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Lyndon Baines Johnson Mem. Grove on the Potomac
Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-289-2530
Fax: 703-289-2598
Overview. Overlooking the capital from the Potomac River, this grove lies within the Lady Bird Johnson Park. In honor of LBJ's service as the 36th President, Texas granite markers with inscriptions were placed among 500 white pine trees. This park is one of several stops along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.What to see and do. Open during daylight hours, the grove's main attraction is the river. Spend an afternoon along the Potomac picnicking, walking through the trees, or fishing the river. Be sure to have a fishing license with you along with your fishing gear. This pleasant park provides a nice getaway from bustling urban Washington.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-289-2500 or 703-289-2530
Fax: 703-289-2598
A 23-foot-tall statue of Theodore Roosevelt greets you as you visit this 91-acre island in the middle of the Potomac River. This urban park is a memorial to the 26th president's love of nature and the National Park Service, which started under his administration with the help of naturalist John Muir. Upon taking office as president, Roosevelt said that his primary goal was to establish a governmental office that would serve to protect the wilderness. During his administration, over 234 million acres of American wilderness became dedicated conservation areas. He was also responsible for saving bison from extinction and introducing irrigation to western states. The marshy island is a haven for water-loving animals like muskrats, frogs, and turtles, as well as raccoons and several species of birds. The island offers three miles of nature trails and a half-mile boardwalk.
This is an ideal place for bird- and nature-watching. Bird species include wren and red-winged blackbirds, and you might also see an occasional red fox. You can take advantage of nature trails that travel underneath towering elms, oaks, and maples, or join a guided walk on weekends. Group tours are also available; phone ahead for a reservation. Fishing is allowed, but a permit is required for anyone over the age of 16. The island is accessible only on foot: a footbridge connects it to the Virginia shoreline. A parking lot is located just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway (accessible from the northbound lane only). From Washington, D.C., take the Metro to the Rosslyn station, which is adjacent to Key Bridge. The island is open year-round until sunset.
I-66 exit Geo. Wash. Mem. Pkwy.
Shenandoah National Park
Address: 3655 US Hwy 211E
Luray, VA 22835
Phone: 540-999-3500
Fax: 540-999-2244
Overview. The rock that underpins Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is well over a billion years old. In contrast, humans have roamed these hazy hills for a mere 11,000 years. The latest wave of inhabitants were the settlers of the late 18th century who, finding little land left in the Shenandoah Valley, took to the slopes of the mountains to establish their farms. Agriculture provided a comfortable living and wildlife was abundant, even if the mountain soil and steep slopes made farming difficult. Post Civil War, railroad development demands for timber increased logging while drought, Chestnut blight, and bog clorera decreased the viability of mountain living. By the early 20th century, some of the mountain farms were abandoned.
Congress authorized the park in 1926. The park was officially established in 1936 at which time some 500 families still lived on the land. Today, there is very little remaining to indicate the former level of human habitation in the park. Almost completely reforested with at least 100 species of trees, 40 percent of Shenandoah National Park has been declared wilderness. The Skyline Drive, its overlooks affording vistas of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Virginia's Piedmont to the east, provides access to a wide variety of trails throughout its length. The park is ever changing with the seasons: rising green foliage in spring, verdant growth and blankets of wildflowers in summer, autumn's glorious foliage display, and quiet, unobstructed views though leafless trees in winter. Wildlife once again abounds in the park, which is a haven for hundreds of species of birds.
What to see and do. The 105-mile Skyline Drive is the conduit to all areas of the park, and, observing its 35-mile-per-hour speed limit and pulling over to take in the view from a few overlooks, you could make your way through Shenandoah National Park in four or five hours. If you want to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge firsthand, though, you'll want to park your car and explore a little on foot. Trails vary in length and difficulty, from short, relatively flat trails to the 101 miles of Appalachian Trail that skirt Shenandoah's ridges. Pristine streams crisscross the park, and shimmering cascades and waterfalls reward hikers along many trails. A few of the remaining structures, graveyards, and stone fences of the old mountain families are close to trailheads reachable from the Skyline Drive and its overlooks. Just strolling through the forest and taking in the cool summer shade or crisp autumn air will refresh and renew your spirit. You must have a backcountry permit, available from entrance stations and visitor centers, for overnight hikes. If you'd like to explore the park on horseback, guided trail rides are available at Skyland's stables.
