August 24, 2021

The CCC Camp at Wolf Gap

George Washington National Forest


There is a small campground and picnic area next to the West Virginia line in the mountains that divide the two Virginias.

"Once the site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, Wolf Gap F-15" ... this phrase barely tells the story of this site. The camp opened in 1933 as part of Roosevelt's New Deal program to end the suffering of the Great Depression.  A year later it was designated a "colored' camp, meaning it would serve African-Americans. In those days, even government programs were segregated in Virginia. 

According to Shenandoah Stories,  Camp Wolf’s Gap "would provide employment, training, and a home for several hundred African American citizens of Virginia and surrounding states."

The camp today is a small recreation area, primitive by modern standards. There are a few campsites and a picnic area plus access to hiking trails. There hasn't been a water supply there for several years. I think the area deserves a permanent sign about the history and a working water pump or spigot. 

It is between Edinburg and Wardensville and worth driving the winding mountain road to visit in the autumn. 


6 comments:

  1. Dearest Linda
    you always share such wonderful landscapes, I'd love to be there with you!
    May your week be a blessed one
    Xx Daniela at ~ My little old world ~

    ReplyDelete
  2. ...there were a number of CCC camps in this area and we enjoy today the results of this program.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Interesting!
    Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda postagem, adoro as histórias desses lugares e recantos!
    bj

    ReplyDelete
  5. That program left behind quite a legacy.

    ReplyDelete

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