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Booker T. Washington National Monument Review

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All Virginia National Parks

Booker T. Washington National Monument

Address: Rte. 122, 21 mi south of Bedford, Roanoke, VA | Map It
Phone: 540/721-2094
www.nps.gov/bowa

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Roanoke

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.8/5

Fodor's Review:

It would have been hard for Booker T. Washington to imagine the farm on which he was born into slavery hosting a national monument. But this restored tobacco farm 25 mi southeast of Roanoke and 21 mi south of Bedford is a fitting tribute to the humble origins of Washington (1856-1915), who broke through the yoke of oppression to become a remarkable educator and author, advising presidents McKinley, Roosevelt, and Taft and taking tea with Queen Victoria. More important, he started Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and inspired generations of African-Americans. Covering 224 acres, the farm's restored buildings; tools; crops; animals; and, in summer, interpreters in period costume all help show what life during slavery was like.

Cost: Free
Open: Daily 9-5

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by hutch49 from Washington DC on 10/1/09
This place is about a 45 minute drive south of Roanoke. It is a national park with slave cabins, tobacco barn and a movie which highlights Washingtons life as a slave. Whereas Williamsburg highlights early American life for the English aristocracy, this place tells it like it really was for the slaves. A must see for students of history.