Watters Smith Memorial State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watters Smith Memorial State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Buildings from the Watters Smith family farm.
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 Watters Smith Memorial State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Harrison, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 532 acres (215 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,033 ft (315 m) |
| Established | 1949 |
| Named for | Watters Smith |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Watters Smith Memorial State Park is a cool place in Harrison County, West Virginia! It's a big park, about 532 acres (which is about 2.15 square kilometers). This park is like a special outdoor museum that shows what life was like for early settlers. It remembers a man named Watters Smith and his family.
The park has old farm buildings and a museum. You can learn about history and enjoy nature here. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's a very important historical site!
Contents
A Glimpse into Pioneer Life
Watters Smith was born in 1767. He moved to this area, which was then part of Virginia, in 1796. He came with his wife, Elizabeth Davisson Smith. They built a home and started a farm near Duck Creek.
The Smith Family Homestead
The park has a log cabin that looks like the one the Smith family first lived in. It shows how people built homes a long time ago. There are also other farm buildings that show what a farm looked like in the early 1800s.
Exploring the Museum
The Smith family's more modern home, built around 1876, is now a museum. Inside, you can see how the family lived many years ago. There's also another museum filled with old farm tools and items. These artifacts show how people worked and lived in the past.
Fun Activities at the Park
You can take guided tours of the park from late May through early September. Besides learning about history, there are many fun things to do! You can go swimming, have a picnic, hike on trails, or even go horseback riding. It's a great place for a day out with family and friends.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Watters Smith Park is a popular spot for mountain biking. It has over 12 miles of exciting trails!
Trails for All Skill Levels
The park has trails for everyone, from beginners to expert riders. Some trails have tricky parts and big hills, which are called "technical sections" and "elevation gains." You can find up-to-date maps and clear signs to help you find your way.
Bike Facilities
After a fun ride, you can use the park's bike wash area. There's also a maintenance area if your bike needs a quick fix. It's a perfect place for mountain biking fans!
See also
- List of West Virginia state parks
- State park
- Open-air museum
External links
- Watters Smith Memorial State Park Official Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/watters-smith-memorial-state-park/