Visitor centers at Dickey Ridge (Mile 4.6--all mileage is calculated north to south) and Big Meadows (Milepost 51) provide information on the park and its scheduled activities, and offer exhibits and audiovisual presentations. There are many waysides, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks along the Skyline Drive, and campgrounds are located at Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.6), and Loft Mountain (Mile 79.5). Lodging at Big Meadows and Skyland (Mile 41.7), as well as ten cabins at Lewis Mountain, provide accommodations along the route. If picnicking isn't your cup of tea, food service is available at Elkwallow Wayside (Mile 24.1), Big Meadows Wayside (Mile 51.0), and Loft Mountain, and restaurants are located at Skyland, and Big Meadows. Service stations and other amenities are provided at the waysides.
The park is open year-round, although no services are open during the winter. Wildflower Weekend is celebrated in May, and ranger-led tours and programs are offered May through October. Call the park for details. Many nearby communities host festivals spring through autumn, and the area abounds in caverns, charming historic towns, and lovely scenery.
Arlington House, The Robert Lee Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery, Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-557-0613
Overview. Robert E. Lee resigned his commission with the U.S. Army in 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War. Lee went to war, and his wife and family moved to Richmond, the Confederate capital. They left behind a 1,100-acre estate on the Potomac River. Designed by the architect who envisioned the Capitol, Arlington House was originally owned by George Washington's adopted son George Washington Parke Custis. Lee married into the Custis family, and the mansion became his home until the Civil War. In 1864, the U.S. government confiscated the property when the Lees didn't pay Federal taxes. Two hundred acres of the estate were reserved for what is now the country's most famous national cemetery. The house has been restored to its 1861 appearance in tribute to Robert E. Lee. What to see and do. Arlington House is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, April through September (to 4:30 PM October through March). It is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Inside the 26-room house, costumed staff members answer questions you may have along your self-guided tour. The first floor is accessible. Groups can arrange for guided tours during the summer season. Call for information. In the dining room, you'll find the original china and glassware used by the Lee and Custis families. A few original pieces of furniture remain, but most are period pieces. Outside you can walk through the landscaped grounds. If you visit on June 30th, don't miss the special events scheduled in honor of Lee's wedding anniversary. In January, the site celebrates his birthday. Call ahead for details about these occasions.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-285-2598 or 703-285-2964
Fax: 703-285-2398
Overview. Running along the southern bank of the Potomac River, the Parkway keeps intact the lush natural green spaces always threatened by Washington DC's urban growth. As a memorial to General Washington, it connects Mount Vernon at the south end to Great Falls Park at the north end. This memorial consists of several separately administered parks and recreation areas.What to see and do. Outdoors enthusiasts and history fans can enjoy the sites along this pleasant roadway. You may start at either end of the Parkway or select individual attractions. At Mount Vernon, you'll tour Washington's Virginia estate. At Great Falls Park, the Potomac River tumbles down precipitous piles of rocks. Several hiking trails lead you down to the river and through the surroundings woodlands. Pick up information at these places about other sites along the Parkway. You can explore places like Fort Marcy, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove, and the Clara Barton National Historic Site. There are 13 places altogether.
