A cherished piece of West Virginia’s military history is being given new life at Parkersburg City Park. A large naval deck gun—long believed to have served on the battleship USS West Virginia—is undergoing an extensive restoration as part of a larger effort to preserve local historic artifacts displayed in the park’s military memorial.
The city of Parkersburg has enlisted the expertise of American Star Painting, a Marietta-based restoration contractor, to refurbish the iconic deck gun and the nearby steam engine, both of which have served as prominent symbols of the city’s connection to American history.
While these artifacts have been maintained in-house for years, typically through routine repainting, city officials recognized that it was time for a more in-depth preservation effort. “We just wanted to get it done right,” said Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce. “That means taking it down to bare metal, applying primer, and repainting it properly so it lasts.”
This round of restoration is not just cosmetic. It’s a critical step in preserving historical integrity and ensuring these items remain part of Parkersburg’s cultural landscape for decades to come.
The steam engine, located near the memorial, is believed to be approximately 120 years old. It will be restored off-site due to its condition and the specialized techniques required.
The deck gun, which remains in the park for restoration, has already begun receiving its fresh primer and paint.
Workers from American Star Painting are carefully stripping away old paint layers, treating the metal, and repainting it with industrial-grade coatings designed to withstand time and weather. The full restoration is expected to be completed within a week or two, depending on weather and working conditions.
Although records are sparse, the naval gun is believed to have once served on the USS West Virginia, a battleship with a storied past. The West Virginia was famously present at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
While the gun’s exact origin cannot be definitively confirmed, Mayor Joyce stated that the weapon was donated to the city, likely in the 1970s, by the Creel family.
“We think it came from the USS West Virginia, but beyond that, not much is documented,” Joyce explained. Still, its significance as a symbol of naval heritage and its presence in the park has made it a landmark that generations of residents and visitors recognize.
As work continues, the restoration not only ensures these pieces are visually appealing but also serves to honor the past. The military memorial at Parkersburg City Park is a site where many come to reflect on the sacrifices of service members. The restoration of the deck gun and steam engine reaffirms the city’s commitment to preserving that legacy for future generations.
Once completed, the renewed gun and engine will offer residents and visitors a beautifully restored connection to West Virginia’s history. The city encourages the public to visit the park and witness the restoration progress firsthand.
These projects highlight how communities can actively engage in historical preservation while maintaining spaces that foster public memory and civic pride.
Whether you’re a history buff, a veteran, or a family enjoying a day at the park, the newly restored memorial at Parkersburg City Park will stand as a vivid reminder of our shared past and the stories that deserve to be remembered.
