Wilderness Road State Park is known for history. We interpret history, we re-create history and well, we make history. Our park often partners with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. That partnership has spawned some first-class interpretive programs at both parks as well as exposure to both parks. As neighbors, we help each other as best we can, sharing resources, information and more. It’s a partnership that we embrace and utilize.

Wilderness Road State Park volunteers Noah, Daniel and Joshua Smith provided colonial music during the Cumberland Gap quarter release ceremony

On April 9-11, in conjunction with the National Park Service’s 100^th anniversary and Virginia State Park’s 80^th anniversary, several staff members from Wilderness Road assisted our neighbor, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, with their historic event, An American Memoir, which was highlighted by the release of the Cumberland Gap quarter as part of the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Series. It is the second site commemorated in 2016 with a U.S. quarter. It is the 32nd of 56 coins from the program.

More than 2,500 school children from the tri-state area attended the Cumberland Gap quarter release ceremony

Approximately 10,300 people attended the 3-day event, including 2,500 students on Monday from Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee elementary schools.

Park Interpreter Jesse Henderson assists with the Junior Ranger program

Wilderness Road State Park Manager Scott Bowen and Park Ranger Jeff Smith assisted with safety and security; Chief Ranger Andrew Peal and Maintenance Rangers Michael Wiggins and Joshua Cox assisted with parking; Ranger David Cope and Southwest Virginia Museum State Park Ranger Leon Gamble assisted by driving shuttle buses; Nature Interpreter Jessie Henderson assisted with the Junior Ranger program; and Office Manager Donna Long, Events Coordinator Michael Brindle, and Retail Specialist Crystal Kirk assisted with student and guest seating during the special quarter release ceremony. Natural Tunnel State Park also assisted by loaning their 16 passenger van to be used for shuttles.

Park interpreter Ryan Teague provides a history lesson to students

Wilderness Road interpretive staff presented 18th century programming. The focus of the demonstration portion of the event was values and life in the 18th century. Our interpreters presented first person and character interpretation that reflected values of the past and tied them to values of today. Chief Ranger Billy Heck and interpreter Richard Beeler discussed the Declaration of Independence, Military Service, and the 2nd Amendment.

Interpreters Don Shaver and Chris Fultz dressed as Natives

Interpreters Ryan Teague and Bonnie Banks spoke about westward expansion, slavery, and family while fellow interpreters Don Shaver, Jackie Fischer, and Chris Fultz focused on Native American culture and Native / European trade relationships. Many Wilderness Road volunteers also helped with the event by presenting programming and demonstrations including basket weaving, textile weaving, frontier militia and colonial music.

Learn more about Cumberland Gap National Historical Park here, and Wilderness Road State Park here to help plan your next visit.