I have been told I am a good story teller and I have to say I really like telling stories, so I am going to tell you a little bit more about the story of Leesylvania State Park, which is the park of the month for September.

Chief Ranger Sarah Percival to the far right, in one of her many roles at the park

In the midst of very busy Northern Virginia (NOVA for short) there lies a very special place with very special people. I remember a survey the was done through the Virginia State Park’s “Your Comment Counts” customer survey cards stating that the #1 reason people return to visit a Virginia State Park is because of their interaction with staff.  If you have been to Leesylvania State Park then you know the staff and how amazing they are. 

So I can’t tell the story of the park without out introducing you to some of the staff, there is: 

Park Manager Karen Lambey, Assistant Park Manager Paul Anderson, Chief Rangers Sarah Percival and Trey Lundy, Park Ranger David Beverly, Office Manager Maribel Cervantes, Office Assistant Vivian Henderson, Park Naturalist Ashley Huff and Maintenance Rangers; David Bushey, William Bushey, David Coleman, Jeremiah Dietlein and Daniel Guyette.

Then there are the seasonal staff, many seasonals come just for one season and others that return year after year. Without the dedication of the summer staff, we would not be able to keep the parks open. It takes much "people power" to provide all the services and programs as well as keep the facilities up and running. Whether it is attending one of the many great programs Ashley and Sarah present, or seeing the cheery smiling faces of Maribel and Vivian in the park office, make sure to stop by the park and meet the incredible staff. 

Picnic Shelter #4 complete with restrooms and is Handicap Accessible

Some of the other great things about the park include the picnic shelters, the trails, the marina, boat launch area, the paddle-in primitive campground, amazing programs and events. And of course, the history, history and even more history. Leesylvania State Park opened in 1989 but the rich history of the current location of the park, started long before the 20th Century. 

Cannon at Freestone Point

Sometimes referred by historians as the “over looked battle”, just a taste of that history is celebrated every year at the park in September during the Anniversary of the Potomac River Blockade 1861. The event interpreter the establishment of the Confederate Blockade of the Potomac River following the rebel victory at the first Battle of Manassas. Confederate artillerymen mounted a small battery of four cannons at Freestone Point, for the most part as a diversion from larger batteries which were being built upriver, closer to Washington, DC. On September 25, 1861, those four cannons exchanged fire with Federal gunboats OSS Seminole and Jacob Bell. Thankfully, no one was killed or injured on either side. The 1861 Blockade was an inspiration General Robert E. Lee had, his thinking was that the blockade would stop troops and supplies from traveling into Washington D.C via the Potomac River.  

For more information and history about the Potomac River Blockade and Free Stone Point that is located at current site of Leesylvania State Park click here for a great article from Explore South History.com

The next big events at the park are:

November 11, 2015 Veteran’s Day Wall of Honor 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Visitor Center

Leesylvania State Park would love to help you honor your hero by bringing in a photograph, the story of their service, and how they inspire you. Submissions will be accepted starting November 9, 2015. We will be posting these tributes on a temporary Wall of Honor set up in the Visitor Center for all to see the sacrifices of our local heroes. Don't forget on Veteran's Day the parking fee is waived.

December 19, 2015 Civil War Christmas – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Visitor Center

See the park's very own jolly Civil War era Santa in his handmade, festive suit. Bring the entire family out for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Enjoy period music, costumed interpreters and light refreshments. Make decorations as folks during the Civil War did. Bring a camera for pictures with Santa. It's $2 per person or $6 per family. 

View of sailboat through the fall leaves

Please make sure to check out all the great year-round programs the park has to offer. Click here for a list. The Visitor Center is also a great way to spend a few hours learning about the Lees, Native Americans and history of the area.

Leesylvania State Park is located along the Potomac River in Prince William County near Woodbridge Virginia. Click here for a Google map or call the park to plan your visit (703) 730-8205.