The Blacksmith At Prickett's Fort State Park

The blacksmith is our favorite part of Prickett's Fort. He's also a part of the management team at Prickett's Fort, so he's a wealth of knowledge and an extremely talented man.

The boys were balking at going at first. I know this is not as exciting for them as Six Flags Magic Mountain. :) But once we arrived and got into it, they enjoyed it quite a bit. There were a number of additions to the Fort since our visit last year, including the new blacksmith's shop, sheep, chicken, a garden, a native hut... and a cat.

The Boys At Pricketts Fort

They all listen as a Pricketts Fort artisan explains his craft.

Helping the Pricketts Fort blacksmith with his bellows.

The two youngest playing Double Ball in the Pricketts Fort commons.

Today's Adventure - Pricketts Fort

I love history. I love West Virginia.

Therefore, I love Pricketts Fort State Park. It's the perfect marriage of West Virginia and history. This from The Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation website:

"Pricketts Fort State Park is a day-use historical and recreational park, located just north of Fairmont, West Virginia, two miles off Interstate 79 at Exit 139. The original fort was built at the confluence of Pricketts Creek and the Monongahela River in 1774, and provided a place of refuge from Indian attack for early settlers to the area. Now a state park, the site also includes the Job Prickett House, built in 1859 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places."

We had a great time here today. It took the boys a while to get into the spirit, but once they saw me throw a hatchet and hit the target, they were into it. They played a game in the commons called "Double Ball." It was a blast to watch and play. We're going to bring into this century, both here and when we get back home.

Here are some panos for your enjoyment.




Click on the photos to view larger.