Booker T Washington National Monument
VA
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
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.
Start at the Booker T. Washington Visitor Center
Start at the Booker T. Washington Visitor Center. Pick up a park brochure, Stamp your Passport to Your National Parks. Kids can get their Junior Ranger activity book. Plan your visit with the information desk staff. See exhibits to learn about Booker T. Washington's early life, from his birth into enslavement to his emancipation at age nine. View the 13-minute film that highlights life on a small mid-19th-century Virginia plantation.
Available Activities
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.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Booker T Washington National Monument with AI-powered itineraries.
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.
