Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Monday, June 3, 2013

Virginia National Recreation Trails

Two Virginia trails have been designated as national recreation trails by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service officials.

The newly designated national recreation trails are:

High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park is a 31-mile multiuse rail-trail in Central Virginia. The trail is suitable for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Historic Landmark. High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the 10 longest recreational bridges in the United States.

Tobacco Heritage Trail (South Boston)

Nature enthusiasts enjoy birding, scenic views of the Dan River, and plenty of fresh air along a 2.6-mile segment of the Tobacco Heritage Trail. Featured historic sites on the rail-trail include the remains of a cotton mill, the Prizery (community theatre, museum, and events venue), Diamond Hill (a former slave cemetery), and Berry Hill Plantation.

source: U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Public Meetings Concerning Fort Monroe National Park

The National Parks Conservation Association is urging Hampton Roads residents to attend either of two public meetings on July 19 at 2 pm and 6:30 pm at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

At stake is the future of Fort Monroe, one of Hampton Roads most well known historic landmarks. Built in the 1800’s, Fort Monroe was dubbed “Freedom’s Fortress” when thousands of enslaved people sought refuge there during the Civil War.

The site includes more than two miles of undeveloped Chesapeake Bay shoreline that could be enjoyed for boating, birding and other outdoor recreation.

In September, the U.S. Army will leave the Fort due to base closures, giving the United States a rare opportunity to make Fort Monroe a national park site.

The NPCA urged residents to attend one or more public meetings concerning the future of the historic site: "We urge Virginia residents to join us to discuss the future of America’s next great urban national park.”

source: National Parks Conservation Association

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Virginia Beach Bayside History Day Bike Tour

Biking enthusiasts can enjoy their sport while celebrating Virginia Beach history during the Bayside History Day Bike Tour. The event will be held on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 9 am – 2:30 pm.

Lynnhaven River NOW and the Tidewater Bicycle Association are co-sponsoring a guided tour by bicycle of historic homes, farms and churches along the Lynnhaven River in conjunction with the City of Virginia Beach Bayside Heritage Day celebration. Famous landmarks will include Ferry Plantation House, the Thoroughgood House, Church Point wayside and the Old Donation Church.

This is a family-paced ride along an 11 mile loop starting and ending at the Bayside Public Library. The ride includes five stops at historic points along the way. A lunch and drink will be provided. Helmets and bicycles are required. Cost is $20 and includes lunch, drinks and any entrance fees. Pre-registration is required. 

 Participants can park at the BB&T next to Bayside Library and meet in the parking lot of the Bayside Public Library, 936 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach. The tour itinerary is subject to change.

To register, please contact Lynnhaven River NOW at 757-962-5398 or visit www.LRNow.org .

Friday, January 28, 2011

Walmart Withdraws Plans for Superstore on Wilderness Battlefield

Tom Kiernan, President of the National Parks Conservation Association has released the following statements regarding Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County, Virginia:

“After months of intense debate and a legal challenge led by the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition, we are pleased with Walmart’s decision this morning to abandon its plans to build a Superstore on a privately-owned portion of the Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County, Virginia, next to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

“Pulitzer-Prize winning historian James McPherson has said that this site was in the nerve center of the Union Army during the battle of the Wilderness, which was as significant as the battle of Gettysburg.  The Battle resulted in one of the most decisive moments of the U.S. Civil War, involved more than 150,000 soldiers, and resulted in 30,000 casualties.

“Today’s decision is a victory for protecting our priceless historic landscapes that tell our shared story.  All involved now have the opportunity to work together to preserve this site so that it remains compatible with the national park's meaning and character.  As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War, I urge Americans to work together to protect these sacred places for our children and grandchildren to experience and enjoy in the future.”