Booker T. Washington
National Monument
On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker
T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation all shaped the options and choices of Booker T. Washington. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and later became an important and controversial leader of his race at a time when increasing racism in the United States made it necessary for African Americans to adjust themselves to a new era of legalized oppression. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.
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- VISITATION:
- Highest in July and August; lowest in November, December and
January.
- LOCATION:
- Franklin County, Virginia, adjacent to Smith Mountain Lake.
- ADDRESS:
- Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
- TELEPHONE:
- (540) 721-2094
- OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
- Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all year; closed Thanksgiving
Day, December 25, and January 1.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Hot and humid weather during July and August, with frequent
afternoon thunderstorms. Coldest months are December, January
and February. Long spring and fall seasons with moderate
temperatures. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate to the
season, with walking shoes. Trails are unpaved and may be muddy
at times.
- DIRECTIONS:
- From Interstate 81, take the Interstate 581 exit at Roanoke
and travel south on US 220 to Rocky Mount. Follow park signs and
travel north on Virginia State Route 122. From US 29 at
Lynchburg, take US 460 west to Bedford and Virginia State Route
122 south.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- Air service is available to both Lynchburg and
Roanoke. As public transportation is not available from either
city to the park, a personal or rental vehicle is required.
In the park, all trails are limited to pedestrian traffic.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- There is no admission fee.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
- In the visitor center there are exhibits, an audiovisual
program, and bookstore. On the grounds there is a living
history farm, trails, and a picnic area.
- Trails, Roads:
- The Plantation Trail is a one-quarter mile walking trail through the
historic area of the park. Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail is a one and one-half mile walk through woods and fields.
- Programs/Activities:
- Regularly scheduled guided tours.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
- There are none in the park. A variety of hotels, motels, and camping sites
are available within a 30-mile radius.
- Food/supplies:
- There are none in the park. There are local restaurants and grocery stores within a five-mile radius.
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
- An Eastern National bookstore is located in the visitor center. It offers a wide range of titles and educational items on African American, regional, and Virginia history, as well as crafts and children's
books.
- Accessibility:
- Visitor center facilities are accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Historic area is partially accessible. One wheelchair
is available for free loan on a first-come, first-served
basis.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
- View the exhibits and audiovisual program in the visitor
center, and tour the historic area of the park on the Plantation Trail. Enjoy a longer walk along the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail, and eat a picnic lunch in the shaded picnic area.
- RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
- Reservations for school and other groups
should be made as far in advance as possible, especially for the
most popular school tour seasons, mid-April to mid-June and September through October. For
additional information concerning reservations, special use, or
filming permits, call (540) 721-2094.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Plan to stay for one to two hours to view the exhibits and
audiovisual program in the visitor center and visit the historic
area. Plan to spend an additional hour walking
Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail. Allow additional time to
browse in the Eastern National bookstore and enjoy a picnic
lunch in the shaded picnic area.
- SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
- Special events are scheduled throughout the year. For
information about specific dates and events, contact the Superintendent, Booker T. Washington National Monument, 12130 Booker T.
Washington Highway, Hardy, VA 24101, or call (540) 721-2094.
- VISITOR IMPACTS:
- The historic area is prone to lightning strikes and may be
closed periodically to visitors during summer thunderstorms.
This occurs most frequently in the late afternoon. During the
winter months of December, January, and February the historic
area may be closed due to icy conditions.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park, 75 miles east;
Blue Ridge Parkway, 25 miles west; Guilford Courthouse
National Military Park
, 60 miles south.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Write Superintendent, Booker T. Washington National Monument,
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy, Virginia 24101;
call the park at (540) 721-2094 or send eMail.
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Last Updated:Thursday, 02-Sep-99 17:11:02
http://www.nps.gov/bowa/