Historic Pricketts Fort State Park is one of the premier            attractions of West Virginia. This log fort is a recreation of the       original Pricketts Fort of 1774. The original fort was a refuge from Native American War parties in colonial Virginia. It was reconstructed by the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation in 1976, and serves as a living historical site where interpreters re-create the lifestyle of the 18th century.
At the fort, visitors can observe blacksmithing, gunsmithing,        spinning and weaving as well as other crafts. Visitors are able to enhance their understanding of the colonial period with the help of the staff.
The Job Prickett House is close by the fort. This is where visitors learn about the mid to late 19th century and the creation of the state of West Virginia. All            programs are presented in period clothing so that the visit is            informative and enjoyable.
Among the many events planned for the summer, the park will be hosting a series of History        Dinners. Featured characters doing performances will include Mary Draper Ingles, Thomas       Jefferson and Pearl Buck. Mary Draper Ingles will be played by Karen Vuranch in the park         amphitheater on June 9 at 7:00 p.m. The part of Thomas Jefferson will be portrayed by his fifth great-grandson Mr. Rob Coles on June 15 and 16. The life of author Pearl Buck will be presented by Karen Vuranch on July 7 at 7:00 p.m. The cost of the dinner is only $10.00 and reservations are        required.
Pricketts Fort is now the home of the “West Virginia Shakespeare Festival.” This summer you can see “Romeo and Juliet” performed by the members of the West        Virginia University Graduate    Theater Department. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. in the park   amphitheater on the following evenings: June 7, 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 and July 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9. In case of rain the performances will be held in the park exhibition center. Underwriting for “Romeo and Juliet” was made possible through a generous grant from the Marion County Board of           Commissioners. All performances are free to the public.
The Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation has taken an             aggressive step to promoting      cultural tourism in north-central West Virginia. By providing high quality, free programming, the goal is to attract out of state         visitors as well as provide            entertainment for West Virginia residents.
Other summer events include the Traditional Music Weekend, the 18th Century Rendezvous, the Stonewall Jackson Civil War        Seminar, the Old-Fashioned Brass band Concert and Henry Shapiro and Swing Fever. The park offers a variety of opportunities to its visitors including picnic areas, boating areas, trailer parking and bass tournaments, which are held in season.
Pricketts Fort is located near Fairmont, just two and a half miles off of I-79 at Exit 139. For information about these and other events call (304)363-3030 or 1-800-CALL-WVA or try the Web site at www.dmssoft.com/pfort.