Westmoreland State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westmoreland State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Potomac River shoreline within Westmoreland State Park
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| Location | Virginia |
| Nearest city | Montross |
| Area | 1,321 acres (5.35 km2) |
| Established | June 1936 |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
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Westmoreland State Park Historic District
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Cabin 7, one of the original CCC-built cabins in the park
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| Nearest city | Montross, Virginia |
| Area | 1,321 acres (535 ha) |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | Meyers, E.L. Jr.; et al. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, Modern Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001265 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 16, 2005 |
Westmoreland State Park is a beautiful park located in Westmoreland County, Virginia. It stretches for about one and a half miles along the Potomac River. The park is quite large, covering 1,321 acres (which is about 5.3 square kilometers). From the park's amazing Horsehead Cliffs, you can see a wide, stunning view of the Potomac River. Westmoreland State Park is a great place for outdoor fun, offering activities like hiking, camping, staying in cozy cabins, fishing, boating, and swimming.
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Discovering the Park's Past
Westmoreland State Park is one of the first six state parks ever opened in Virginia. It welcomed its first visitors in June 1936.
How the Park Was Built
Most of the park was built in the 1930s by a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program that helped young men find work during a tough time in history. These workers dug many of the park's roads and trails by hand!
A Place of History
The park is located on the Northern Neck Peninsula. This area is famous for being close to the birthplaces of important historical figures. For example, George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born nearby.
The Tayloe and Helen Murphy Hall
The Tayloe and Helen Murphy Hall is a building in the park that was also built by the CCC in 1936. It has cool features like exposed wood beams and a large fireplace. This hall has been updated and is now used for meetings, special events, and learning programs. It's named after W. Tayloe Murphy Jr., who was a state leader, and his wife, Helen.
A Recognized Historic Site
Because of its unique history and how well it has been kept, Westmoreland State Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. This means it's a very important historical place in the United States.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Westmoreland State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages.
Camping and Cabins
- Camping: The park has 133 campsites where you can set up your tent or park your recreational vehicle (RV).
- Cabins: If you prefer a cozier stay, there are 26 cabins available for rent. These range from small, one-room cabins to larger two-bedroom ones.
Exploring Nature
- Hiking Trails: There are 7 different trails covering a total of 6 miles (about 9.6 kilometers).
- The Beach Trail: This popular trail takes you from the Visitor Center down to the shore of the Potomac River.
- Fossil Hunting: Along the "Beach Trail," you'll find the amazing Horsehead Cliffs. These cliffs hold fossil remains of ancient sea creatures like porpoises, whales, and even sharks! Some of these fossils are as old as 15 million years. As the cliffs slowly wear away, new fossils are uncovered. Hunting for shark's teeth is a very popular activity here!
Water Activities
- Pool: Cool off in the park's swimming pool.
- Beach Area: Enjoy the sandy beach right on the Potomac River.
- Fishing: Cast a line and try to catch some fish.
- Boating: If you have a boat, there's a ramp available for you to launch it into the river.
Other Park Features
- History and Nature Programs: Learn more about the park's past and its wildlife through special programs.
- Gift Shop: Pick up a souvenir to remember your visit.
- Visitor Center: Stop by to get information, maps, and learn about the park.
