Ararat, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ararat
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 Ararat
Location in Virginia
Ararat
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Patrick |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Ararat is a small, unincorporated community in Patrick County, Virginia. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city. It's located in the state of Virginia, near the border with North Carolina. You can find it south of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Ararat
The name "Ararat" comes from the Ararat River, which flows through this area. But where did the river get its name?
How Pilot Mountain Influenced the Name
Long ago, a map from 1751 called a nearby mountain range the "Mountains of Ararat." This included Pilot Mountain (North Carolina). Native American people, the Saura Indians, had their own name for Pilot Mountain. They called it "The Pilot."
The mountain looked a bit like a bullfrog to them. So, they named it "Ratratrat," which sounded like the noise a bullfrog makes. When early European settlers arrived, they thought "Ratratrat" sounded like "Ararat." This reminded them of Mount Ararat, a mountain mentioned in the Bible. It is said to be where Noah's Ark landed.
Education in Ararat
The community of Ararat is home to Blue Ridge Elementary School. This school serves the younger students in the area.
Famous People from Ararat
Ararat has been the birthplace of several notable individuals.
Reverend Bob Childress
One famous person from Ararat was the Reverend Bob Childress. He was known as "The Man Who Moved A Mountain." He was a religious leader who helped many people in the region.
James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart
Another important figure born here was James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart. He was a brave and skilled Major General. He led the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) for Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War.
First Lieutenant Levi Barnard
First Lieutenant Levi Barnard also came from Ararat. He was honored in a song called "Levi" by the band Old Crow Medicine Show.
Visiting J.E.B. Stuart's Birthplace
You can visit the birthplace of J.E.B. Stuart at Laurel Hill Farm. This preserved private park is open every day for self-guided tours. It's a great place to learn about history.
Civil War Encampment
Every year, during the first full weekend of October, Laurel Hill Farm hosts a special event. They have a Civil War encampment. This is where people dress up and act like soldiers from the Civil War. It helps visitors imagine what life was like back then.
