Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1924-12-19
FRIDAY. DECEMBER 10. 1924.
BLUE RIDGE AS
NATIONAL PAIN

Secretary Work, of the De-
partment of the Interior, anuounc-l
ed that he had chosen the Blue
Ridge of Virginia as the site for
the first national park in theII
Eastern part of the United States.
He proposed that this great
recreatienal domain be called the
Shenandoah National Park.
The Secretary's action was
based on the recommendation of
the Southern Appalachian Nat
ional Park committee appointed
BY him in February to choose a
site for the purpose defined.
The committee, headed by
Representative H. w. Temple,
Pennsylvania, made its report
after investigating the desir-
ability of varisous park reserva-
tioH sites in the Appalachian
range.
The area of the site chosen is
about 700 square n.iles. in and
adjacent to the Blue Ridge, be.
tween Front Royal and Waynes-
boro, Va. 1t embraces tracts in
Rappsliannock, Page, Warren,
Madison, Greene. Albemarle,
Rockingham and Augusta coun-
ties, Virginia.
In making public the recon-
mendation of the committee rep.
resenting the Secretary of the
Interior, the Interior Depart
ment said !:
Selection of this spot is based
on its fine scenic and recreational
qualities, the fact is that it is
within a three-hour ride of the
national capital, over paved
road and within a DAYS ride of
10000. 900 nina bitants.
1.-Two highways. the Lee and
Spottswood trail, directly cross
this region. and the Jefferson
highway runs through Waynes-
boro."
In addition, the report points
out, ut is possible to construct
skyline drive along this noun
tain top continuously along the
ridge, looking westerly on the
Shenandoah Valley, $500 to
), 500 feet below. and easterly
commanding a view of the Pied.
mont plain, stretching to the
Washington Monument. at the
national capital, which can be
seen on clear day.
THE site alone contains cam
yons and gorges in which are
beautiful cascades. 1t has splen.
did primevel forests and an ami
NAL refuge of national impor
tance. A geological garden of
native animals may be establish
ed there.
THE area is full of historic
interest, the mountains overlook
ing valleys where many battles
of tine Civil War were fought aud |,
where several of the Presidents
were born"
The committee said the entire
southern Appalachian mountain
range was investigated in the I,
last eight months. The great
Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
aud Virginia, including Mount [,
Guyot. Mount Leconte, Cling
mans Dome and Gregory Bald
because of mountain heights,
depth of valley and unexampled | !
of trees, shrubs and other G
plant life, surpassed any other /
region in scenic grandeur. it wasi /,
found. But on account of the1r
very rugPedness and extraordin a
ary height of the great smoky Ii
area, plus difficulties of conyers-
ng il into q national park, the ID
committee decided in favor oftc
he Blue Ridge site of Virginia,
The report said no attempt i,
lad been made to estimate the b
.ost of acquiring the Blue Ridge r.
lrea of Virginia, The opinion ip
vas advanced. however, that, v
through cooperation by Virginia Ii
Ind some OF the large land hold a
RS. reasonab bic prices and per- 1t;
laps donations could be ex- Ii
,ect ed. lo
1t was suggested that, should b
congress think favorably of the
lite, commission could be ap- RI
4
'ointed to handle the purchase, s
olieit contributions and arrange c,
condemnation proceedings. pro- c.
'idrd Virginia drems wise.