Petersburg National Battlefield
Address: 1539 Hickory Hill Rd
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531 or 804-732-3571
Fax: 804-732-3615
Overview. Encompassing the battlefields of a major Civil War offensive, the park commemorates the history of the Petersburg Campaign. General Ulysses S. Grant's army encountered General Robert E. Lee's troops in Petersburg while en route to the Confederate capital of Richmond. Located at the crossroads of four railroad lines and several major roadways, Petersburg was of vital strategic significance. Although Grant was finally able to cut Lee's supply lines, Union forces had great difficulties subduing the Confederate troops. The siege continued for nine and a half months. Several major battles and numerous trench-war skirmishes took place during this siege, which cost the lives of nearly 70,000 soldiers. The siege culminated in an assault against weakened Rebel forces at the Battle of Five Forks, which is often referred to as the "Waterloo of the Confederacy." Facing imminent defeat, Lee retreated west to Appomattox, where he surrendered on April 9, 1865. What to see and do. You could spend almost an entire day exploring the two main sections of this park. For an overview of the battle's military strategy, watch a 17-minute relief map presentation at the main visitor center (open 8 AM to 5 PM daily with extended summer hours). The highlight of any visit is the four-mile driving tour along the Park Tour road. Wayside stops feature exhibits and short walking trails. If you have walking shoes, you can explore the battlefield along 15 miles of unpaved trails. However, visitors are asked to remain on the trails as the historic earthworks are easily damaged by foot traffic. During the summer, kids can participate in a Junior Ranger program or hike along the 10-mile Boy Scout Historical Trail. After you have explored the main section of the park, drive eight miles northeast to City Points Unit in Hopewell, situated at the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers. These rivers served as a supply line for the Union army during the long siege and it was here at City Points that Grant established his headquarters. You will find a small visitor center in Appomattox Manor, which was built in 1763 and remained in the hands of the Eppes family for over a hundred years. Begin your tour with the once-enormous railroad and shipping junction, then pursue the exhibits and the two restored rooms. The center also features a 15-minute video. There are no formal trails on the 20-acre grounds, but you can stroll along the shore, stopping to read the informative markers and to look in the windows of Grant's furnished cabin. Some Civil War buildings still stand but are not open for viewing. Throughout the park, visitors are asked to picnic only at designated areas. School groups should make advance reservations, and can request a "Parks as Classroom" program during the school year. Most major buildings are handicapped-accessible. The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Address: 1732 Popes Creek Rd
Washington's Birthplace, VA 22443
Phone: 804-224-1732 or 804-224-1779
Fax: 804-224-2142
Overview. George Washington was born in 1732 to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. He grew up on prosperous estates near the Potomac River, and his childhood studies consisted of surveying, the classics, mathematics, and good manners.When Augustine died in 1743, young George was to spend time at his half brother Augustine Jr.'s plantation, Pope's Creek, where he took surveying lessons from Mr. Williams of Mattox Creek. George was later sent to Mt. Vernon plantation to live with his oldest half brother, Lawrence. Lawrence's wife, Anne, was a member of the prominent Fairfax family, whose influence gave George his start in politics. Before his political life, Washington worked as a surveyor and helped to lay out what is now the town of Alexandria and Culpeper County. Lord Fairfax appointed him to survey the family's property in the Shenandoah Valley. When Lawrence died of tuberculosis in 1752, the estate was turned over to George. The turning point of Washington's political career came during the French and Indian War, when he was sent on a mission to warn French commanders against encroaching on British territory. Washington published an account of the mission and gained widespread recognition. In 1758, after the French and Indian War was over, Washington returned to his estate and made much-needed repairs. He refurbished and restored most of the buildings and planted new crops, such as tobacco. He entered politics with the help of influential friends, married, and was eventually named as the commander-in-chief of the Continental forces. Today, the 538-acre estate features tobacco fields and livestock. Washington's birth home burned down in 1779, but a memorial house was built in its place and furnished with period pieces. A kitchen and other outbuildings have also been constructed on the property and the landscape features a grove of old cedar trees, creeks, and the Potomac River. What to see and do. A visitor center, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, offers interpretive tours, exhibits, and a film. Rangers in period costume give demonstrations and are available to conduct tours; call ahead for details. A collection of 18th-century jewelry, ceramics, and other artifacts excavated at the site are also on display. You can take self-guided tours along nature trails or spend time at the Potomac River beach front area (no swimming allowed). Washington's birthday and Christmas are two big events at the site, with special events and festivities through the summer months. Call for further information. The monument is located along the Potomac River, 38 miles east of Fredericksburg. Pets are not permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.
