On April 5, 1856, Booker T. Washington was born a slave on the 207-arce farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became founder and first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of his era. Come explore his birthplace.
The Basics
Hours:
Open seven days a week, year-round, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Address:
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
Phone:
540-721-2094
Fax:
540-721-8311
Directions
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.
Climate
The summer months are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The coldest months are December, January and February. The spring and fall seasons have moderate temperatures. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate to the season, with walking shoes. Trails are unpaved and may be muddy at times.
Reservations for school tours should be made as far in advance as possible.
Things To Do
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.
The Plantation Trail is a quarter-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 one-and-a-half-mile meandering walk through fields and forests on the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail. Trail guides are available at the visitor center.
A picnic area in a wooded setting is available for your use. There you will find picnic tables, trashcans, and a water fountain. Restrooms are located in the visitor center.
Sheep, pigs, horses and chickens help provide the mood to explore this recreated 1850's tobacco farm. Come learn about the historic breeds of animals that would been here during Washington's time.
Come 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.
