Booker T. Washington National Monument

Booker T. Washington National Monument is located in Franklin County, Virginia, approximately 20 miles southeast of Roanoke. It stands in honor of Booker T. Washington, an influential African-American educator, author, and orator. The site itself was once part of the plantation where Washington was born into slavery in 1856.

The historical background of the monument dates back to Washington's early life and his enduring legacy. After the Civil War, Washington devoted himself to education and uplifting the newly freed African-American population. He founded the famous Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, serving as its principal until his death in 1915. Known for his philosophy of self-help and vocational training, Washington became one of the most prominent African-American leaders of his time.

Visitors to the Booker T. Washington National Monument can explore the site and learn about his life and achievements. The reconstructed plantation kitchen, smokehouse, and tobacco barn provide insight into the daily life of enslaved people during the 19th century. The Burroughs-Bartow House, where Washington spent his early years, is another highlight of the site.

The monument's visitor center houses informative exhibits, including artifacts and photographs related to Washington's life and work. Park rangers offer guided tours and educational programs, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance of Booker T. Washington's contributions.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the monument offers several hiking trails, such as the 1.1-mile Booker T. Washington Trail that winds through the site's woodlands and fields. This trail also leads to the nearby Smith Mountain Lake State Park, where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake.

In addition to the monument, there are other attractions nearby worth exploring. A short drive away is the town of Rocky Mount, home to the Harvester Performance Center, a popular venue hosting a variety of music concerts and performances. Nearby Ferrum College is known for its Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum, which celebrates the cultural heritage and music of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Overall, Booker T. Washington National Monument serves as a historic tribute to a notable figure in African-American history. Through its exhibits, buildings, and natural surroundings, the monument offers an educational and enriching experience for visitors interested in learning about the life and lasting impact of Booker T. Washington.

Booker T. Washington National Monument is situated in the picturesque rural landscape of southwestern Virginia, within the Franklin County. Nestled amidst the verdant foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the monument encompasses a sprawling 207-acre site that preserves and commemorates the birthplace and childhood home of Booker T. Washington, a renowned African American educator and leader. The monument's geographically pristine location welcomes visitors with its breathtaking panoramic views and serene surroundings, showcasing the quintessential beauty of Virginia's countryside. With its rolling hills, lush fields, and meandering pathways, this historic site offers an idyllic setting for visitors to explore and learn about the influential life of Booker T. Washington.

Address & Contact

12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
Driving Directions
Phone: 5406820173
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Booker T. Washington National Monument would be in the months of April or September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures are comfortable at 70°F and 79°F respectively. The minimum temperatures range from 42°F to 57°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, both months have moderate levels of rainfall, with average monthly precipitation at 4.5 inches and 5.1 inches respectively. These months also have relatively lower visitor counts compared to the summer months, allowing visitors to avoid large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Booker T. Washington National Monument are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Arts and Culture Hiking Living History Reenactments Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Booker T. Washington National Monument: Birthplace African American Heritage Schools and Education Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements Enslavement Civil Rights Plantations Reconstruction Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Booker T. Washington National Monument Visitor Center

The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. Please call the park phone at 540-682-0173 to find out if the park is open or closed during inclement weather.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Booker T. Washington National Monument Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Booker T. Washington National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Booker T. Washington National Monument

Ramada by Wyndham Roanoke

When you stay at Ramada by Wyndham Roanoke in Roanoke, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of River's Edge Sports Complex and Roanoke City Hall. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Roanoke? This hotel features 5700 square feet (530 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1927 Franklin Rd Sw, Roanoke, Virginia 24014
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Roanoke-Tanglewood-Rt 419&i581, an IHG Hotel

Located in Roanoke, Holiday Inn Roanoke-Tanglewood-Rt 419&i581, an IHG Hotel is in the mountains, a 1-minute drive from Tanglewood Mall and 5 minutes from River's Edge Sports Complex. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Roanoke? This hotel has facilities measuring 6100 square feet (567 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 4468 Starkey Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24018
Web: Link

Sleep Inn Tanglewood

Located in Roanoke, Sleep Inn Tanglewood is in the suburbs, within a 5-minute drive of Tanglewood Mall and River's Edge Sports Complex. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4045 Electric Rd, Roanoke, Virginia 24014
Web: Link

Quality Inn Tanglewood

A stay at Quality Inn Tanglewood places you in the heart of Roanoke, within a 10-minute drive of Harrison Museum of African-American Culture and Science Museum of Western Virginia. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3816 Franklin Rd Sw, Roanoke, Virginia 24014
Web: Link

Baymont by Wyndham Rocky Mount

With a stay at Baymont by Wyndham Rocky Mount in Rocky Mount, you'll be a 2-minute walk from The Zone and 13 minutes by foot from Gilly's Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1730 N Main St, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
Web: Link

Affordable Corporate Suites of Overland Drive

Located in Roanoke, Affordable Corporate Suites of Overland Drive is in the suburbs, a 4-minute drive from Tanglewood Mall and 7 minutes from River's Edge Sports Complex. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5119 Overland Dr, Roanoke, Virginia 24018
Web: Link

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Roanoke

When you stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Roanoke in Roanoke, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Science Museum of Western Virginia and Center in the Square. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Roanoke? This hotel has facilities measuring 1,000 square feet (93 square meters), including a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 301 Reserve Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24015
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke

When you stay at Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke in Roanoke, you'll be in a state park, within a 5-minute drive of Tanglewood Mall and River's Edge Sports Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4500 South Peak Blvd., Roanoke, Virginia 24018
Web: Link

Shirley's Bed and Breakfast

Located in Roanoke, Shirley's Bed and Breakfast is within a 15-minute drive of Center in the Square and Berglund Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and a computer station. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3920 Saul Lane, Roanoke, Virginia 24014
Web: Link

The Claiborne House

With a stay at The Claiborne House in Rocky Mount, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Rocky Mount Center for the Arts and Harvester Performance Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 185 Claiborne Avenue, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
Web: Link