Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

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Quick Facts

Booker T Washington National Monument

Virginia

(540) 721-2094

Map Directions

Things To Do

     

Overview

On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation all shaped the options and choices of Booker T. Washington. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and later became an important and controversial leader of his race at a time when increasing racism in the United States made it necessary for African Americans to adjust themselves to a new era of legalized oppression. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.

Map of Booker T. Washington

Latitude, Longitude: 37.120701, -79.732161

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Activities

  • Hiking

    The Plantation Trail is a ¼ mile loop through the historic area. It passes by reconstructions of the nineteenth century farm buildings similar to those that stood on the Burroughs Plantation when Booker T. Washington lived here as a boy. You are invited to explore the open buildings and read from the park brochure about the kinds of activities that took place in each.

    In addition to the Plantation Trail, the monument provides an opportunity for a 1½ mile meandering walk through fields and forests on the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail. Trail guides are available at the visitor center.

  • Historic Sites

    Begin your visit at the visitor center. Exhibits and an audio-visual presentation orient you to the life of Booker T. Washington. There is also a sales area with books and related items focusing on African American history. Uniformed park personnel and volunteers can answer your questions and assist you in making the most of your visit.

    Ranger-guided walking tours of the historic area are offered on weekends. Contact the park for schedules.

    At the farm area, sheep, pigs, horses and chickens help provide the mood to explore this recreated 1850s tobacco farm. Here visitors can learn about the historic breeds of animals that would have been here during Washington's time.

    At the garden area, visitors can learn about the gardening techniques used by owners and slaves on the farm. The garden is an example of a typical subsistence garden of piedmont Virginia of the 1850s.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic tables are available.

Seasonality/Weather

Summers in the Southeastern United States are humid during the day. The best times to visit are fall and spring.

Park Partners

Friends of Booker T. Washington National Monument

Mission Statement

To support the preservation of Booker T. Washington National Monument and its mission through volunteerism, financial support, advocacy and increased community involvement. To promote public awareness of and appreciation of the legacy of Booker T. Washington.

(540) 238-7190

Directions

Driving

The park is located in Franklin County, VA, 16 miles northeast of Rocky Mount, VA via VA 40E and VA 122N; 25 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA via US 220S, VA 40E, and VA 122N; and 50 miles southwest of Lynchburg, VA via US 460W and VA 122S.

Flying

Air service is available to both Roanoke, VA (25 miles from the park) and Lynchburg, VA (50 miles from the park).

Public Transportation

Public transportation to the park is not available. A personal or rental vehicle is required.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(540) 721-2094

Links