Musings from You and Me

Did You Know?

In 1929, President Herbert Hoover sent an emissary to search for a suitable, summer residence in the Shenandoah National Park. The search turned up a cool, well-hidden, stream-fed area just below Big Meadows, cut in two by the Rapidan River. (The term 'River' is a misnomer. It's a small stream, at best). It's elevation above 2500 feet ensured that the President and his party would not be disturbed by Mosquitos. It's location, nestled in a deep hollow, insured security and privacy.

When Hoover finally visited the new site for the 'Summer White House,' his inspection included what is now Big Meadows. Hoover was impressed with what he saw, and what potential it held for recreation if people could easily and safely get to it. Hoover was intent on someday seeing a road built along the tops of these mountains so that others could access the area by motorcar. This was years before F.D.R. finally made it a reality in 1935, when he dedicated the Park at Big Meadows, and in 1939, when the entire 105-mile highway was finally completed. Fortunately, President Hoover was alive to see and recreate along the road that he once dreamed of, although he never gets any credit for its creation.

Currently, the camp is under renovation and restoration to save what structures remain. But the NPS (National Park Service) still wants you to see it. So, they offer twice-daily excursions from the Richard Byrd Visitor Center. These excursions to Rapidan Camp are FREE, but require advance reservations that can be made at the Visitor Center. You will climb aboard a NPS van and be driven to the camp, where a guide will escort you through several structures still open, including the Presidential Cabin.

posted by FineVirginiaLiving.com @ 7:33 AM