CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
In 1924, the federal government began looking for land in the southern Appalachian Mountains to create a large national park which would be easily accessible by individuals living in the eastern United States. The park opened in 1936 and was officially completed in 1939. The creation of the park represented one of the biggest land seizures using eminent domain in Virginia state history. Eminent Domain refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use. It is authorized through the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. constitution which states that no "private property [shall] be taken for public use, without just compensation." However, the amount or type compensation is not always easy to determine.
The homes and farms of more than 450 families in the Blue Ridge Mountain were acquired by the federal government. While many families sold their land voluntarily, some resisted. Some individuals refused offers for their land and barricaded themselves in their homes while others appeared in court. Robert H. Via argued it violated the Fourteenth Amendment's due-process clause to seize land. A three-judge panel ruled against him in 1935 and later that year when he appealed, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed his case.
The guide map shows some of the first park boundaries, ranger stations, trails and more of the Shenandoah National Park in 1937. At the time the map was made, the park was composed of about 190,000 acres of donated and state purchased land that was later donated to the federal government for a national park and the creation of the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. Today the park has grown to about 200,000 acres and is one of the most popular parks in the country.
Citation: 1937 Guide Map of Shenandoah National Park, Map Collection, Special Collections, Library of Virginia.
Standards
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Look at It: Look at the map. In which part of Virginia is it located? Why do you think this area was selected for a national park?
Post Activities
Up For Debate: The transformation of the Blue Ridge Mountain area in the Shenandoah National Park was achieved using eminent domain to buy private property from individuals. To what extent do you feel this was a just or unjust act? Defend your answer.
STEM STAT: Using the legend found at the bottom of the map, identify the locations of the fire lookouts and ranger stations. Why do think these structures are necessary? Why wert hep placed in those location in the national park? Think of the topography and uses of the national park.