The Displaced Families of the Shenandoah National Park

In the early 1930s, the Commonwealth of Virginia removed families from their homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains to make way for the new Shenandoah National Park. Graveyards, home foundations, and orchards offer hikers subtle reminders that the land was once called home to thousands of mountain people. This is a brief history of their lives, and displacement, within the current park’s boundaries.

[@thursey2]

The picture of the old man from the side in a hat and standing on against a fence was my great great grandfather William Austin Brown who was post master

[@thejourney1369]

Thank you for sharing this. My family wasn’t thrown off their land, but the hollar I grew up in was almost taken by the Park twice, first which land was being stolen for the formation of the Park, they ran out of money, and second in the early 90’s. My family’s land joined the Park. The way the mountain people were treated was horrible. Some were even forcibly sterilized. I want every person who enters the Park to know of the sacrifice that was made for them.

[@EmilyWard]

This is fascinating, and it was great to hear George Corbin's voice!

[@Nonameforyoudangit]

Just visited the park. Was curious about the Cave family cemetery I passed on a hike and then the memorial to displaced families at Thornton Orchard. This answered some questions. Well done, young lady!

[@edlutz7218]

Had Humphrey chosen Teddy Kennedy as a running mate in '68 he would have been elected.

[@briancave3818]

The cave cemetery is my family's cemetery. They lived in Dark Hollow before the government stole the land.

[@classycassi20]

I love this place. Just around the corner but the truth makes me angry. Those innocent people were abused by the govt. the shame is, I’m not even surprised by the actions of the govt.

[@johndodson637]

sterilized children....and other horrible inhumane treatments...so much people dont know. I grew up there and I know all about the stuff they did

[@jontaylor6068]

My grandmother’s father side of the own property. SNP did pay her uncle money. There is the family cemetery that is still taken care of the family.

[@weareeverywhere7225]

I'm here from the government and I've been sent to help you are words that mean you need a lawyer.

[@nelsona779]

I didn't know this part of the history on my favourite Rd to cruise in. Anyone knows that area or the name of that waterfall @4:16

[@user-iu2ce6ld1p]

😢

[@edlutz7218]

Blassie managed brawlers, the Wiz top contenders

[@nickirito3435]

Wtf! Wasn't it native land before all this. Shenandoah, was an Indian chief. Can't find the truth. " its a low down dirty trick!"

[@jeffreybright3183]

was home to the cherokee

[@cynthiarosas8214]

Everyone needs salvation here are the words of salvation please forgive me jesus im a sinner come into my heart and save me from my sin I no that you are the savior and I no that you died for me on calvary and I no that God raise you from the dead and you are alive and I thankyou for your salvation in Jesus holy name amen and its important to always ask for forgiveness everynite 💤