Contact Info:
Overview:
Born a slave on April 5, 1856, Booker T. Washington worked on a 207-arce tobacco farm owned by a man named James Burroughs. Following the Civil War, Washington became founder and first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School, later known as the Tuskegee Institute. He would continue on as an adviser, author and orator, and become the most influential African American of his era.
The farm - Washington's birthplace and early childhood home - is now a national monument for all to explore.
History:
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery to a white father and a slave mother on a tobacco farm in southwestern Virginia. Following the emancipation of 1862, he worked his way through Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now known as Hampton University) and attended college at Wayland Seminary. Washington returned to Hampton as a teacher, and in 1881, he was named the first leader of the new Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Washington became well-known in the United States after his Atlanta Address of 1895, where his words led him to become a popular spokesperson for African American citizens. He went on to work with politicians, educators, philanthropists to win support of the black community and liberal whites. A main area of focus for Washington was raising funds to establish and operate thousands of community schools and institutions for blacks throughout the South.
In 1901, Washington released his autobiography, Up From Slavery, which chronicles his upbringing as a slave child during the Civil War, to his work at the Tuskegee Institute and helping black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful skills and work towards equality.
On April 5, 1956 - the 100th anniversary of Washington's birth - the house where he was born was designated as the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Today, visitors from all across the country have come to honor and learn about this influential man.
When to Visit:
The park is open year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note, the park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Getting There:
The two closest airports are located in Roanoke, VA (25 miles from the park) and Lynchburg, VA (50 miles from the park).
Visitors who are driving to the park have a few options depending on what direction they come from. The park is located in Franklin County, VA which is 16 miles northeast of Rocky Mount, VA via VA 40E and VA 122N; 25 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA via US 220S, VA 40E, and VA 122N; and 50 miles southwest of Lynchburg, VA via US 460W and VA 122S.
Fees/Permits:
There is no fee to visit the national monument. Reservations may be made in advance for school tours, as well as for group tours (5 or more visitors). To reserve an curriculum-based education program or a group tour, call 540-721-2094.
Major Attractions:
Visitor Center: Start your visit here for exhibits and an audio-visual orientation on the life of Booker T. Washington.
Plantation Trail: This quarter-mile loop passes by reconstructions of 19th century farm buildings similar to those that stood on the Burroughs Plantation when Booker T. Washington lived here as a boy. Buildings are open to explore.
Ranger-guided Walking Tours: What better way to learn about the area. Tours are offered daily from June 1 - August 31 and from September 1 - May 31 on Saturdays and Sundays only. Tour times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Jack-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail: Check out this 1.5 mile trail through fields and forests.
Farm Area: Learn about the historic breeds of animals that were in the area during Washington's time. Animals like sheep, pigs, horses and chickens can be found on this recreated 1850's tobacco farm.
Garden Area: Learn about the gardening techniques used by owners and slaves on the farm.
Accommodations:
There is no lodging inside the national monument, but numerous hotels, motels, and inns can be found in the Hardy area.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park:
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Located in Huddleston, VA, this state park is perfect for water sport enthusiasts with activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors may also enjoy miles of hiking trails, camping, picnicking, and interpretive programs. Call 540-297-6066 for more information.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Nearby Franklin County is a section of one of the most beautiful All-American roads in the country. It runs for 469 miles, mostly along the Blue Ridge - a mountain chain that's part of the Appalachian Mountains - traveling north to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia where it becomes Skyline Drive. The Parkway provides numerous opportunities for hiking with 100 trails ranging from short walks to the Appalachian Trail, as well as a perfect place to enjoy wildflower in the spring and fall foliage in autumn.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park: Less than 2 hours away from Booker T. National Monument is a historical site where on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederacy's field army to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park was established in 1954 and offers hiking trails, exhibits, summer day camp, the Junior Ranger program, and the Scout program. Call 434-352-8987 ext. 26 for more information.
