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After decades of being used as a planter for flowers, the water fountain built by the Civilian Conservation Corps once again spouted water from its tower. And, just in time for the Virginia State Park’s 75th Anniversary celebration at Westmoreland State Park on June 18, 2011.

water fountain built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at Westmoreland State Park

water fountain built by the Civilian Conservation Corps at Westmoreland State Park

Westmoreland CCC Fountain before restoration


Saturday morning, staff, visitors and honored guests gathered around the fountain for the dedication, Tayloe Murphy, former Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, and life time resident of Westmorland County, remembered the fountain working as a child. Mr. Murphy also reminisced about the park and how it has always been the place for families to gather.  Congressman Rob Wittman, also a Westmoreland County native, commented on the dedication of the park staff and how they had helped to make this place so special for everyone that visits. Both Mr. Murphy and Congressman Wittman stated how important Westmoreland State Park is to the community.

Westmoreland State Park
Tayloe Murphy remembers when the parks was in it's early years

Westmoreland State Park

Congressman Rob Wittman shares his thoughts of Westmoreland State Park

It was through the commitment of the Friends of Westmoreland, park staff and volunteers that the project was completed. Stone mason, Earl Jenkins repaired the fountain with area stone that had been stocked piled by the CCC.  The water works and lining was restored by Josh Barnett. 

Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland "Friends" Brian and Pete Dyer present Mr. Murphy and Congressman Wittman with a 75th Anniversary Commemorative coin.
 

The Friends of Westmoreland State Park received a $500 grant from the Garden Club of the Northern Neck for a beautification project.  Plans are being developed to plant native species in the area around the fountain to enhance the natural beauty of the old stone work. Helen and Tayloe Murphy made a private contribution of $500 to the project.

Westmoreland State Park

CCC Fountain restored and running!

If you would like to be part of this historical conservation effort please call (804)493-8821 or email westmoreland@dcr.virginia.gov

Westmoreland State Park

To learn more about Westmoreland State Park visit the website here

Come on out and see this historic fountain at Westmoreland State Park! It is located near the Potomac River, this park is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3.  

Drive Time: Northern Virginia and Washington D. C., two hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, five and a half hours. Click here for a Google Map. 

Westmoreland State Park, 1650 State Park Road, Montross, Va. 22520-9717; Phone: (804) 493-8821 or click here to learn more about all 35 Virginia State Parks.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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