Black History at Virginia State Parks
The cultures and experiences of Americans of African descent are vital to our nation's history. Black history provides powerful insight into the diversity, identity and representation of our citizens. These stories can be found at Virginia State Parks.
Green Pastures Recreation Area - Green Pastures (Longdale) Recreation Area, built for use by African Americans during the segregation era, was officially integrated in 1950, and welcomed guests of all races and ethnicities. To signify its status as racially integrated, the U.S. Forest Service changed the site’s name to Longdale Recreation Area in 1963. Eventually, mounting budget issues led to disrepair and the closure of Longdale in 2017. But preservation efforts spearheaded by community activists led to the restoration and reopening of Longdale Recreation Area under its historic name, Green Pastures Learn More
History of a Pre-Civil Rights Era State Park
Everyone deserves access to nature, and Prince Edward State Park, now Twin Lakes State Park, was one park people of color could visit during Virginia’s pre-1964 segregation past.
Museum collection preserves area's African-American history
The Jessie Zander Collection of documents and photographs provides a valuable look at the African-American history of Wise County.
Group Camp 7 Historical Highway Marker
A Group Camp 7 historical highway marker recognizing the establishment of a camping area for African Americans during the late 1930s has been dedicated at Pocahontas State Park.
Learn more about the history of Virginia State Parks.
Resources
Links to external websites.
- Virginia's Black history and attractions
- Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
- Alexandria Black History Resource Center
- African American History Sites - Library of Virginia
- Black History Month Festival
Recent blogs about Black history
- A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer
- A Virginia State Parks road trip for Black History Month
- Civilian Conservation Corps celebrates its 90th Anniversary
- Battlefield state park historians are honored to reveal family history for visitors
- Rebellion & Refuge: Maroons of the Great Dismal Swamp
- More recent blogs about Black history.
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