Colonial National Historical Park
PO Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone: 757-898-2410
Fax: 757-898-6346
Overview. Colonial National Historical Park commemorates the beginning and end of Great Britain's dominance of the thirteen colonies. Historic Jamestown preserves the original site of the 1607 Jamestown colony. On the other side of the peninsula, visit Yorktown Battlefield, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington's upstart colonial army on October 19, 1781. The Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile road closed to commercial traffic, connects the two sites. Southeast of Colonial National Historical Park, Cape Henry Memorial at Fort Story in Virginia Beach marks the first settlers' landing spot. What to see and do. You may see either site first, but think about starting at Jamestown. After you pay an entrance fee at the Jamestown Entrance Station, watch the 15-minute film about Jamestown history. You can also look at an extensive collection of 17th-century artifacts gleaned from the site. Outside, guided tours lead you through the ruined foundations of original buildings and monuments to the settlers' way of life. You may also tour on your own. Look for the Old Church Tower, which was built in 1639. It's the only original structure left. If you happen to visit the weekend closest to May 13, you won't want to miss the special tours and demonstrations of 17th-century military life during the Jamestown Founding Celebration. Once you're back on the road, take the five-mile car tour through the pine forest and pitch and tar swamp behind the settlement. Keep an eye out for the many varieties of birds and herds of deer. You may want to look at the glass factory near the Jamestown park entrance. Costumed interpreters demonstrate glassblowing. Taking the Colonial Parkway east through Tidewater country brings you to Yorktown Battlefield. At the Yorktown Visitor Center, bone up on your knowledge of the Yorktown Siege by watching the 16-minute film The Siege of Yorktown. Note: There is a fee at Yorktown Visitor Center. Included are the Visitor Center, historic homes, Battlefield Tour and all interpretive programs. A Colonial Passport is also available which is good for both Jamestown and Yorktown. Visit the Nelson house, home of Declaration of Independence signer and wartime Governor of Virginia Thomas Nelson, Jr. During summer, take time to watch a play dramatizing Nelson family history. A seven-mile road runs through the battlefield, where you can still see earthworks, siege lines, and even some field cannon. Also, see the Moore House where terms for the surrender were negotiated. On October 19, a parade and patriotic ceremonies commemorate the anniversary of the surrender. Hot Brunswick stew is served for lunch on that special day. Along the Colonial Parkway, you'll notice other attractions. The Jamestown Settlement Museum, operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a living history museum, and you can't miss Colonial Williamsburg, a privately owned park re-creating the former capital of Virginia.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Address: 12130 Booker T Washington Hwy
Hardy, VA 24101
Phone: 540-721-2094
Fax: 540-721-8311
Overview. Booker T. Washington rose above his difficult beginnings as a slave to found the Tuskegee Institute, one of the most famous colleges in the South. He was a self-made man whose life's work was dedicated to helping African Americans become educated and self-sufficient. He was born on this Virginia tobacco farm in 1856. Nine years later, after the Civil War ended, slavery was abolished and Washington was emancipated. Enduring poverty and hardship, he taught himself the alphabet and eventually went on to attend the Hampton Institute in Virginia, one of the few institutions in the nation that allowed African Americans to enter. His hard work at Hampton won him recognition by peers and faculty, and in 1881 he was recommended to head the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Washington literally built the school from the ground up: it began as a single classroom in an abandoned church, and part of the students' curriculum was to help build other buildings and to grow all of the food for their meals. Today, Tuskegee is an accredited institution with 3,500 students and a $2 million endowment. The 224-acre site has been reconstructed to look as it did in the mid-19th century. The focal point is Washington's birthplace: a rebuilt kitchen cabin. The cabin was reconstructed according to Washington's own description in his autobiography Up from Slavery. Six additional buildings have been reconstructed: a blacksmith's shed, two barns, a smokehouse, and the "corn crib." What to see and do. Two walking trails can guide you around the site. Plantation Trail is a quarter-mile loop around the historic area of the park, including the rebuilt farm. Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail is a 1-1/2 mile long heritage trail. Rangers recommend that you dress for the weather: hot, humid temperatures in summer and rainy, chilly days during the winter months. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. The park is at its peak in the spring when dogwood, redbud, and wildflowers are in full bloom. Bring a camera; you won't want to miss the activities of rabbit, fox, or deer. A picnic area is also available. Park rangers conduct tours of the site daily that focus on Booker T. Washington, slavery, and Reconstruction. Special activities include commemorations of Washington's birthday and an annual winter event called "Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters." Park staff in period costume periodically present living history presentations and demonstrations of 19th-century farm life. Call the monument for specific times and dates. A variety of items can be purchased at the visitor center. A picnic area is also available. The Monument is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and is located 20 miles southeast of Roanoke. Leashed pets are permitted.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Nat'l Milt. Park
Address: 120 Chatham Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2508
Phone: 540-371-0802
Fax: 540-371-1907
Overview. From 1862 to 1864, the Union and Confederate armies hotly contested the land between the two Civil War capitals of Washington and Richmond. In late 1862, Union General Burnside led his troops into a crushing defeat at Fredericksburg, a strategic town located on the Rappahannock River. The Chancellorsville Campaign of May 1863 ended in another Confederate victory, but they lost their brilliant general Stonewall Jackson. A year later in May 1864, Lee's and Grant's armies fought to a standstill in the densely wooded area known as the Wilderness. Grant left that battlefield and marched instead toward Spotsylvania Court House, control of which would yield the quickest route to Richmond. For two weeks Lee and Grant struggled over the spot, until Grant bypassed Lee's defense and pushed south by another route. Today the several sections of this nearly 7,300-acre park memorialize thousands of fallen soldiers.What to see and do. You could easily spend two days visiting the various sites. Begin at the main visitor center, located in Fredericksburg. Open daily, it includes several exhibits and slide presentations orienting you to the layout of the four battlefields. After you pick up a detailed map, continue from point to point in order to experience fully the development of the campaigns. At many of the stops, take advantage of the short walking trails and wayside exhibits. They allow you to absorb a sense of the landscape, which often determined battle strategy. A second visitor center, located at Chancellorsville, offers you more information. Don't miss two sites included in the 16 stops: Chatham and the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. Chatham, just across the river from Fredericksburg, is the eighteenth-century Georgian home that served as Union headquarters and field hospital. You may wish to stop here toward the beginning of your tour. Fifteen miles south of Fredericksburg you'll find the house in which Stonewall Jackson died after being wounded by his own troops. Separated from the other major sites, it would prove a fitting end to your day. Take a lunch break at any number of picnic sites located at each battlefield. Mobility-impaired visitors will find the Chancellorsville Center fully accessible and the Fredericksburg facility only partially so. Call ahead for schedule of special programs.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Address: 12521 Lee Highway
Manassas, VA 20109
Phone: 703-754-1861 or 703-361-1339
Fax: 703-754-1107
Overview. When the Civil War began, both the Confederate and Union forces were overconfident, assuming an easy victory. On July 21, 1861, the two armies met on the banks of Bull Run, a river southwest of Washington. Nine hundred young men died here, as did the illusion that the war would end quickly. Thirteen months later, in August 1862, the armies returned to Manassas for the Second Battle of Bull Run. After a three-day fight, the Confederate army won again, this time at the cost of 3,300 Union and Confederate men. This park covers over 5,000 acres thick with the history of national dissension.What to see and do. At the visitor center, open 8:30 AM to 5 PM (until 6 PM in summer), prepare for your battlefield tours by watching a 13-minute slide program and a five-minute battlefield map program (both captioned). A small museum exhibits artifacts from