Leesylvania State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leesylvania State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
Leesylvania State Park
|
|
| Location | Prince William, Virginia, United States |
| Area | 542 acres (219 ha) |
| Elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
| Established | 1978 |
| Operator | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
|
Leesylvania Archeological Site (44PW7)
|
|
 Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Dumfries, Virginia |
| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003565 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 13, 1984 |
Leesylvania State Park is a wonderful place to visit in Prince William County, Virginia. It's a park where you can enjoy nature and learn about important American history. The land for the park was kindly given in 1978 by a generous person named Daniel K. Ludwig. The park was officially opened in 1985 and has been fully open to visitors since 1992.
Contents
Park History and Heritage
Long ago, before English settlers arrived, people believe an Algonquian village stood here. It was located high up, looking over Neabsco Creek.
The Lee Family's Home
From 1747 until 1787, a man named Henry Lee II lived on this land. He and his wife raised eight children here. One of their sons was Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a famous hero from the American Revolutionary War. Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee was also the grandfather of Robert E. Lee, a well-known general from the American Civil War. Even George Washington, who became the first President of the United States, wrote in his diaries about visiting the Lee family's home three times.
The Fairfax Family and Civil War
In 1825, the property was sold to Henry Fairfax. Later, in 1847, it passed to John Fairfax. John Fairfax later became an important helper for a Confederate general during the Civil War. This land was John Fairfax's childhood home. He returned to live here in 1875 and stayed until he passed away in 1908.
During the Civil War, a small group of Confederate soldiers used this land. They set up cannons here to protect the area. This spot, called the Freestone Point Confederate Battery, is now a recognized historic place. On September 25, 1861, these cannons fired at ships from the U.S. Navy. No one was hurt on either side, and the Navy ships eventually left.
What Remains Today
Today, you can still find a small part of the original Lee House. The rest of the house was removed in the 1950s to build a road. However, a restored chimney from the Fairfax House still stands. Henry Lee II and his wife, along with Henry Fairfax and his third wife, are buried on the property. You can visit these historic burial sites and the chimney by following the park's trails. The Leesylvania Archeological Site is also a very important historical spot. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Park Activities and Recreation
Leesylvania State Park offers many fun things to do outdoors. It has a special campground for groups only. There are five different hiking trails where you can explore nature. You can also go fishing from the park's pier or launch your boat from the ramp. The park has a visitor center where you can learn more. There's even a natural sand beach for relaxing. If you want to have a picnic, there are four picnic shelters available.
Images for kids
-
Bushey Point Group Camp
