Pricketts Fort State Park (Tour) - Clio

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Pricketts Fort

The reconstructed Pricketts Fort is the centerpiece of the historic site. The original fort was constructed in 1774, amid a rise in violence between settlers and Indigenous people on the Virginia frontier. Cayuga war leader Logan led a series of raids to seek justice for his family members who were murdered in the Yellow Creek Massacre in present-day Hancock County. Jacob Prickett, along with Captain Zackquill Morgan and Lieutenant James Chew, formed a militia to defend the region, constructing a stockade fort at the Prickett homestead. In the event of an attack, the fort provided refuge for settlers within a 17-mile radius. During Dunmore’s War and the Revolutionary War, up to 200-250 people could have “forted up” at Pricketts Fort. The fort became obsolete after the Revolutionary War, and was dismantled shortly after. The current fort was reconstructed from October 1974 - June 1976 by the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation.

Inside the Fort: Cabins and Blockhouses

The reconstructed Pricketts Fort has distinct features including four blockhouses on each corner and 16 small, interior cabins. The blockhouses were used to store supplies and served as lookouts. The cabins provided shelter for civilians seeking refuge at the fort, as well as militia members stationed at the fort. These features represent how the fort was a defensive structure for both civilians and the militia.

Inside the Fort: Trading Post

The Trading Post, along with the Meeting House, is one of two large, reconstructed buildings inside Pricketts Fort. This building allows Pricketts Fort to interpret the history of trade, hunting, trapping, and wildlife on the Virginia frontier in the late 18th century. Visitors can explore this history through a wide variety of furs on display. Contemporary recreations of historical items are also available for visitors to purchase in the Trading Post.

Inside the Fort: Meeting House

The Meeting House, along with the Trading Post, is one of two large, reconstructed buildings inside Pricketts Fort. It is used to interpret the work of homesteaders on the West Virginia frontier. Visitors can explore displays of equipment for making textiles, dyes, candles, soap, and other home items, representing the array of tasks that were required for survival on the frontier. A large hearth in the back of the Meeting House is also used for cooking demonstrations.

Buildings Beyond the Fort

Bray Blacksmith Shop

The Bray Blacksmith Shop gives visitors an up-close look at Blacksmithing skills, tools, and processes. Blacksmithing was an essential trade in the American colonies. On the western Virginia frontier, Blacksmithing provided important tools and materials for agriculture and home construction. The shop at Pricketts Fort is named for Greg Bray, the current executive director of the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation, who has been involved with the organization since the fort’s reconstruction.

Job Prickett House

This farmhouse was constructed in 1859 by Job Prickett, the great-grandson of Jacob Prickett, who originally acquired the property. The farmhouse’s design is typical of the mid 19th century, with some unique architectural features of the Federal and Greek Revival styles. It has undergone several restorations since 1974 and is now part of guided tours of the Pricketts Fort historic site. The Job Prickett House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Pricketts Fort Visitor Center

Pricketts Fort Visitor Center

The visitor center at Pricketts Fort is managed by the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation to welcome, orient, and educate visitors. Completed in 2006, the visitor center includes a museum, library, gift shop, and space for programs.

Pricketts Fort Cemetery

Pricketts Fort Cemetery

This cemetery dates back to 1774, the same year that Pricketts Fort was built by Jacob Prickett in the wake of increased hostilities with area Native American tribes. The first burial was one of Prickett’s own sons. In the summer or fall of 1774, a young Isaiah Prickett was helping Mrs. Susan Ox with caring for cattle when they were attacked by Native Americans. Isaiah was killed, and Susan Ox was taken and never seen again. Isaiah was buried close to the fort and his internment marked the start of the Prickett’s Fort cemetery. Notable burials include the fort’s founder, Captain Jacob Prickett, and many members of his family, as well as James Chew and Zackquill Morgan.

This Tour is a Multi-zone Tour.

Pricketts Fort State Park

Created by Kristi Booton on May 29th 2014, 8:12:49 pm.

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Description

Pricketts Fort is a state park and historic site that preserves and interprets the history of the western Virginia frontier during Dunmore’s War (1774) and the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). In 1772, Jacob and Dorothy Prickett and their 11 children established a subsistence farming homestead on the property. With the outbreak of Dunmore’s War in 1774, Pricketts Fort was constructed as a civilian fort to protect local settlers from potential attacks by Native Americans. The fort today was reconstructed in 1976 in preparation for the United States bicentennial. The historic site includes a Blacksmith shop, the 1859 Job Prickett House, a visitors center with a museum and gift shop, an amphitheater for events, a historic cemetery, and several miles of trails. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is currently under the care of the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation and West Virginia State Parks. Guided tours are offered from mid-April through the end of October.

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