St. Marys, WV

Set along the banks of the Ohio River, St. Marys is a quiet, scenic town of about 1,800 residents that serves as the heart of Pleasants County. Founded in 1849, the community has deep roots in riverboat history and Appalachian tradition, all while offering a peaceful retreat roughly thirty minutes upriver from Parkersburg. Residents enjoy calm surroundings, hillside backdrops, and a friendly atmosphere where local shops, schools, and everyday essentials are all close at hand.

ATTRTim Kiser ( w:User:Malepheasant ) / CC BY-SA 2.5

One of the most memorable sights in town is the freight train that rolls right down the center of Second Street, sharing the road with local traffic. For fresh air, a bridge in town connects directly to Middle Island, where you can explore nature trails and spot wildlife in the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Between the historic courthouse, community parks, and easy boat launches on Middle Island Creek, St. Marys offers a relaxed, small-town lifestyle with plenty of character.