Shared by Ethan Howes, as Guest Blogger.

History flows from Pocahontas State Park much like the waterways that offer us so many recreational opportunities. From Civilian Conservation Corps sites, to old homesteads and cemeteries Pocahontas presents the ever-changing landscape within state parks.

Our history may not be as visible as other parks, but guests will be surprised by the history that hides in plain sight. Let's countdown the top 5 at Pocahontas State Park:

5. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Field

This was the area where the CCCers could relax after a day of strenuous work building the park

This location hosted the CCC’s camp that consisted of 23 buildings including their barracks, mess hall, and a boxing ring. Today, the buildings no longer remain, but you can still find the bell that rang out to alert the men of a fire in the barracks. This area provided the CCCers a place to relax after a long day of strenuous work.

Today, visitors walk the field enjoying the sounds of birds chirping and wind rustling the tree. If you look closely, you might find the foundations of the old camp being overtaken by the underbrush. On some occasions, the “Thwack!” of an arrow hitting a target can be heard from a ranger taught archery lesson. See more programs taught at the park here.

4.  Camp 7 Lake

Camp 7 Lake attracts humans and wildlife with its secluded atmosphere

This is the third lake that pools in Pocahontas thanks to the CCC, and the least known to most visitors. At first glance it seems like a small pond built for no reason, but at one time it proved recreational opportunities for many people. Like many of the older parks in the system, segregation divided Pocahontas.

Many park visitors may not be aware of this history in the park. Camp 7 offers a place to reflect on the past and present.

3.  The Old Water Station Well

This old well rests within the fence, that once supplied the Tidewater and Western trains with water

Long before the CCC arrived and cars carried people to their destinations, railroads ruled transportation. Several lines passed through the area the park now resides. The remains hide in plain view, but only a few realize the meanings.

When entering the Bright Hope Horse Complex, location on the south side of Beach Road across from the main entrance, look to the left and see a fence in a group of trees. An old well rests within the fence, that once supplied the Tidewater and Western railway trains with water to use as steam as they ran from Farmville Basin coal mines to Bermuda One Hundred. 

2. Fendley Station

The CCC transplanted Fendley Station from the rail line and placed it in the park 

Heading into the main entrance of the park, the main office and contact station greet park guests. While looking at the main office, one will learn that they are looking at a piece history. During the construction of Swift Creek Recreational Demonstration Area, the CCC transplanted Fendley Station from near the rail line (see well image above) and placed it in the park. At the time, it serviced as the camp’s administration building. Today the building still has an important role in running the park.

You may enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding the Fendley Station Trail which is 13.6 miles. See a park trail map here.

1. “Sheldon Cabin”

The Sheldon Cabin is hidden in the woods

Standing just off of Old Mill Trail, the remains of a chimney reside, often ignored by passersby. The fenced-in property smokes out those whom are truly aware of their surrounds. Not much is known of the property other than the chimney, some surrounding bricks, and some depression in the ground believed to be sunken graves. Once pointed out, the chimney shocks even the most experienced park guests.

It also helps to communicate the good hiking and biking practice of being aware of your surroundings.

Bonus* Personal Memories

Visitors, volunteers and staff creating new histories at Pocahontas State Park

The guests, volunteers, and staff of Pocahontas State Park create the new history of the park.

With each visit to the park, we create new histories that connect us to each other and to the environment. Park history becomes the guests cherished histories. For more history of the park, be sure to visit the CCC Museum when you stop in.

Click here to help plan your next camping getaway in a campsite, camping cabin, or yurt at Pocahontas State Park, or call 800-933-7275. For directions, park events and more, just click here.