the site. Your walking shoes will be welcome on the one-mile self-guided foot tour through key sites of the first battle. Because the second battle covered much more ground, these sites are located along a self-guided auto tour. Information on the tours of First and Second Manassas can be obtained at the visitors center. During summertime, special programs (including guided walking tours) are given at the park. Along your way, you'll see the Stone House, which has been restored to its 1860s appearance and furnished to reflect the pre-Civil War era. Stone Bridge is a reconstruction of the bridge from which the first shots were fired in 1861. Call ahead for exact details. You may stay on the grounds until dusk. Picnic areas are available, and pets should be kept on leash.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Rte 24 PO Box 218
Appomattox, VA 24522
Phone: 804-352-8987 or 804-937-6011
Fax: 804-352-8330
Overview. When Wilmer McLean moved to the small Virginia town of Appomattox Court House, he could not have foreseen that his new home would be chosen the site of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. Now, the restored village looks the same as it did during the Civil War. Experience the daily life of a small Southern town when touring these 27 historic structures set on 1,743 acres in southern Virginia. What to see and do. In the visitor center, open 8:30 AM to 5 PM during winter and 9 AM to 5:30 PM summers, pick up a helpful pamphlet describing sites along the walking tour. A nominal fee for persons 17 or older allows you to tour the visitor center, which used to be the court house. Now it offers audiovisual programs and exhibits. You may take advantage of free wheelchairs or a Braille map of the site. As you walk through the town, you'll run into rangers and people in period costume who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Have a look in Clover Hill Tavern, the oldest building on the site. Meek's Store and the Woodson Law Office are other examples of the daily life maintained by wartime Southerners. In summertime, watch for the "living history" exhibits. Two young men representing a Confederate and a Union soldier give short talks explaining events that took place in the village. During your two or three hours in Appomattox Court House, keep your pets on leash and use designated picnic areas. For the rest of your day, think about stopping by Grant's headquarters, located a short drive away southwest on Rte 24, or Lee's headquarters, northeast on the same road. Lee's Retreat, a tour of 26 interpretive wayside stops between Appomattox Court House and Petersburg, opened in 1995. From Petersburg, the tour chronicles Lee's retreat from the battle of Five Forks south of Petersburg.
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Address: 3215 E Broad St
Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: 804-226-1981 or 804-771-2808
Fax: 804-771-8522
Overview. This was the capital of the Confederacy in the 1860s, and was in constant danger of Union attack. Two of the seven attempts made by Union forces to take over the city were the Seven Days Campaign in summer 1862, and the battle of Cold Harbor in spring of 1864. The park commemorates these two battles, as well as ten other related sites in Richmond. The additional sites include the Confederate artillery works at Parker's Battery, and the earthworks that served as a defensive perimeter around the capital city. At Cold Harbor, earthworks, trenches, and the Garthright House have been preserved, but the house is not open to the public. What to see and do. It's best to start your tour at the Chimborazo Visitor Center in downtown Richmond, where you can pick up brochures for visiting the battlefields, or find out about special events held at the parks throughout the year. You can also watch a short film, and view Civil War exhibits and artifacts. There's also a self-guided auto tour of the Seven Days battles available for purchase at Chimborazo. A visitor center at Cold Harbor contains exhibits and an electric battle map. Many battlefields have walking trails with interpretive exhibits. All of the battlefield sites are open year-round from early morning until sunset. Chimborazo and Cold Harbor Visitor Centers are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
3215 E Broad St
Richmond, VA 23223-7517
Phone: 804-771-2017 or 804-226-1981
Fax: 804-771-2226
Overview. Maggie Lena Walker is known in history for becoming the first woman to found and serve as president of a U.S.-chartered bank. She was born in Richmond in 1867 to a former slave and grew up in what was once a powerful political subdivision in the Jackson Ward section of downtown Richmond. The neighborhood is now a National Historical Landmark district with Walker's home as a focal point.
