Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Observation tower overlooking the Greenbrier River valley.
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 Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Pocahontas, West Virginia, United States |
| Nearest town | Hillsboro, West Virginia |
| Area | 287 acres (116 ha) |
| Elevation | 3,104 ft (946 m) |
| Established | July 4, 1928 |
| Named for | Battle of Droop Mountain |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
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Droop Mountain Battlefield
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| Nearest city | Marlinton, West Virginia |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000664 |
| Added to NRHP | January 26, 1970 |
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a special place in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It is located on Droop Mountain. This park was once the site of an important event in American history.
On November 6, 1863, the Battle of Droop Mountain took place here. This was the last big battle of the American Civil War in West Virginia. Years later, a soldier named John D. Sutton, who fought in the battle, helped create the park. He was a private in the Union Army and later worked in the West Virginia government.
The park officially opened on July 4, 1928. It became the very first state park in West Virginia! Later, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped turn the battlefield into a place for history and outdoor fun. In 1970, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
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What is Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park?
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a protected area. It helps us remember a key moment in American history. It also offers a beautiful place for people to enjoy nature. The park covers about 287 acres of land. It sits high up, at about 3,104 feet (946 meters) above sea level.
A Look Back: The Battle of Droop Mountain
The Battle of Droop Mountain was a major event during the American Civil War. This war was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states). The battle happened on November 6, 1863.
Union forces, led by General William W. Averell, fought against Confederate forces. The Confederates were led by General John Echols. The Union army won this battle. It was a big victory for them in West Virginia.
How the Park Was Created
After the Civil War, people wanted to remember the battle. John D. Sutton, a Union soldier from the battle, worked hard to make this happen. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates. This is part of the state's government.
Thanks to his efforts, Droop Mountain Battlefield became West Virginia's first state park. It was a way to honor the soldiers and teach future generations about the war. The park was dedicated on July 4, 1928.
Exploring the Park Today
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is easy to find. It is about 25 miles north of Lewisburg on U.S. Highway 219. It is also about 15 miles south of Marlinton on the same highway.
The park is close to other fun places. These include Beartown State Park and Watoga State Park. You can visit all three parks for different adventures.
Fun Things to Do
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park has many things to see and do.
- Droop Mountain Museum: Here you can see items from the battle. It helps you imagine what it was like.
- Lookout Tower: Climb to the top for amazing views of the surrounding area.
- Hiking: There are trails where you can walk and explore nature.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a meal outdoors with your family and friends. Some areas have shelters.
- Tots Playgrounds: Younger children can have fun on the playgrounds.
Gallery
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A cannon, like those used in the battle.
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Graves of Confederate soldiers.
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A historic log cabin in the park.
See also
