Booker T Washington National Monument

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

Back side of kitchen cabin and smokehouse in snow with blue sky and trees

Four people dressed as enslaved people in front of the fireplace in cabin

Kitchen cabin with child in green dress in front

Reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born

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About Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the 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.

Things To Do

45-90 Minutes

Take a hike on the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail

Take a hike on the Jack-O-Lantern Branch trail and see the forest where Booker T. Washington travelled as a child! You can also get exercise by hiking the entire 1.5 mile trail. The trail starts at the tobacco barn and takes you through a winding path in a deciduous forest. It passes by three creeks until you return to the tobacco barn.

Available Activities

Arts and Culture

Craft Demonstrations

Cultural Demonstrations

Live Music

Food

Picnicking

Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Hiking

Living History

Reenactments

Junior Ranger Program

Park Film

Museum Exhibits

Weather

Please contact the park at 540/682-0173 during inclement weather conditions to find out about closures.

Getting There

The monument is located on VA 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway), 22 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA. From I-81 take I-581, then U.

S. 220 south from Roanoke to VA 122. From the Blule Ridge Parkway take VA 43 south to VA 122.

From Lynchburg take U.S. 460 west to VA 122.

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Plan Your Visit

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Hours

Park Grounds

The park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Visitor Center Hours: The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Booker T. Washington National Monument will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, December 24 after 2 p.m., December 25 all day, and January 1 all day. The park may close early on December 31. The park closes sometimes due to inclement weather. Call the park at 540-682-0173 for more information.