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Historic Tracewell House Devastated by Fire in Parkersburg

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 11:59 GMT by TheNewsCenter

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Historic Tracewell House in Parkersburg Devastated by Fire

A blaze that swept through the historic Tracewell House on Friday afternoon has left the Parkersburg community stunned, prompting an investigation and a wave of grief from residents who had come to cherish the landmark. The fire, first reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. near the front porch, quickly grew to consume the structure’s 19th‑century brick façade, its tall wooden beams, and a number of treasured artifacts that had been preserved in the home for more than a century.

The Tracewell House, built in 1898 by railroad magnate Samuel Tracewell, was a key piece of the city’s heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the home had been operated by the Parkersburg Historical Society since 2004 as a museum and event venue. Its interior was famed for a hand‑painted ceiling, original oak paneling, and a collection of early West Virginia furnishings that were donated by the Tracewell family and later restored by volunteer artisans.

The Fire

According to the Parkersburg Fire Department, the fire was first noticed by a neighbor who heard a sudden burst of smoke and a shout from the house’s back entrance. Firefighters rushed to the scene within minutes, but by the time they arrived, the front of the building was already engulfed. “It was a fast‑moving fire, likely fueled by the dry interior and the age of the wooden framing,” said Captain Mark Harris of the Fire Department. “We used our high‑pressure hoses and water‑jettisoning techniques, but the roof collapsed around 4:15 p.m., which hampered our efforts.”

A local volunteer, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported that the front of the house had been severely damaged, with large sections of brick and plaster destroyed. Inside, the original parlor and dining room suffered extensive fire and water damage; many historic furnishings were destroyed or severely damaged. The historic library, which contained original documents related to the Tracewell family and the early railroad industry, was also lost. The Fire Department has secured the remaining perimeter of the building to protect the remaining salvageable features.

Investigation and Potential Causes

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze may have been caused by faulty wiring in the attic, a common hazard in older homes. “We’ve seen similar incidents in the past,” said Fire Chief Robert Lewis. “We will be collecting evidence from the electrical systems and will consult with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal for a more detailed analysis.”

A link to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s page on historic building fire safety, which the original article referenced, outlines the importance of modernizing electrical wiring in heritage structures while maintaining architectural integrity. The page recommends regular inspections and the installation of modern fire suppression systems where possible.

Community Reaction

The loss of the Tracewell House has triggered a broad outpouring of support and reflection from the Parkersburg community. A city council meeting was called to discuss potential salvage efforts and the future of the property. Mayor Elena Davis described the house as “a living testament to our city’s past,” and pledged the city would explore options for restoration or adaptive reuse.

Local historian Dr. Angela Simmons, who served as the head curator for the Historical Society, noted the profound loss: “The Tracewell House wasn’t just a building; it was a repository of stories, artifacts, and a sense of identity for our people.” She added that a memorial service is being planned for next month, where community members will have the opportunity to share memories and donate to a preservation fund.

The Historical Society’s website, which was linked in the original article, now lists a “Fund the Restoration” campaign. The page includes a donation form, a timeline of the house’s history, and a gallery of pre‑fire photographs. It also links to a news article on WV Magazine about the importance of preserving historic structures against fire hazards.

What’s Next?

While the building is officially declared a loss, officials are exploring the possibility of reconstructing the Tracewell House based on original architectural plans. The city is also considering a partnership with the West Virginia Historical Preservation Office to secure federal grants for reconstruction and the installation of a modern fire suppression system. The park’s planners have indicated that a memorial park might be established on the site, incorporating an interpretive center detailing the house’s history and the broader narrative of West Virginia’s railroad era.

The Parkersburg Fire Department has released a statement urging residents of historic homes to review their wiring and fire safety measures. A “Fire Safety for Historic Homes” webinar has been scheduled for next week, and the Department will be providing free inspections for qualifying properties.

The community’s resilience will be tested in the days ahead, as they grapple with the loss of a treasured symbol of their heritage. Yet, the outpouring of support and the city’s commitment to preserve the memory of the Tracewell House suggest that while the bricks and beams may be gone, the stories and legacy of the Tracewell family will continue to live on in Parkersburg’s collective memory.