explained the history of blacksmithing in the area and provided a demonstration of how the forge and all of the tools work. It really sparked my interest in metal working. It was delightful to see the live demonstration of smithing and the smell of the burning coal furnace is the essence of West Virginia.

A stop here absolutely has to be part of your visit.

He offered an in depth explanation and history all while bending iron as if it were putty.

In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, the staff was also great with the kid. Here he is with a piece of iron ore from the blacksmith.

Hey! Whats's that behind ya?

 Next we moved into the main fort. As we stepped through the entrance we encountered some of the local Prickett's Fort fauna. This may have been the kid's favorite part...

Welcome to Prickett's Fort

He called it a "meow"*

*all cats are historically accurate

Once we got past the guard cat, we entered into the part of the fort where the women weave and make cloth. They take wool shorn from the sheep on site and weave it into fabrics. You get to see how a loom works, and my favorite was watching the spinning wheel as one of the staff made yarn.

The kid is watching her make a shawl that will be auctioned  off on West Virginia day, June 20th.

We were lucky to be there on a day when they were hand shearing the sheep. The staff explained to us the entire process that would take the wool from warming the skin of the sheep, to warming the skin of the pioneers. It really makes you realize just how far we've come in such a short amount of time.

That's where your shirt came from buddy...

Walking out, the frontier clad staff explained guns and ammunition of the time period and even let me hold is flint lock musket or rifle or muzzleloader (my brain was too busy going "ooh gun" to remember all the details)

They have plenty of bunks and smaller rooms set up around the perimeter of the the fort to give you a good idea of what life would have been like back then. There is a gift shop where you can purchase lots of goodies that will let you bring a little bit of the fort home with you.

Leaving the fort

Although it wasn't scheduled for the day, we were lucky to have an impromptu tour of the Job Prickett house. This house was built by the great-grandson of the man whom the fort was named after. It is a two story brick house filled with true West Virginia history.

The kid pointed at the bed and said "Night Night" and that's how we knew it was time to go.

Although our day was cut a little short, there are plenty more things to do at Prickett's Fort. There is museum on the second floor of the gift shop, picnic areas, nature trails, bike rentals and a boat launch. The Prickett's fort webpage is the best way to keep up with events such as workshops to teach you smithing, concerts, children's events, fishing tournaments, and heirloom plant sales.

Up next is Audra!

Valley Falls

Park excursion number two takes us to Valley Falls State Park, one of my favorites. Growing up in Fairmont, I have gone to Valley Falls numerous times for group picnics, dates, an occasional wedding and generally when I'm feeling the need to connect to the outdoors. In baseball terms, this is my home park. 

Located between Grafton and Fairmont, this park can easily be found off state road 310.

Coming into the park we find the place to get our stamp in a little mailbox at the entrance. The park does have staff but they are generally out and about during park hours. There are maps available here for those looking to hike and bike. The main entrance road leads to a parking lot, restrooms, playgrounds, vending machines, and several picnic shelters. 

STAMP!!

The area that we all know as Valley Falls used to be home to a lumber and grist mill in the era where railroad was king. The railroad is still important to this park as it marks the entrance to the falls area.

Over the tracks we go! Also a popular spot for those senior pics.

The kid checking out a stone from the old grist mill (grinds grain).

One of my favorite things about this park is the rather easy walk out to the rocks where the falls cascade down the river. You can get very close and just listen to the water. Many of my parents generation will tell of time where swimming was allowed (don't do it! Its not allowed and is altogether dangerous) but sitting on the rocks watching the river tumble by is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Another wild and wonderful view

The water was rather high due to several days of rain.

The kid and I

The park itself is truly a family friendly place, they have a ton of areas to picnic and and nice playground to let the kiddos burn some of that magic toddler energy.

Room for the whole reunion

The kid's favorite part "slide slide slide slide slide (well you get the idea)"

On this trip we decided to stop by grandma's for dinner on our way home. If you're passing through, pop down Hammond road and she might feed you too. 

One last look

Valley Falls family selfie