At the age of 14, Walker joined the Order of St. Luke, a Virginia fraternal organization for African Americans. Walker was elected Grand Secretary Treasurer in 1899. During her tenure there, she came up with the idea of starting a banking and insurance company tailored specifically to the needs of black businessmen who were unable to get assistance from white companies. The St. Luke Penny Savings Bank was founded in 1903 with Walker at the helm. During the first several years after its inception, it became the largest black-owned bank in the country and remains among the top ten largest today. As a result of a merger in 1930 the bank became the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, and it is currently located at First and Marshall streets in Richmond. Walker was also a member of the NAACP board and a member of the Virginia Interracial Commission.
Walker moved into this home in 1904 and lived there until she died in 1934. The two-story, 28-room Victorian-Italianate house has been restored to its 1920s and 30s appearance with some original family furnishings.
What to see and do. The site is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM year-round (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). You can take guided tours of the house museum or see a film, on request, about Walker's life. Also on display are interpretive exhibits about Walker's accomplishments. Guided tours are on a first-come, first-served basis only; for groups of ten or more, phone ahead to make a reservation. Location: 600 N 2nd St in Richmond.
Prince William Forest Park
Address: 18100 Park Headquarters Rd
Triangle, VA 22172
Phone: 703-221-7181 or 703-221-2366
Fax: 703-221-4322
Overview. The pine and hardwood forests that now rest along Quantico Creek are models of successful reclamation. Once used as a forage ground for local tribes, the area was quickly settled by Scots once the Navigation Law of 1707 lifted restrictions on the tobacco trade. Over the next two centuries, overfarming, poor land management, and a pyrite mining operation depleted the soil and decimated the forests. In 1933, the federal government acquired the land and employed the Civilian Conservation Corps to reclaim it for recreational use. Originally established as the Chopawamsic Recreation Demonstration Area, today the forested hills and stream valleys of Prince William Forest Park offer visitors a glimpse of what the Potomac coastline was like before it was settled. What to see and do. This is prime hiking country, with over 37 miles of trails and fire roads to explore. The terrain is hilly and scored with a maze of small stream valleys, so all but the most experienced hiker should stick to the trails. Orienteering clubs use the park to test their mettle with map and compass, so if you're not adept at using these tools, stay on the marked paths. Bicycles are not allowed on trails, but many mountain bikers pedal along the five paved park loop roads. The park's trails welcome cross-country skiers in the winter; the steep drops and sharp turns require some experience to negotiate. Fishing is permitted with a valid Virginia state license; hunting is strictly prohibited. The park visitor center offers exhibits, films and a bookstore. Guided ranger programs are scheduled every weekend concerning park ecology and wildlife, which includes whitetail deer, wild turkey, beaver, and a host of smaller animals and birds. The visitor center is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The park campground offers 79 paved sites (some with full hookups). These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive camping is allowed only in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, which is not contiguous with the main park, and requires a backcountry permit. Family and group cabin camping is also available. Pets are not permitted in the cabins.
Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts
Address: 1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182-1643
Phone: 703-255-1800 or 703-255-1860
Fax: 703-255-1971
Overview. Located southwest of Washington, D.C. in Virginia, this park is dedicated to the performing arts. Set in 130 acres of rolling northern Virginia countryside, the park includes three venues: the Filene Center, Theater-in-the-Woods, and the Meadow Pavilion.
What to see and do. Stretching 70 feet across and 65 feet deep, the Filene Center is the park's largest stage. A roof shelters 3,786 persons, while another 3,000 can find lawn seats. Rebuilt after a devastating 1982 fire, the Filene Center is wheelchair accessible. Call ahead for schedule and ticket information for the many important groups, such as the National Symphony, which perform here. Kids are especially welcome at Theater-in-the-Woods, an 800-seat outdoor rustic stage. From early July through August, children's programs are available Tuesday through Saturday; tickets are required for the events. At the Meadow Pavilion, several special events are held throughout the year. Backstage tours are available October through March.
