This series will focus on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at our Virginia State Parks. Part 4 asks the question of where Occoneechee State Park got its name and why are there so many different spellings?

Native American Festival at Occoneechee State Park

Reflection along the shoreline of John H Kerr Reservoir at Occoneechee State Park

There are 11 cabins and 2 lodges at this park (learn more here)

WHERE DID OCCONEECHEE STATE PARK GET SUCH A FUNNY NAME?

It is named for the Occaneechi Indians, who lived in the area. Bacon's Rebellion abruptly ended their prominence in 1676. This armed rebellion is considered to be the first to occur in the New World. It began when Nathaniel Bacon’s plantation was raided by Susquehannock Indians, who had been displaced from their home to the north. Bacon asked Virginia Gov. Berkley to raise a militia and retaliate. Berkley denied the request so Bacon raised a militia, in violation of the governor’s wishes.

Why different spellings of Occoneechee? Names and spellings can change over time. Various errors happen - anything from simple spelling to bad translations or people who just guessed at the name. Sometimes the post office had a slightly different name than the community and while one document might refer to the community name, the next might use the post office name.

Learn more about Occoneechee State Park here. 

On the peaceful shore of beautiful John H. Kerr Reservoir, more commonly known as Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is great for outdoor fun and relaxation. The park has more than 18 miles of trails that meander through the forest and along the lake’s shore. The trails enable hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders to take in the beauty of Virginia’s Piedmont. Nature lovers can enjoy the wildlife attracted to habitat enhancement plots along the park’s main road. The plots attract various birds, deer and woodland creatures.