You can take a tour of the grounds during summertime, and picnicking is welcomed.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-285-2598
Overview. Near the western tip of Maryland, the north and south branches of the Potomac converge to form the river that surges over Great Falls and flows past Mount Vernon. In order to commemorate the centuries of history that have taken place along its banks, a trail was established in 1983. Eventually, this national trail will stretch 704 miles from the mouth of the Potomac, up through the District of Columbia and Maryland, to the Laurel highlands of Pennsylvania.What to see and do. Until the trail has been completed, only a few sections will be open to the public. You can hike along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, which runs from the Georgetown section of D.C. to Cumberland, MD. You can also hike the Mount Vernon trail running from Mount Vernon up to the capital city. This section is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Call before you make plans to see how far along the planning has progressed.
Green Springs National Historic Landmark District
Address: One Courthouse Square PO Box 1685
Louisa, VA 23093
Phone: 540-967-1099 or 540-967-0096
Fax: 540-967-1308
Overview. Formed by volcanic intrusion, the fertile grassland of central Virginia's western Piedmont region has attracted farmers since colonization of the eastern seaboard began. Green Springs National Historic Landmark District contains many original examples of rural Virginia architecture, usually associated with small-scale farming. The man-made structures blend in with the natural landscape and preserve the history of rural Virginia. Encompassing the entire region, this district represents a new kind of park. Visitors can observe the harmonious interaction of human beings and nature on its 14,000 acres of mostly private property.What to see and do. You can pick up information at the office in Louisa, but there is no visitor center. Organized groups can arrange a special tour. Otherwise, you tour this district on your own by car. Many public roads, some of them gravel, twine through the area. Drive along carefully and look around at the homes and farms nestled among hills, meadows, and streams. Except for 9,000 acres of easements, all property is privately owned, and there are no public facilities such as picnic areas.
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial
Address: 1250 Red Hill Rd
Brookneal, VA 24528
Phone: 804-376-2044
Fax: 804-376-2647
Overview. Patrick Henry, Virginia statesman, patriot of the American Revolution, and fiery orator, is best known for his impassioned 1775 speech before a gathering at St. John's Church in Richmond, which ends "Give me liberty or give me death!" In 1794, after serving five terms as Virginia's governor, Henry moved to Red Hill, a small plantation overlooking the Staunton River Valley, where, though in semiretirement, he carried on a limited law practice and raised tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock. Henry lauded his home as "one of the garden spots of Virginia," and lived there with his second wife, Dorothea Dandridge Henry, and children (a total of 17!), until his death in 1799. He is buried in the cemetery at Red Hill along with Dorothea and other family members. His grave bears the inscription, "His fame his best epitaph." What to see and do. Before visiting the the Red Hill museum, where you'll find the most extensive collection of Patrick Henry memorabilia in the world, stop to watch a 15-minute introductory video on Patrick Henry and Red Hill. A self-guided tour of the site's seven historic buildings includes a reconstruction of Henry's small, one-and-a-half story home, its five rooms furnished with genuine period pieces. Henry's law office and library are also on site, and the tour includes the family cemetery, a reconstructed carriage house, servants' quarters, the kitchen, and other outbuildings. If your visit coincides with the 4th of July, you'll be treated to a Revolutionary War living history demonstration and a fireworks display; Red Hill's annual Christmas open house takes place the first Sunday in December. Contact the memorial for more information. Red Hill is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM from April through October, and to 4 PM the remainder of the year. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Group tours can be arranged with prior notice. Leashed pets are permitted. Other historic and scenic attractions in the vicinity of Red Hill include Appomattox Court House, which is 26 miles away, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, which are 65 miles distant.
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